Neurofit Brain Centre does not diagnose ADHD but we may be able to help you manage its impact.
That includes helping you understand how ADHD is diagnosed in Australia and where to begin if you suspect you or your child might have it.
What is ADHD?
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulse control and executive function.
Between 6-10% of Australian children and adolescents [1] have ADHD, making it a very common neurodevelopmental disorder. Symptoms usually appear before the age of 12 though many people do not receive a formal diagnosis until adulthood.
ADHD is commonly mistaken for (or misdiagnosed as) several other conditions due to overlapping symptoms. It may be seen as immaturity, insomnia, anxiety, depression, disordered eating or emotional dysregulation.
The three types of ADHD
ADHD can be diagnosed in three main types:
Inattentive type: Difficulty staying focused, forgetfulness, disorganisation.
Hyperactive-impulsive type: Fidgeting, restlessness, interrupting others.
Combined type: A mix of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
These criteria help guide the diagnostic process and ensure consistent care. That includes assessing the impact that possible symptoms of ADHD are having on daily life and relationships.
How do you get an ADHD diagnosis?
Getting an ADHD diagnosis is often the first step to unlocking support and treatment that can make a real difference in everyday life.
ADHD diagnosis in children
For children, the diagnostic process often involves feedback from parents, teachers, and carers, as well as a developmental history and medical assessments.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a child must show at least six symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity, and these symptoms must:
- Be present for at least six months
- Appear before age 12
- Interfere with school, home life or social interactions
- Be present in at least two settings (e.g., home and school).
This diagnosis is typically made by a paediatrician or child psychiatrist.
ADHD diagnosis in adults
A growing number of adults are being diagnosed with ADHD. Often, they’ve struggled with ADHD symptoms for years but have seen these as personality flaws – they’ve been deemed disorganised, unreliable or emotionally unstable. Often, they’ve sought treatment for related conditions like anxiety but the underlying ADHD has not been identified.
Adult ADHD symptoms may look different to those in children – and women with ADHD may present differently to men. Common signs include:
- Difficulty staying focused or completing tasks
- Disorganisation
- Forgetfulness
- Impulsivity
- Mood swings or emotional dysregulation.
Key steps getting an ADHD diagnosis
Step 1: Start with your GP
Your GP is the first port of call if you suspect ADHD.
They’ll conduct an initial assessment to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms and may use questionnaires or checklists to better understand what you’re experiencing.
If your GP agrees that ADHD is a possibility, they’ll refer you to a qualified specialist.
Step 2: Work with a specialist
ADHD must be diagnosed by a medical professional who specialises in mental health or neurodevelopmental disorders. For children, this is usually a paediatrician. For adults, it’s typically a psychiatrist.
The diagnostic process often includes:
A detailed history of symptoms across different settings (home, school, work)
Behaviour rating scales or checklists
Input from parents, teachers or partners
A review of developmental, medical and family history.
This comprehensive approach helps rule out other conditions and confirms whether ADHD symptoms meet the criteria for diagnosis.
Step 3: Diagnosis and care plan
If the specialist confirms a diagnosis of ADHD, they’ll discuss treatment options with you. This may include:
- Medication
- Behavioural therapy
- Executive function training
- School or workplace support.
You’ll work together to build a care plan tailored to your individual needs.
Can a GP diagnose ADHD in Australia?
Most Australian GPs cannot diagnose ADHD, though they play a key role in supporting patients with the condition.
However, there are moves to change that. NSW proposes to allow GPs [2] to complete additional training so that they can diagnose ADHD and prescribe medications for it. The WA government has proposed a similar plan while Queensland allows GPs to prescribe certain ADHD medications for children without diagnosis from a paediatrician in some cases.
In most cases, though, your GP will refer you to a paediatrician or psychiatrist for a diagnosis.
Discover how we could support your ADHD journey
Getting an ADHD diagnosis is the first step. Managing it effectively is the next.
Neurofit Brain Centre does not diagnose ADHD. We provide engaging, personalised therapy programs for people diagnosed with ADHD to help support their symptoms.
Our programs may help to:
- Improve attention and focus
- Strengthen executive function
- Support emotional regulation.
Disclaimer
All information is general and not intended as a substitute for professional advice.
References
- [1] AADPA, Background: About ADHD, https://adhdguideline.aadpa.com.au/about/about-adhd/#, [Accessed 16 June 2025]
- [2] The Premier, Minister for Health, Minister for Mental Health, New South Wales Government, Game changing reforms allow GPs to treat ADHD to reduce wait times and costs, https://www.nsw.gov.au/ministerial-releases/game-changing-reforms-allow-gps-to-treat-adhd-to-reduce-wait-times-and-costs [Accessed 16 June 2025]
