Assessment

Preparing for an ADHD assessment

Preparation is about helping the clinician understand your real history — not learning the “right answers”.

For Adults & familiesReading time 6 min readLast reviewed 5 October 2026

Short answer

Bring examples, not a script. Think about patterns across childhood and adult life, and where difficulties have caused real-world impact.

Before the appointment

A practical checklist

Current concernsWrite down a few specific examples from work, study, home, relationships or daily organisation. Childhood contextSchool reports, old comments, memories or family observations can be helpful where available. Medication and health historyBring an up-to-date medication list and relevant physical or mental-health information. Sleep, substance use and moodThese matter because they can affect attention and treatment decisions. Someone who knows you wellIf the service uses collateral information, think about who could provide it. Your questionsWrite down anything you want to understand about diagnosis, reports, medication or follow-up.

Developmental history

You do not need perfect childhood records

Not everyone has school reports or a parent who can contribute. A clinician should use the best available evidence and explain how uncertainty is handled. The goal is a defensible developmental history, not a paperwork test.

Choose carefully

Questions worth asking before you book

Ask who will actually perform the assessment, their professional registration, what ADHD-specific training they have, what the assessment includes, whether a written report is provided, and what happens if treatment is recommended.

Open the full provider checklist →

Preparing for an ADHD assessment

A practical checklist

You do not need perfect childhood records

Questions worth asking before you book

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