Children's ADHD Assessment
A children’s ADHD test is a comprehensive assessment that evaluates attention, behaviour, executive functioning, and developmental history to determine whether a child meets the criteria for ADHD. At Medivik, assessments are conducted by Dr Vivek Akkera to help families across Sydney gain clarity, understand their child’s needs, and access appropriate support.
If you have questions, here is a good place to start.
What Is An ADHD Assessment, And Why Does A Diagnosis Matter?
An ADHD assessment is a detailed evaluation that looks at a child’s behaviour, attention, development, and day-to-day functioning to determine whether ADHD is present. It also helps identify other factors that may be contributing to similar symptoms.
A formal diagnosis is important because it can open the pathway to evidence-based treatment and help connect children with the resources and interventions that best support their development.
When to Seek Specialist Assessment For Your Child
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect a child’s attention, impulse control, organisation, and activity levels. While many children occasionally display these behaviours, a specialist children’s ADHD test may be helpful when symptoms are persistent and affect daily life across different settings.
You may wish to seek a specialist opinion if your child:
- Has difficulty paying attention or struggles to stay on task
- Appears unusually restless, fidgety, or unable to sit still
- Acts impulsively or has difficulty waiting their turn
- Has ongoing behavioural or emotional regulation challenges
- Is experiencing difficulties at school, including learning or academic performance concerns
- Struggles with friendships, social interactions, or peer relationships
- Has symptoms that are causing stress for the child or family
- Has been identified by teachers, educators, or other healthcare professionals as needing further assessment
Who Conducts A Children's ADHD Test?
ADHD assessments are conducted by qualified healthcare professionals with expertise in child development, behaviour, and neurodevelopmental conditions. At Medivik, specialist paediatrician Dr Vivek Akkera performs comprehensive ADHD assessments for children and adolescents. His qualifications and experience include:
- Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP)
- Nearly 10 years within the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead
- Member of the Australasian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA)
- Member of the Australasian Society for Developmental Paediatrics (ASDP)
- Extensive experience assessing and managing ADHD, autism, and behavioural concerns
- Special interest in developmental and behavioural paediatrics, including learning, attention, and emotional wellbeing
Why Sydney Families Choose Dr Akkera and Medivik for Children's ADHD Test
Families choose Dr Akkera and Medivik for ADHD assessments because of our expertise in child development and behaviour, comprehensive treatment approach, and clear, structured assessment pathway.
Developmental-Behavioural Expertise
Dr Akkera has extensive experience assessing and managing ADHD, behavioural concerns, and developmental conditions in children and adolescents. This helps ensure assessments are thorough, evidence-based, and tailored to each child’s developmental needs.
Multi-Modal Ongoing Support
At Medivik, ADHD support does not end with assessment. Dr Akkera provides ongoing management and works with families to develop personalised treatment plans, which may include behavioural strategies, school supports, parent guidance, and medication where appropriate.
Transparent Assessment Pathway
Families receive a structured assessment process with clear information about appointments, costs, questionnaires, diagnosis, and follow-up care, helping them understand what to expect at every stage.
Could your child be dealing with ADHD?
What To Expect From Our Children's ADHD Test
A comprehensive ADHD assessment looks at more than a child’s symptoms. It gathers information from multiple sources to build a clear picture of how attention, behaviour, and development are affecting everyday life.
Clinical Interview & History
Dr Akkera conducts a detailed interview with parents and, where appropriate, the child. This includes discussing current concerns, developmental milestones, family history, learning, behaviour, social functioning, and how symptoms affect life at home and school.
Behavioural Rating Scales
Standardised ADHD questionnaires are completed by parents and teachers to assess symptoms across different settings. These rating scales help identify patterns of attention difficulties, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and other behavioural concerns.
Physical & Medical Examination
A physical examination is performed to assess overall health and identify any medical factors that could be contributing to symptoms. Dr Akkera also reviews relevant medical history and any previous assessments or reports to support an accurate diagnosis.
