NEURODIVERSITY PRESENTATIONS FOR SCHOOLS

ADHD Assessment in Sydney

How is ADHD Diagnosed ?

Seeking an ADHD Assessment in Sydney? ADHD is officially diagnosed using the criteria outlined in the DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision).

What are the Criteria for Diagnosis of ADHD?

According to the current DSM, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning or development. Symptoms must be present across multiple settings – such as home, work, or school – and begin before the age of 12.

ADHD is classified into three main presentations based on symptom patterns:

1. Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
3. Combined Presentation

The most common diagnosis is often a combined presentation. That means meeting the criteria for both an inattentive presentation and a hyperactive-impulsive presentation. If you take a look at the hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, it’s quite easy to see why young boys were often diagnosed more often than girls, and prevalence studies show us there are many more boys with ADHD diagnoses than girls.

Is ADHD On The Increase?

Many adults are only now being diagnosed with ADHD and AuDHD for the first time. This can create the impression that ADHD is becoming more common, but in reality, it reflects a growing awareness and understanding of these neurodivergent profiles, as well as better diagnostic practices.

We now understand that ADHD presentations vary widely, and our awareness of masking has significantly increased. As understanding of neurotypes has improved, we have learned that that girls with ADHD often present differently from boys. For example, traits like excessive talking or being perceived as bossy (interrupting or intruding on others) were often dismissed as ‘normal girl behaviour.’ Similarly, many individuals with an inattentive presentation – both girls and boys – had their symptoms overlooked, being labelled as ‘daydreamers’ instead. ADHD was and still is frequently underdiagnosed when behaviours don’t significantly disrupt others or cause noticeable learning challenges.

A common experience for many adults with undiagnosed ADHD is having school report cards filled with comments suggesting they could achieve more if they would just ‘try harder.’

Our expectations of how children ‘should’ behave, how we interpret behaviours, and what we consider ‘normal’ are constantly evolving. I love that we now understand ADHDers are often trying harder than anyone else – especially when they’re striving to sit still and conform to expectations – despite their brains needing movement to function at their best.

ADHD testing and diagnosis in Sydney

Whether you’re seeking a diagnosis of ADHD for your child, wondering about diagnosis of ADHD for an adult, navigating daily challenges, or embracing your ADHD neurotype, acknowledging the condition’s unique strengths and struggles is key to meaningful support.

If you’d like to learn more about ADHD, its symptoms, or strategies for managing it, feel free to explore the resources on this site, join my online ADHD programs, or reach out for professional guidance.

Anxiety, ADHD, Neurodiversity and Mental Wellbeing

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