Taking the First Step Toward Understanding ADHD
ADHD may affect many areas of life, often in ways that are misunderstood or overlooked. For some people, it looks like difficulty staying focused or completing tasks. For others, it may show up as restlessness, impulsivity, emotional intensity, or chronic overwhelm.
Many people go for years without recognising that ADHD may be impacting their quality of life. They may instead internalise struggles as personal failings, such as being ‘lazy’, ‘disorganised’, or ‘not good enough’.
An ADHD assessment aims to shift this narrative. It often provides a clearer understanding of how your brain works, what is contributing to your challenges, and what supports may help you function and feel better day-to-day. At FORME Psychology, we aim to make this process clear, supportive, and accessible without overwhelm or unnecessary complexity.
Many people go for years without recognising that ADHD may be impacting their quality of life. They may instead internalise struggles as personal failings, such as being ‘lazy’, ‘disorganised’, or ‘not good enough’.
An ADHD assessment aims to shift this narrative. It often provides a clearer understanding of how your brain works, what is contributing to your challenges, and what supports may help you function and feel better day-to-day. At FORME Psychology, we aim to make this process clear, supportive, and accessible without overwhelm or unnecessary complexity.
What is ADHD?
Understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects executive functioning skills like attention regulation, impulse control, working memory, organisation, planning, and emotional regulation.
ADHD is not a lack of intelligence or effort. It reflects differences in how the brain processes information and manages tasks, emotions, and attention.
Its symptoms vary widely from person to person and may include inattentive traits, hyperactive-impulsive traits, or a combination of both. Many people also experience co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, disordered eating, substance use, learning difficulties, or autism.
At FORME Psychology, we take a neurodiversity-affirming approach that recognises ADHD as a valid and meaningful difference in how people experience the world, rather than something to be ‘fixed’.
ADHD is not a lack of intelligence or effort. It reflects differences in how the brain processes information and manages tasks, emotions, and attention.
Its symptoms vary widely from person to person and may include inattentive traits, hyperactive-impulsive traits, or a combination of both. Many people also experience co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, disordered eating, substance use, learning difficulties, or autism.
At FORME Psychology, we take a neurodiversity-affirming approach that recognises ADHD as a valid and meaningful difference in how people experience the world, rather than something to be ‘fixed’.
Signs of ADHD
ADHD can present differently across children, adolescents, and adults. Some common signs include:
- Difficulty sustaining attention or becoming easily distracted
- Challenges with organisation and time management
- Forgetfulness in daily tasks or responsibilities
- Procrastination or difficulty starting tasks
- Not feeling internally ‘driven’
- Restlessness, fidgeting, or a constant need to be on the go
- Impulsivity in decision-making or communication
- Emotional regulation difficulties or quick frustration
- Difficulty following through on tasks or instructions
- Chronic overwhelm or mental fatigue
- Struggles with school, work, or daily routines
Why Consider an ADHD Assessment?
A proper ADHD assessment may provide clarity and validation for experiences that have long been confusing or frustrating.
People often seek assessment to:
- Better understand attention, behaviour, and emotional patterns
- Clarify whether ADHD may be present
- Access appropriate supports at school, university, or work
- Inform therapeutic treatment approaches
- Develop specific tailored skills to manage daily challenges
- Reduce self-blame and increase self-understanding
- Support academic or workplace accommodations
- Understand co-occurring challenges (such as anxiety or autism)
- Provide a clear diagnosis where appropriate
For many people, the most important outcome of assessment is not the label itself, but the insight and direction it may provide.
Who We Support With Our ADHD Testing in Sydney
At FORME Psychology, we provide comprehensive ADHD assessments across the lifespan.
Children
We assess children experiencing challenges with attention, learning, impulsivity, emotional regulation, or behavioural concerns at home or school.
Adolescents
Teenagers often seek assessment due to increasing academic demands, organisational challenges, emotional overwhelm, or difficulties managing independence.
Adults
Many adults pursue assessment after years of wondering why daily tasks feel harder than expected. This may include difficulties with work performance, burnout, daily life, and more.
We also support people exploring ADHD alongside other neurodivergent traits, such as autism, as well as the families of ADHD children and teenagers.
Our Approach to ADHD Assessment
At FORME Psychology, our ADHD assessments are structured, comprehensive, and grounded in current evidence-based practice. We focus on understanding the whole person (not just ADHD symptoms) by exploring developmental history, current functioning, strengths, and challenges across different environments.
