ADHD in Children: How a Child Psychologist Supports Assessment and Management
- nurturedthoughts
- Dec 19, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Jan 4
ADHD at home can look messy and exhausting, a child who tries hard then hits a wall after school, a lunchbox that comes back untouched, routines that never seem to stick. You are doing your best and it still feels confusing. A child psychologist for ADHD can turn that confusion into a clear plan that you can trust.
In this guide you will see what ADHD really looks like day to day, how an ADHD assessment for children works, and how findings translate into practical supports you can use at home and in the classroom. We cover behavioural and emotion skills coaching, ADHD child behaviour therapy, school collaboration, and when a medical review helps.
You will also find simple, evidence based strategies you can start while you wait for appointments, plus clear next steps so you know who does what and when. The aim is clarity, calm, and a realistic path forward for your child and for you.
What ADHD Really Looks Like in Children, Beyond Hyperactivity
ADHD in children often extends far beyond simply being energetic. It involves difficulties with focus, emotional regulation, and self control. Approximately 6 to 10% of Australian children have ADHD [1], [2], [3], [4], and recognising its varied presentations early can help families find relief and understanding.
Some of the most common signs include:
Inattention: losing homework, appearing distracted during class, or forgetting to complete chores.
Impulsivity: interrupting frequently, speaking out of turn, or acting before thinking.
Emotional sensitivity: becoming frustrated or upset easily, showing strong emotional reactions to small challenges.
Globally, 5 to 7% of children experience ADHD [3], and boys are diagnosed about twice as often as girls, a 2 to 1 ratio [4]. Around 1 in 2 children with ADHD experience emotional dysregulation [1]. Approximately 50% also display oppositional or defiant behaviours, and roughly 78% have at least one other developmental or mental health condition, such as anxiety, learning difficulties, or sleep disorders [6].
Recognising ADHD early and accurately means understanding that it is not just about behaviour, it is about how a child’s brain processes attention, emotion, and control.
How a Child Psychologist Assesses for ADHD
There is no single test for ADHD. A child psychologist conducts a comprehensive evaluation to understand how symptoms appear at home, in school, and in other environments [1], [5].
Here is how the process usually works:
Parent and child interviews, psychologists gather detailed developmental histories and observe how symptoms show up in daily life.
Teacher feedback, educators complete questionnaires to describe behaviours in the classroom, where attention demands are high.
Behavioural rating scales, tools such as Conners or Vanderbilt help measure how strongly symptoms differ from what is expected at the child’s age.
A psychologist will check whether your child meets the formal criteria outlined in the DSM 5, at least 6 symptoms of ADHD present consistently for 6 or more months, evident before age 12, and observable in at least 2 environments such as home and school [5]. Because ADHD often overlaps with other issues, psychologists also explore anxiety, trauma, learning difficulties, and sleep problems to avoid misdiagnosis [1]. Psychologists in Australia can complete ADHD assessments and contribute to diagnosis, and only medical professionals such as paediatricians or psychiatrists can prescribe medication [6].
For more detail, see our blog on ADHD treatment and management options, where we explain how assessments connect to tailored intervention plans.
Behavioural and Emotional Support Strategies That Help Your Child Thrive
After assessment, a psychologist creates a personalised support plan. For many families, this is the moment things begin to change for the better. Behavioural strategies work best when they are consistent and practical, and when they make sense to you and your child.
Effective strategies often include:
Behavioural parent training: teaching parents structured techniques such as positive reinforcement, clear expectations, and calm consequences. High quality trials show this reduces challenging behaviours and improves family relationships [7], [8].
Child focused therapy: helping children build social skills, problem solving, and attention strategies. This may include visual schedules, emotion cards, and rehearsal based practice.
Emotional regulation training, because around 1 in 2 children with ADHD struggle with managing emotions, clinicians teach concrete tools such as paced breathing, grounding, and a pause and plan routine [1].
Lifestyle adjustments: some families find benefits from regular exercise, consistent sleep routines, and balanced nutrition, noting that these should be discussed with a healthcare provider first [9], [10].
Working With Parents and Schools for Consistent Outcomes
Children with ADHD do best when support is coordinated at home and at school. Psychologists often act as a bridge between families and educators, so strategies feel the same wherever your child learns and plays. A stable plan across settings helps behaviour settle and confidence grow.
Common collaborative approaches include:
Parent psychoeducation: practical education about ADHD and calm response routines, associated with better outcomes for both child and parent [7].
Home, school coordination: daily behaviour report cards and shared feedback systems build structure and accountability [11].
School accommodations: teachers can implement Individual Education Plans with simple adjustments such as seating changes, brief movement breaks, chunked instructions, and visual cues [11].
Parental advocacy: coaching parents to communicate clearly with schools and to request reasonable, supportive adjustments.
This coordinated approach helps children experience predictability across environments. Over time, consistent messaging from home and school builds self confidence and trust.
