What to Expect During an ADHD/Autism Assessment

The waiting period before an ADHD or ASD assessment can be emotionally challenging, but now that the day of the assessment has arrived, it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions. Maybe you’re feeling anxious, uncertain, or even relieved that the waiting is over. Knowing what to expect can ease some of this anxiety and help you feel more in control during this critical step in your child’s journey.

What Happens During the Assessment?

The assessment itself is designed to gather important information about your child’s behaviour, development, and emotional state to assist in diagnosing ADHD or ASD. While every assessment is unique, here are some common steps and what you can expect:

1. Interviews with Parents and Caregivers:
A significant part of the process involves speaking with the psychologist about your child’s history. You’ll be asked questions about your child’s developmental milestones, behaviour, and any specific concerns you’ve noticed at home or in social situations. This is an opportunity for you to provide valuable insights and to explain your worries or observations in detail.

For younger children, most of the information will come from you as a parent. Older children may be asked to participate in the discussion, depending on their age and ability to communicate about their experiences.

2. Observations:
The psychologist will likely observe your child during the assessment. This may involve direct interaction, where they engage in tasks that measure focus, social behaviour, communication, and other developmental factors. Younger children might participate in play-based assessments, while older children could be asked to complete tasks that require problem-solving or attention to detail. These observations help the psychologist gain a deeper understanding of your child’s behaviour in real-time.

3. Standardised Testing:
During the assessment, your child may undergo formal testing. These tests are designed to assess specific areas such as cognitive function, behaviour, and social skills. The goal ofstandardisedd testing is to compare your child’s performance to that of their peers to identify any areas of concern. While this may sound intimidating, rest assured that the psychologist will explain the purpose of each test, and these assessments are simply tools to help gather more information.

4. Parent Input and Support:
Your role as a parent is incredibly important during the assessment process. Be as open and honest as possible when answering questions, and don’t hesitate to share specific examples or concerns. The psychologist is there to listen and guide you, so feel free to ask questions and clarify anything you don’t understand. Their goal is to ensure that your child receives the best possible support.

How to Manage Anxiety During the Assessment

It’s completely normal to feel anxious about your child’s assessment, and it’s understandable to want everything to go perfectly. However, there are several ways to manage your anxiety and stay calm during the process:

1. Take Deep Breaths:
When you begin to feel overwhelmed, take a few deep breaths to ground yourself. Deep breathing helps calm the nervous system and reduce feelings of anxiety. A simple exercise like inhaling deeply for a count of four, holding for four seconds, and exhaling slowly for four seconds can bring a sense of calm.

2. Stay Present:
Focus on the here and now, rather than getting caught up in worries about what the diagnosis might be or how the assessment will turn out. Keep your attention on the process and remember that this is just one step in helping your child receive the support they need.

3. Practice Self-Compassion:
It's easy to blame yourself or question your decisions during this time, but it's important to remember that you're doing your best. Parenting a child with potential ADHD or ASD can be challenging, and seeking help shows your commitment to understanding and supporting your child. Be kind to yourself, and allow yourself to feel all the emotions that come with this process, without judgment.

4. Reframe Your Thoughts:
Instead of thinking about the assessment as something intimidating, try to view it as an opportunity for clarity and understanding. The goal is to gain insights that can lead to better support for your child. Shifting your perspective can help reduce anxiety and empower you during the assessment process.

What Happens After the Assessment?

Once the assessment is complete, you’ll schedule a follow-up meeting with the psychologist to discuss the results. This is when you’ll receive your child’s diagnosis (if applicable) and an explanation of what it means for their development and well-being.

The psychologist will walk you through the next steps, which could include therapy, behavioural interventions, school accommodations, or strategies to implement at home. It’s normal to feel a mixture of emotions during this meeting—relief, uncertainty, or even sadness—but remember that this is just the beginning of your child’s support plan. With the right guidance, you’ll have the tools to help your child thrive.

Moving Forward: Supporting Your Child’s Journey

As you move forward after the assessment, it’s important to remember that the diagnosis doesn’t define your child. The process of diagnosis is simply a tool to understand your child’s needs better so you can provide them with the support they need to succeed. Whether you’re faced with ADHD, ASD, or any other challenge, there are resources available to help your child navigate life with confidence.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. At Centric Mental Health, we offer a variety of resources and services to help families cope with ADHD and ASD, from therapy to parenting support programs.

Looking for additional support? Our ADHD Parenting Programme starts soon! Register now and equip yourself with the tools and strategies to support your child’s development.

Call us at 01 611 1719 or email [email protected] to learn more.