Psychological Assessments
ADHD Assessment in Ottawa
Comprehensive, evidence-based ADHD assessments providing diagnostic clarity and formal documentation for children, adolescents, and adults. Our registered psychologists deliver careful, individualized evaluations to support informed next steps.
Understanding the Process
What Is an ADHD Assessment?
An ADHD assessment is a comprehensive psychological evaluation designed to determine whether an individual meets diagnostic criteria for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Unlike brief screening tools, a formal assessment involves multiple methods of data collection to ensure accurate and reliable conclusions.
It is important to understand that assessment is not treatment. The purpose of an ADHD assessment is to provide diagnostic clarity—to determine whether ADHD is present and, if so, to offer recommendations for appropriate next steps. Treatment decisions, including therapy or medication, are made separately and often involve other providers.
In Ontario, only regulated professionals such as registered psychologists, physicians, and psychiatrists can provide a formal ADHD diagnosis. At Stradwick Clinic, all assessments are conducted by registered psychologists with expertise in attention and executive functioning.
Who Is This Assessment For?
Who We Help
We provide ADHD assessments for individuals across the lifespan, recognizing that attention difficulties present differently at various stages of life.
Adults
Many adults seek assessment after recognizing patterns of inattention, disorganization, or restlessness that have persisted since childhood. A formal diagnosis can provide clarity and open doors to appropriate support. Our clinicians have experience assessing adult ADHD, including presentations that were missed or misunderstood in childhood.
Children & Adolescents
Parents often pursue assessment when attention or behavioural concerns arise at home or school. Early identification can help ensure children receive appropriate educational accommodations and support.
A note on neurodiversity: We approach ADHD assessment with respect for neurodiversity. Our goal is not to pathologize differences but to provide clarity that helps individuals understand themselves and access support when needed.
What the Assessment Involves
The Process
Our assessment process is thorough and individualized, designed to gather comprehensive information while respecting your time and experience.
Initial Intake & Background Review
We begin by gathering a detailed developmental, medical, and educational history. You will complete intake questionnaires that help us understand early developmental milestones, social communication patterns, and sensory experiences.
Clinical Interview
A comprehensive interview with the assessing psychologist explores your current concerns, social and communication experiences, sensory sensitivities, and daily functioning. For children, this includes a thorough parent or caregiver interview.
Standardized Assessment Measures
You will complete a battery of validated instruments designed to assess social communication, restricted and repetitive behaviours, and adaptive functioning. These may include structured observation tools and norm-referenced questionnaires.
Collateral Information
When appropriate, we gather perspectives from family members, partners, teachers, or other individuals who can provide insight into how autism-related traits present across different settings and relationships.
Integration & Diagnostic Formulation
Your psychologist carefully integrates all collected data—developmental history, clinical observations, test results, and collateral information—to determine whether diagnostic criteria for Autism Spectrum Disorder are met.
Feedback & Comprehensive Report
You receive a detailed written report with diagnostic conclusions and individualized recommendations. A feedback session is provided to review findings, answer questions, and discuss meaningful next steps.
“Understanding how your brain works is the first step toward working with it, not against it.”
Timeline & What You Receive
Your Report
Timeline
The full assessment process typically takes several weeks, depending on availability and the complexity of the assessment. This includes time for:
- Completing intake paperwork and questionnaires
- Attending in-person assessment sessions (typically 3-5 hours total)
- Scoring, integration, and report writing by your psychologist
- Feedback session to review results and discuss recommendations
Your Comprehensive Report Includes
Summary of developmental, educational, and medical history
Results from standardized cognitive and attention measures
Clinical observations and interview findings
Diagnostic conclusions based on DSM-5 criteria
Practical recommendations for school, work, or daily life
Guidance on next steps, including referrals when appropriate
How Your Results May Be Used
After Assessment
A formal ADHD diagnosis can support you in various aspects of life, providing documentation and clarity where it matters most.
Educational Accommodations
Assessment results can support requests for accommodations at school or post-secondary institutions, including extended time, reduced-distraction testing environments, or individualized education plans.
Workplace Documentation
A formal diagnosis can provide documentation for workplace accommodations under the Ontario Human Rights Code, helping to ensure appropriate support in your professional environment.
Medication Consultation
If medication is being considered, your assessment report provides the diagnostic clarity needed for physicians or psychiatrists to make informed prescribing decisions.
Self-Understanding
Beyond formal documentation, many clients find that understanding their attention profile brings clarity to lifelong patterns and helps inform personal strategies for managing daily life.
How This Fits With Other Services
Related Services
Depending on your needs, you may benefit from exploring these related services.
ADHD
Learn about ADHD and evidence-based treatment options that may be considered after diagnosis.
Learn More
Psychoeducational Assessment
Comprehensive testing for learning profiles, academic skills, and cognitive abilities.
Learn More
Psychodiagnostic Assessment
In-depth psychological evaluation for broader diagnostic clarity.
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
Yes. Registered psychologists in Ontario are qualified to conduct comprehensive ADHD assessments and provide formal diagnoses. At Stradwick Clinic, all ADHD assessments are conducted by registered psychologists with expertise in attention and executive functioning.
In Ontario, ADHD can be diagnosed by registered psychologists, psychological associates, physicians, and psychiatrists. At Stradwick Clinic, our assessments are conducted by registered psychologists who are authorized to provide formal ADHD diagnoses.
While childhood records can be helpful, they are not always required. Many adults do not have access to early school or medical records. Our assessment process is designed to gather sufficient information through clinical interview, collateral sources, and standardized testing to make an informed diagnostic determination.
Testing typically refers to the administration of specific psychological measures. Assessment is a more comprehensive process that includes testing alongside clinical interviews, history review, collateral information, and integration of all data to form diagnostic conclusions and recommendations.
The assessment process typically spans several weeks from intake to final report. This includes time for completing questionnaires, attending in-person appointments (usually 3-5 hours of face-to-face time across multiple sessions), and receiving your comprehensive written report.
If our assessment indicates that you do not meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD, you will still receive a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations. We may identify other factors contributing to your concerns and provide appropriate referrals or recommendations for next steps.
No. Psychologists do not prescribe medication. If medication is being considered, we can provide your assessment report to your family physician or psychiatrist to support their clinical decision-making.
Questions About ADHD Assessment?
We’re happy to answer your questions and help you understand whether an ADHD assessment is the right next step for you or your child.
Contact us to learn more about our assessment process, timeline, and fees.