Screening for Co-Occurring Conditions
As part of the assessment, Dr Akkera screens for co-occurring conditions that may be contributing to your child’s difficulties or require additional support, helping ensure the most accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Book an Assessment
Parent Form
- Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- 509/8 Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista
- 33 Dangar Rd, Singleton
- GF/69 Central Coast Hwy, West Gosford
- 02 8530 8312
- 02 7249 3080
- info@medivik.com.au
- medivik.com.au
After Hours
Medivik is a specialist clinic and does not provide emergency care. For urgent medical concerns, please contact your GP, visit your nearest hospital emergency department, or call 000.
Doctor Referral Form
Contact Information
- Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 7:00 pm
- 509/8 Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista
- 33 Dangar Rd, Singleton
- GF/69 Central Coast Hwy, West Gosford
- 02 8530 8312
- 02 7249 3080
- info@medivik.com.au
- medivik.com.au
After Hours
Medivik is a specialist clinic and does not provide emergency care. For urgent medical concerns, please contact your GP, visit your nearest hospital emergency department, or call 000.
Frequently Asked Questions About Children's ADHD Test
What does a children's ADHD test involve?
A children’s ADHD test at Medivik involves a comprehensive assessment process rather than a single screening. Dr Akkera conducts detailed interviews with parents about developmental history, reviews school reports and teacher observations, discusses behaviour patterns across different environments, and observes your child during consultation. The assessment typically includes standardised rating scales completed by parents and teachers, clinical interviews, and evaluation to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. The entire process takes place over one or two consultations depending on complexity. Assessment gathers information from multiple sources because ADHD symptoms must be present across different settings to meet diagnostic criteria.
How old does my child need to be for ADHD testing?
Children typically need to be at least five years old for formal ADHD assessment, as many younger children naturally display behaviours like high activity levels and short attention spans that fall within normal developmental ranges. However, if symptoms are particularly severe or there’s strong family history of ADHD, earlier assessment may be warranted in some cases. Medivik provides ADHD evaluations for children from age five through 16 years. Timing matters because early identification allows families to access support services and interventions when they’re most effective, preventing the accumulation of academic setbacks and social difficulties that compound over time.
Can my GP do ADHD testing or do I need a specialist?
While GPs can provide initial screening and referrals, comprehensive ADHD assessment requires specialist evaluation by paediatricians, child psychiatrists, or psychologists with specific training in developmental disorders. In Australia, only paediatricians, psychiatrists, and some specially trained GPs can prescribe ADHD medications like stimulants, which remain the most effective treatment for symptom management. Specialist paediatricians like Dr Akkera bring expertise in differentiating ADHD from other developmental concerns such as learning disabilities, anxiety disorders, autism spectrum conditions, or sleep problems that produce similar symptoms but require different treatment approaches.
How much does ADHD testing cost and what does Medicare cover?
ADHD assessment at Medivik is a multi-step process that typically involves 5 to 7 appointments during the first year, with total first-year out-of-pocket costs ranging from approximately $1,366 to $1,814 after Medicare rebates. The initial assessment costs $650, with a $265.60 Medicare rebate available when you have a valid GP referral, while follow-up and medication review appointments also attract partial Medicare rebates. Families who reach the Extended Medicare Safety Net threshold may receive higher rebates for eligible services, further reducing overall costs.
What happens after ADHD diagnosis?
Following ADHD diagnosis, Dr Akkera provides a comprehensive management plan tailored to your child’s specific needs and symptom severity. Management typically begins with positive parenting strategies and classroom accommodations, which can effectively help many children manage symptoms. You’ll receive detailed guidance on home and school strategies, including establishing consistent routines, breaking tasks into manageable steps, using visual schedules, and implementing reward systems for target behaviours. For children whose symptoms significantly impact functioning despite behavioural strategies, medication may be discussed.