Child ADHD Assessments in Calgary, AB
Bluebird Psychology understands that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can significantly impact a child's academic performance and social interactions. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial for managing ADHD symptoms and improving a child's quality of life.
Our ADHD assessments are conducted by Psychologists and are designed to give you clear answers and targeted recommendations that can help your child succeed - at home, at school, and socially.
We offer child ADHD assessments for children ages 6-17.
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a child's ability to pay attention, control impulses, or manage their energy level. Children with ADHD may have difficulty sitting still, following instructions, or finishing tasks. They may also struggle with social interactions and emotional regulation. ADHD is a common condition, affecting approximately 5% of children, and can persist into adulthood. Fortunately, with proper diagnosis and treatment, children with ADHD can learn to manage their symptoms and thrive.
Common Signs of ADHD in Children
Every child is different, and many of these behaviours are normal in isolation - it's the pattern, frequency, and impact on daily life that matter. Common signs parents notice include:
At home
Instructions need to be repeated multiple times, even simple ones
Getting ready for school or bed takes far longer than it should — not from defiance, but from getting distracted mid-task (one shoe on, toothbrush forgotten, wandering off partway through)
Starting a chore or task enthusiastically, then drifting away before it's finished
Difficulty settling down, even when tired
At School
Multi-step instructions get lost partway through, even when the child understood them at first
Work left unfinished despite clearly knowing the material
Frequently losing or forgetting items like their homework, jackets, water bottles, permission slips
Desk, backpack, or binder in a state of ongoing disorganization
Socially and emotionally
Big reactions to small frustrations, or difficulty calming back down once upset
Trouble waiting their turn, or blurting things out
Friendships that seem to take more effort or don't come as easily as they do for peers
If a lot of this feels familiar, and it's been going on for several months, across more than one setting (for example, home and school), an assessment can help clarify what's going on and what kind of support would actually help.
The Different Types of ADHD
There are currently 3 different types of ADHD - Inattentive, Hyperactive/Impulsive, and a combination of the two. The Inattentive type of ADHD is what we used to call Attention-Deficit Disorder, or ADD. Click below to learn more about each type.
-
Children with the Hyperactive/Impulsive type of ADHD may struggle with fidgeting or have difficulty sitting still, experience feelings of restlessness, talk excessively, find it difficult to wait their turn, have difficulty playing or doing homework quietly, or interrupt others.
-
Children with ADHD Inattentive type may struggle to pay close attention to details, make careless mistakes, find it difficult to sustain attention, are often unable to start or finish tasks, often forget or lose things, do not seem to listen when spoken to, avoid or dislike tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as their homework or schoolwork), or are disorganized.
-
A child with ADHD Combined Presentation may experiences challenges associated with both ADHD Inattentive and ADHD Hyperactive/Impulsive types.
How We Diagnose ADHD
The Child ADHD Assessment Process
Step 1) Parent Intake Meeting
We schedule a parent meeting to review your child's symptoms and discuss their developmental, medical, and learning history. This meeting can be in person or virtual.
Step 2) Child Session
Your child will come to the office for an in-person session so that the psychologist can learn more about their experience and conduct an observation.
Step 3) Questionnaires
You will be sent a series of questionnaires to complete. You will also select someone who knows your child well, such as their teacher, to complete a questionnaire.
Step 4) Feedback Meeting
At the end of the assessment, a parent feedback meeting is scheduled to review results and discuss recommendations to help support your child. This meeting can also be booked in person or virtually.
Step 5) Written Report
You will receive a written report that may help you access support at your child's school or can be shared with your general practitioner or pediatrician for treatment planning.
Please note that ADHD assessments do not include formal testing of cognitive or academic abilities. If you are looking to explore additional learning challenges, a psychoeducational assessment may be more appropriate.
Fees and Coverage
The fee for a Child ADHD Assessment is $1,800
Many extended health plans cover psychological assessments, either partially or in full. Please check with your provider for your specific coverage. We provide a receipt after payment that you can submit for reimbursement, and this receipt may also be eligible to claim as a medical expense on your taxes.
FAQs
-
Yes, Psychologists are qualified to assess and diagnose ADHD in Alberta. While Psychologists offer recommendations for treatment, they are unable to prescribe medication. Following the assessment - and depending on whether a diagnosis is made - you are welcome to share the report with your family doctor or pediatrician to explore medication options.
-
We typically wait until children are at least 6 years old. If your child is younger and you are noticing some symptoms that may be related to ADHD, we recommend consulting with your family doctor or pediatrician.
-
The length of the assessment depends on scheduling and the completion of questionnaires. Most parents typically find that the assessment process takes between 6 to 8 weeks.
-
No, you do not need a referral and are welcome to contact us or book online at any time.
-
Yes - the written report is designed to be shared with your child's school to support access to accommodations and an Individualized Program Plan (IPP) where appropriate.
-
An ADHD assessment focuses specifically on attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity symptoms. It does not include formal testing of cognitive or academic ability. If you're also wondering about learning difficulties (like reading, writing, or math), a psychoeducational assessment is the better fit. A psychoeducational is comprehensive and can look at ADHD as well as other learning needs.
-
It's common for ADHD and Autism to be considered together, since some signs can overlap (difficulty with transitions, social differences, attention challenges) and the two can also co-occur. If you are questioning whether Autism may also be a contributing factor, you can learn more about Autism and ADHD Assessments here.
Let's talk before you decide anything.
A free consult is a short, no pressure conversation about what you are noticing, what you are hoping to understand, and which assessment option makes sense.
Have questions?
We’re here to help!
Email us: office@bluebirdpsychology.ca
Call us: (587) 288-6884Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with one of our psychologists here.
We are located at 277, 200 Rivercrest Dr. SE in Calgary, AB