Multi-disciplinary ADHD/ADD Assessment

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting a wide range of domains, from academic focus and task completion to emotional regulation and social well-being. At its core, ADHD can be understood as a deficiency in the brain's executive branch, which oversees critical human tasks. These tasks include, but are not limited to, organizing, prioritizing, maintaining and shifting focus, emotional and behavioral regulation, and short-term memory. Like other mental health disorders, ADHD presents a unique combination of challenges and strengths for each individual. This highlights the importance of a comprehensive assessment, followed by a tailored treatment plan that takes into account the varying degrees of symptoms and severity, as well as the unique circumstances of each individual. Early, comprehensive assessment and diagnosis followed by targeted intervention are essential for optimizing long-term developmental outcomes and improving quality of life.

The terms Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) are often used interchangeably. It's worth noting that ADD is an older term that has largely been replaced by ADHD in medical and psychological literature, including the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which is one of the main guides for diagnosing mental health conditions.

At All Brains, we work closely with your own doctor to access expertise and post-assessment follow-up and support. Once the assessment is complete, your multi-expert team at All Brains, including the physician, will send a full report to the doctor in the community who referred you or your child for the assessment. Your community doctor will assist you in starting the Treatment Plan recommended by our experts. The doctor on your All Brains Assessment Team is available to consult with your regular doctor if any questions or concerns arise.

Diagnosing Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) poses unique challenges due to the condition's varying manifestations across individuals and across lifespan. For instance, ADHD symptoms can differ considerably between a school-aged child and a 40-year-old adult. To address this complexity, an accurate diagnosis necessitates a thorough evaluation conducted by a multidisciplinary team of ADHD specialists, which may include psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychometricians. At All Brains, our comprehensive ADHD assessment team encompasses experts from each of these fields. Our diagnostic approach employs an integrated set of techniques, which includes clinical interviews, developmental evaluations, medical and computerized testings, and standardized questionnaires.

While early assessment and intervention often lead to better outcomes, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is generally lifelong. Because of this, assessment at any age can have significant professional and personal benefits. Getting diagnosed with ADHD as an adult can offer practical benefits, such as improving one’s relationships or applying for accommodations at university or one’s place of employment. Beyond these practical aspects, many adults express a sense of relief after receiving an ADHD assessment, as if a lifelong unanswered question has finally been answered.

The treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be complex and varies from person to person, depending on a range of factors such as the specific symptoms experienced, severity of symptoms, degree of interference in functioning, co-existing conditions, age, and the individual's life circumstances. That said, ADHD is generally considered to be a treatable condition, and there are a variety of evidence-based approaches available.

Here are some common treatment modalities:

• 1. Medication: Stimulant medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamines (Adderall, Vyvanse) are often effective in treating the symptoms of ADHD. Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera) are also available. Medications can have side effects, and their effectiveness can vary among individuals.


• 2. Behavioral Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of psychotherapy can help people with ADHD develop coping strategies and skills for organization and time management.


• 3. Parent Training: For children with ADHD, parent training in behavior management techniques can be useful.
  


• 4. Educational/work Support: Academic and workplace accommodations, like extended testing time or a quieter room for taking tests, as well as access to a work environment that has minimal distractions can help individuals with ADHD perform more optimally.
  


• 5. Lifestyle Changes: Diet, exercise, and sleep can also influence symptoms and can be areas for intervention.
  


• 6. Combination Treatment: Often, a multimodal approach that includes both medication and behavioral interventions is most effective.
  

At All Brains, we provide a comprehensive ADHD assessment that involves a multi-disciplinary team of experts. Our assessments include a thorough evaluation of any mental health problems (related or unrelated to ADHD) by a medical doctor, this is then followed by a targeted clinical ADHD interview session conducted by a psychologist. In a third session, a psychologist or psychometrist will conduct direct testing of your attention and other cognitive functions, such as working memory, which is the capacity to hold and process multiple pieces of information simultaneously. The psychometrist will administer additional tests and questionnaires to identify potential academic and mental health issues. Responses from others, such as teachers or coworkers, if you grant us permission to send questionnaires to them, will help us obtain a comprehensive perspective of attention.

At All Brains, we specialize in ADHD, but our approach to assessment extends far beyond this specific condition.

Our in-depth ADHD evaluation begins with a comprehensive mental health assessment conducted by a psychiatrist to identify any coexisting conditions such as anxiety, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) to name a few. This initial assessment is followed by a focused consultation with a psychologist who delves into the history and symptoms of ADHD. Additionally, our evaluation employs real-time testing methods specifically designed to measure ADHD symptoms.

Our ADHD assessment package at All Brains also includes invaluable post-assessment support. For families with children under the age of 6, we provide a session of parent training to offer practical tips for effectively supporting their child. Furthermore, each client gains access to our coveted Resource Liaison service, which connects them with community-based support and resources uniquely tailored to meet their individual needs.

Absolutely! A comprehensive assessment of strengths and weaknesses is essential for creating a tailored treatment plan to meet your or your child's specific needs. These recommendations are thoroughly discussed during our feedback session and are also reflected in our detailed report.

It's important to note that effective treatment for an individual with ADHD often depends on their unique needs and capabilities. A multidisciplinary approach that combines various interventions is typically the most beneficial.

The cost of comprehensive ADHD assessment is $1450, and it includes:

Full Mental Health Assessment
Medical Exam (if not performed recently)
ADHD-specific Interview
Computerized ADHD Assessments
Intellectual Assessment
Adaptive Behavior Assessment
Feedback Session
Resource Liaison Session

All of our assessments at All Brains are team-based. Specialized physicians such as psychiatrists are involved in all of our assessments, including the ADHD assessment. That is why a doctor’s referral is required.

If you don’t have a referring doctor, please let our staff know. We can assist you in connecting with a primary care physician to see what assessment might be needed and, if necessary, making a referral.

If you are not seeking an assessment but wish to proceed directly with therapy or coaching, a doctor’s referral is not required.

No you don’t! Unlike some of our other assessments that require in-person sessions, all of the components of our comprehensive ADHD assessment can be done online.

Currently, all of our clinicians are only permitted to see patients in British Columbia. Therefore, even for our virtual appointments, you must be physically present in BC. Future changes to this arrangement may be possible, so stay tuned!