What is ADHD?

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a person’s ability to focus, regulate impulses and manage their energy levels appropriately. It’s commonly diagnosed in childhood but can persist into adolescence and adulthood. At Sellick Psychology, we provide professional ADHD assessments in Melbourne to help individuals and families better understand the condition and access the right support.

There are three main types of ADHD, inattentive type, hyperactive type, and combined type which involves both inattention and hyperactivity. Someone with inattentive ADHD may have trouble maintaining focus and attention, staying organised and completing tasks in full. They might also become easily distracted, lose things and make careless mistakes. An individual with hyperactive ADHD may often find themselves fidgeting, feeling restless and generally find it difficult to sit still. They might also interrupt others during conversations, act on their impulses and find it challenging to wait their turn. People with combined ADHD will experience a mixed combination of the above symptoms.

ADHD symptoms generally fall into two categories:

• Inattentive symptoms: difficulty focusing, disorganisation, forgetfulness, losing things, and trouble following instructions.
• Hyperactive/Impulsive symptoms: fidgeting, excessive talking, interrupting others, difficulty waiting, and restlessness.

Some individuals may present with primarily inattentive symptoms, others may be more hyperactive/impulsive, and many show a combination of both.

What causes ADHD?

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity-Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder, meaning ADHD has underlying biological (or neurological) causes. Currently, there is no one known risk factor for ADHD, however, researchers propose that ADHD is a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Additionally, ADHD can present differently across genders, and symptoms may vary as you age.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

The process for diagnosing ADHD, or an ADHD assessment, can vary depending on your age and presenting symptoms. The DSM-5-TR outlines that to be diagnosed with ADHD you must have symptoms prior to 12 years of age. Hence, as an adult, it may be useful to provide school reports from before you were 12 years old (if you still have them!) to corroborate your diagnosis of ADHD. Symptoms of ADHD must also be present in more than one setting, such as school, work, and home.

When to seek an ADHD Assessment

If you or your child are experiencing ongoing challenges with attention, organisation or behaviour regulation—especially if these issues are impacting performance at school, work, or home—it may be time to consider an ADHD assessment.

Some signs that an ADHD assessment may be helpful include:

• Regular feedback from teachers or carers about concentration difficulties
• Frequent forgetfulness or losing items
• Emotional outbursts or difficulty managing frustration
• Trouble completing tasks or maintaining routines
• Ongoing issues with impulsivity or restlessness

An ADHD assessment in Melbourne at Sellick Psychology is conducted by experienced psychologists who specialise in identifying neurodevelopmental conditions across all age groups.

What Does an ADHD Assessment Involve?

Our ADHD assessments follow a thorough, evidence-based process designed to provide clarity and direction. The assessment typically includes:

• A detailed developmental history interview
• Behaviour rating scales completed by parents, teachers, or the individual
• Clinical observations and standardised testing
• Feedback and a comprehensive written report with personalised recommendations

The goal of the assessment is not just to provide a diagnosis (if appropriate), but to understand the full picture—including strengths, challenges, and support needs.

ADHD Assessment Cost

One of the most common questions we receive is: What is the ADHD assessment cost? The cost can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the age of the individual, and whether additional testing (such as cognitive or learning assessments) is required.

At Sellick Psychology, we aim to provide transparent pricing and high-quality assessments. A standard ADHD assessment cost can vary depending on the services included. We will always discuss this with you beforehand, so there are no surprises.

Please note that Medicare and private health rebates may apply, depending on your circumstances. We’re happy to guide you through these options during the booking process.

ADHD in Children, Teens, and Adults

While ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood, it is increasingly recognised in teenagers and adults as well. Many adults may have gone undiagnosed for years and only seek support after recognising similar challenges in their own children or struggling with work, study, or relationships.

An ADHD assessment in Melbourne can be a turning point—helping you better understand yourself or your child, access effective strategies, and make informed choices about therapy, learning adjustments, and lifestyle changes.

How do you treat ADHD?

ADHD can be treated in a variety of ways and is different for everyone. A well-known treatment is the use of medication, generally prescribed by a paediatrician or psychiatrist. A psychologist uses talking therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), to develop strategies and skills for time management, organisation, and emotional regulation. A combination of both medication and therapy can be very effective in managing ADHD

How We Can Help

At Sellick Psychology, our clinicians are trained in identifying ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults. We take a strengths-based, compassionate approach and tailor each assessment to the individual’s unique profile.

Whether you’re a parent concerned about your child’s school performance, a teen feeling overwhelmed, or an adult wondering if ADHD might explain your difficulties, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Book Your ADHD Assessment in Melbourne

Sellick Psychology in Ivanhoe offers ADHD assessments. Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity-Disorder (ADHD) is a lifelong condition that can affect people of all ages. Taking time to understand ADHD such as its wide variety of symptoms and differences across genders. Treating ADHD can look different from person, but often medication, therapy or a combination of both.

Find more information about ADHD at https://adhdfoundation.org.au/adhd

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