A practical checklist of questions to ask during your child’s ADHD assessment, after a diagnosis or when the outcome is uncertain, to understand the next steps.
Bring the questions that matter most to your family. You do not need to ask everything, and the right questions may change as the assessment progresses. This checklist can help you understand what the clinician is considering, what information is still needed and what the next step may be.1
Questions about the assessment
- What are you trying to understand through this assessment?
- What information will you consider from our child, family, school or other people?
- How do you approach ADHD assessment for a child of this age?
- How will you consider other possible explanations or co-occurring needs?
- Is there any information you still need from us?
- What parts of the process can vary, and what should we expect next?
Questions about the clinician and service
- Who will be responsible for the diagnostic decision?
- Will any other professionals contribute to the assessment?
- Does this service also provide treatment or prescribing, or would that involve another clinician?
- How will the outcome be documented and explained to us?
For more detail on professional roles, read Who can diagnose ADHD in Australia?.
If ADHD is diagnosed
- What evidence led to the diagnosis?
- What strengths and support needs should we keep in mind?
- Are there other conditions or needs we should also address?
- What support or treatment options should we discuss next?
- Who will provide follow-up, and when should the plan be reviewed?
If ADHD is not diagnosed
- What is your current explanation for the difficulties we described?
- Is any further assessment, monitoring or support recommended?
- What changes should prompt us to seek advice again?
- Can we receive a written summary of the findings and recommendations?
Before the appointment ends
Ask for unfamiliar terms to be explained in plain language. Check that you understand what will happen next and who is responsible for each step.2
Ask the clinician whether you may take notes or record the conversation. Recording rules and service policies can vary, so obtain permission before recording.
You may also ask how to seek another clinical opinion if you remain concerned or do not understand the outcome. That is different from assuming another clinician will reach a different conclusion.
Using an Assessment Package
If you have prepared an Assessment Package through Threadline, ask whether the clinician has been able to review it and whether anything else is required. Do not assume that the package contains every item needed for that service.
The ADHD assessment in Australia: A guide for parents explains why a clinician integrates several sources rather than relying on one questionnaire or document.
Sources and further reading
- 1. Australasian ADHD Professionals Association. Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for ADHD: Consumer Companion Guide. Undated.
- 2. Australasian ADHD Professionals Association. Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), First Edition. 2022.
A note for families
This resource offers general preparation and support ideas. It does not replace advice from a qualified health or education professional who knows your child.
More resources
Teacher Input for an ADHD Assessment
Learn how teacher input can support an ADHD assessment, how to make a clear request, what teachers may provide and what to do if teacher input is unavailable.
How to Prepare for Your Child's ADHD Assessment
What to gather before your child’s ADHD assessment, how to organise it and what remains for the clinician to assess, including school information and records.