Our approach is:
- Neurodiversity-affirming and strengths-focused
- Guided by DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and best-practice guidelines
- Conducted by a doctoral-level-trained Clinical Psychologist
- Suitable for children, adolescents, and adults
- Designed to provide clarity, not confusion
- Balanced with warmth, empathy, and clinical structure
Our ADHD Assessment Process
1. Contact Us
Contact us via email or phone to book a private ADHD assessment. Our team will guide you through the process and answer any questions.
2. Screening Questionnaires
We provide pre-assessment questionnaires for children, teens, and adults. These screen for ADHD traits as well as common co-occurring conditions (such as anxiety or depression).
3. Background and Informant Input
Where helpful, we gather background information from someone who knows you well and review relevant history to build a fuller picture across settings. For children, we liaise with schools to gather observational input, giving a detailed picture of behaviour across settings.
4. Developmental Interview
We conduct a structured ADHD developmental interview with parents, carers, family members or others who know the person well. Lasting 60-120 minutes, this interview explores behaviour patterns over time and supports accurate diagnosis.
5. In-Person Observational Assessment (DIVA)
Our formal in-person assessment includes a 60 minute observation with a clinician to evaluate attention, impulsivity, and activity levels.
6. Additional Observations and Clinical Judgement
Clinicians draw on information from questionnaires, interviews, and observations, along with professional experience, to develop a thorough understanding of strengths and challenges.
7. Report Preparation
We deliver a detailed, evidence-based report summarising findings, diagnosis (if applicable), and personalised recommendations for support and management.
8. Feedback and Ongoing Support
We schedule a 60-minute feedback session online to review the report and discuss next steps. Ongoing therapy and support options are available, and we can refer you to trusted clinicians and services if needed.
ADHD Assessment Costs for Adults and Children (Age 7+)
Our assessments follow Australian clinical practice guidelines and DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, ensuring high-quality, evidence-based care.
ADHD Assessment:
$1,800
Combined Autism and ADHD assessment:
$4,000
Meet Your Psychologist
Dr Bernadette Maunick, DPsych (Clinical), MAPS
Dr Bernadette Maunick is a registered Clinical Psychologist and a Member of the Australian Psychological Society (MAPS) and its College of Clinical Psychologists. Dr Maunick completed her Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) at Deakin University in Melbourne.
Dr Maunick works with clients across the lifespan, supporting concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, trauma, burnout, low self-esteem, and relationship difficulties. She has experience across private and public mental health settings, including hospitals and private clinics.
Drawing on evidence-based approaches, Dr Maunick creates a warm, collaborative space where clients can understand how past experiences shape the present and build practical skills for everyday life.
Ongoing Support Beyond Assessment
For many people, an ADHD diagnosis is the start of a deeper journey of understanding and support.
At FORME Psychology, we also provide ADHD-informed therapy and ongoing psychological support to help people build strategies, manage challenges, and improve daily functioning. This may include support with organisation, emotional regulation, self-esteem, relationships, burnout, and navigating life transitions.
At FORME Psychology, we also provide ADHD-informed therapy and ongoing psychological support to help people build strategies, manage challenges, and improve daily functioning. This may include support with organisation, emotional regulation, self-esteem, relationships, burnout, and navigating life transitions.
Your ADHD Assessment Questions Answered
The process varies depending on each person’s needs, but typically involves multiple sessions, including a developmental and observational interview, questionnaires, and a feedback appointment. A detailed report is also provided at the conclusion of the assessment.
No, a referral is not required. You can book an ADHD assessment directly with FORME Psychology. However, if you're under 25, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate, which requires a referral from a GP or paediatrician to access.
Even if you’re not diagnosed with ADHD, the assessment may still provide valuable insights into cognitive, emotional, or behavioural patterns and recommend appropriate supports. Where appropriate, recommendations for further assessment, therapy, or alternative supports may be discussed.
Take the First Step Toward Clarity and Support
If you're seeking answers for yourself, your child, or your teenager, an ADHD assessment may provide clarity, validation, and a clearer understanding of how the brain works.
At FORME Psychology, we offer a supportive, structured, and neurodiversity-affirming assessment process designed to help you move forward with confidence. Get in touch with our team today to book an initial consultation with our ADHD clinic.