When to Consider Further Medical Assessment
Sometimes, behavioural strategies alone are not enough to manage ADHD symptoms. In these situations, psychologists may recommend a medical assessment with a paediatrician or psychiatrist.
Important facts to keep in mind:
Stimulant medications improve focus and impulse control for about 80% of children with ADHD once the right medication and dose are found [12], [9], [6].
A medical review is often indicated when there are additional conditions such as significant anxiety, depression, autism spectrum traits, seizures, or complex sleep problems [12], [1]
Ongoing medical monitoring matters to ensure benefits persist and side effects are managed safely [12].
Even if medication becomes part of the plan, psychological and behavioural support remain essential. The combination of both approaches offers robust and durable outcomes for children and their families.
Practical Psychology Backed Tips to Support Your Child
Here are 5 evidence based strategies that can help your child manage ADHD symptoms more effectively. These are informational, not prescriptive. Discuss changes with your healthcare professional.
1
Create predictable daily routines: Regular schedules reduce confusion. Use visual checklists so your child can follow steps independently.
3
Stay connected with teachers: Brief weekly check ins help catch setbacks early and celebrate progress across settings
4
Address other concerns early: If sleep, anxiety, or learning issues are present, raise them with your psychologist so the plan can be tailored.
5
Prioritise your wellbeing: Parents of children with ADHD report higher stress on average, so schedule respite, consider counselling, and connect with peer support groups [13].
At Nurtured Thoughts Psychology, we work closely with families to provide compassionate ADHD assessments, practical therapy plans, and ongoing support. For deeper dives on therapy planning, see our companion blog on ADHD treatment and management options. For school strategies, see our guide to ADHD supports in classrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can diagnose ADHD in children in Australia, and who can prescribe medication?
Do girls present differently to boys?
Yes. Boys are diagnosed more often, about 2 to 1, and girls more commonly show inattentive features such as disorganisation and daydreaming [4].
How often is medication helpful?
About 80% of children respond well to stimulant medication when the medication and dose are optimised [12].
If you would like support specific to your family, Nurtured Thoughts Psychology offers child friendly ADHD assessments, collaborative school liaison, and personalised therapy plans. This article is educational and general in nature. If symptoms are severe or safety is a concern, seek urgent professional help.
Disclaimer: This guide is general information, not a substitute for individual medical advice. Please consult your GP or specialist for personal care.
References
[1] Australian Psychological Society. 2024. ADHD medicines use in Australia has risen, but could we use non medicine treatments more. APS Insights, 19 August 2024. https://psychology.org.au/insights/articles/2024/august/adhd-medicines-use-in-australia
[2] Australasian ADHD Professionals Association. 2022. Australian evidence based clinical practice guideline for ADHD. Melbourne, AADPA. https://adhdguideline.aadpa.com.au
[3] Barkley, R. A., Murphy, K. R., & Fischer, M. 2008. ADHD in adults, what the science says. New York, Guilford Press. https://www.guilford.com/books/ADHD-in-Adults/Barkley-Murphy-Fischer/9781609180751
[4] Young, Z., & Bramham, J. 2012. CBT for adult ADHD, an integrative approach. West Sussex, Wiley Blackwell. https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Cognitive-Behavioural+Therapy+for+ADHD+in+Adolescents+and+Adults%3A+A+Psychological+Guide+to+Practice%2C+2nd+Edition-p-9781119960744
[5] Tuckman, A. 2017. Understand your brain, get more done, The ADHD executive functions workbook. Plantation, FL, Specialty Press. https://adultadhdbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Tuckman-EF-Workbook-Chapter.pdf
[6] Ahmann, E., Tuttle, L. J., Saviet, M., & Wright, S. D. 2018. ADHD coaching research, a descriptive review. Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 31, 17 to 39. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1182373.pdf
[7] Safren, S. A., Perlman, C. A., Sprich, S., & Otto, M. W. 2005. Mastering your adult ADHD, a cognitive behavioural treatment program. New York, Oxford University Press. https://academic.oup.com/book/1070/chapter-abstract/138181942?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false
[8] Liu, C. I., Hua, M. H., Lu, M. L., & Goh, K. K. 2023. Effectiveness of cognitive behavioural interventions for adults with ADHD extends beyond core symptoms, a meta analysis. Psychology and Psychotherapy, 96, 543 to 559. https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/papt.12455
[9] Zylowska, L., Ackerman, D. L., Yang, M. H., Futrell, J. L., Horton, N. L., Hale, T. S., Pataki, C., & Smalley, S. L. 2008. Mindfulness meditation training in adults and adolescents with ADHD, a feasibility study. Journal of Attention Disorders, 11,737 to 746. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18025249/
[10] Spencer, T. J., Biederman, J., & Mick, E. 2007. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, diagnosis, lifespan, comorbidities, and neurobiology. Primary Psychiatry, 14, 73 to 81. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17261486/
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