Neurodevelopmental assessment

A neurodevelopmental assessment explores a person’s development, current abilities and everyday difficulties involving areas such as attention, learning, communication or social interaction. It is a broad assessment area, not one standard test or a diagnosis. The questions being investigated determine which clinicians and assessment methods are appropriate for the person.

The term describes a broad assessment area, not one standard test or a diagnosis in itself. The questions being investigated determine which clinicians and assessment methods are appropriate.

How does it relate to ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition. An ADHD assessment explores whether a person's history and current experiences meet diagnostic criteria, including childhood onset and effects across settings. Healthdirect: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

A broader assessment may be helpful when there are additional questions about learning, language, autism or intellectual functioning. It is not automatically necessary for every person seeking an ADHD assessment. Ask the clinician what each proposed part will clarify.

What might the assessment involve?

Depending on the concerns, the process may include interviews, developmental and educational history, questionnaires, observation and selected formal tests. Information from family, teachers or other people may be useful when appropriate and agreed.

There may also be a medical assessment to consider other explanations or co-occurring conditions. For ADHD specifically, extensive cognitive or neuropsychological testing is not a routine requirement for diagnosis under the Australian ADHD guideline, although it can help answer additional clinical questions. Australian ADHD guideline: How should ADHD be assessed, diagnosed, and monitored

Who carries it out?

The clinicians involved depend on the person's age and needs. They may include a psychologist, psychiatrist, paediatrician or other appropriately trained health professional. A multidisciplinary assessment involves more than one profession contributing to the overall picture.

Check the service's scope before booking. “Neurodevelopmental assessment” alone does not tell you whether it includes ADHD diagnosis, autism assessment, a learning assessment or medical treatment advice.

What should I ask before starting?

Ask which questions the assessment addresses, what is included in the fee, whether a written report is provided and who explains the findings. Clarify how recommendations can be used and who will arrange follow-up care.

An assessment report does not automatically provide access to medication, a particular funding scheme or a specific adjustment. Each pathway has its own requirements.

If your main concern is possible adult ADHD, start with our assessment guide or discuss an ADHD referral with a doctor. Doccio's referral service does not itself provide neurodevelopmental diagnostic assessments.

Doccio's psychiatry partner is SetMind, an Australian online psychiatry practice for adults offering ADHD assessments and shared-care plans by telehealth. Your doctor can address a referral to SetMind or to any clinic you prefer; SetMind confirms its fees and any Medicare rebate in writing before you book.

Where to go next

Read about our adult ADHD assessment guide or start a Doccio referral consultation.