Is your child hard to settle?Do they lose focus fast or act before they think?
You’re not alone. ADHD is one of the most common conditions in children. Many Canberra families have the same concerns.
This guide gives you clear answers. You’ll learn the early signs of ADHD, how the assessment works, and what support is available. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do next.
ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It affects how a child controls their attention and impulses.
It’s not caused by bad parenting. It’s not about a child being naughty. ADHD is a brain-based condition with strong genetic roots.
Getting an early ADHD assessment in Canberra makes a real difference. Here’s why:
A good ADHD assessment will identify which type fits your child best.
These children seem lost in their own world. They forget things, lose items, and drift off during tasks. This type is more common in girls. It often goes unnoticed for longer.
These children can’t sit still. They act fast without thinking. They talk over others and struggle to wait their turn. This type shows up more in younger children.
This is the most common type. The child shows both inattention and hyperactivity. It’s often what people think of when they picture ADHD.
Parents usually notice something first. Your child may seem different from other kids their age.
ADHD signs show up in more than one place. They happen at home, at school, and with friends. They’re not just a bad day.
Have you seen several of these signs? Have they lasted more than six months? If so, it’s time to act.
Read more in other related article: ADHD Diagnosis Children: Early Signs, Assessment Process and What Parents Need to Know.
Knowing what to expect makes the process much less stressful. Here’s how it works at the Continuum Paediatric and Specialist Centre.
Start with your family GP. Tell them what you’ve noticed. Be specific — when it happens, how often, and how it affects daily life.
Your GP will write a referral to a developmental paediatrician. This referral also helps you access Medicare rebates.
Before your first visit, you’ll fill in a short questionnaire. Your child’s teacher does one too.
These forms measure how often symptoms show up at home and at school. They give us a clear, objective picture.
The paediatrician will talk with you in detail. They’ll ask about your child’s development, health history, school life, and family background.
This conversation is at the heart of the assessment. It helps us understand your child as a whole person.
Some conditions can look like ADHD. Anxiety, sleep problems, and learning difficulties can all cause similar signs.
The paediatrician will check for these too. This ensures your child gets the right diagnosis — not just a close one.
If ADHD is confirmed, we build a plan together. This plan is tailored to your child’s needs, strengths, and family goals.
It may include school support, behaviour strategies, and sometimes medication.
Wondering when to see a specialist? Read: ADHD Specialist Canberra: When Should Your Child See a Developmental Paediatrician?
A diagnosis is just the beginning. The good news? There’s a lot you can do to help your child thrive.
ADHD support works best when it combines a few different approaches. Here are the main ones.
These are often the first step. A specialist can teach you practical tools for home.
You’ll learn how to set up routines, manage transitions, and reward positive behaviour. Small changes can make a big difference.
Schools can make helpful changes for children with ADHD. These might include:
Your paediatrician can write a letter to the school. In some cases, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) may be set up.
For some children, medication is very helpful. It can reduce the core symptoms of ADHD.
Medication is never the first step for young children. The decision is made together with families. If prescribed, we monitor it closely and adjust as needed.
Many children with ADHD also work with other specialists. This might include:
We coordinate with these professionals to give your child a full circle of care.
For more detail on support strategies, read: ADHD Treatment Children: Effective Support Strategies for Managing ADHD Symptoms.
We know that seeking an ADHD assessment can feel daunting. We’re here to make it easy.
Our team has deep experience in ADHD, autism, and developmental care. We take time to listen. We explain things clearly. And we work alongside your family every step of the way.
We’re located at Deakin Professional Centre, Unit 5, 46 Geils Court, Deakin ACT 2600. Our rooms are warm and welcoming for children and families.
ADHD can be assessed from around age four. Most diagnoses happen between ages six and twelve.
Assessment is adapted to your child’s age and stage. If you’re worried about a younger child, start by talking to your GP.
There’s usually at least one detailed initial appointment. Follow-up visits may be needed to review results and questionnaires.
Most families get a clear outcome within a few appointments. We aim to keep the process as smooth as possible.
Yes. A GP referral is required. It also helps you claim Medicare rebates, which can lower your costs.
GPs can send referrals electronically via Healthlink EDI: Canabled.
ADHD and autism can look similar but they’re different conditions. ADHD focuses on attention and impulse control. Autism covers social communication and sensory processing.
Some children have both. Our paediatricians are experienced in assessing and managing both conditions.
Yes. Some strategies can start straight away. But a formal diagnosis opens the door to funded services, medication if needed, and formal school adjustments.
A clear diagnosis also helps your whole family understand your child’s needs better.
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
Worried about your child’s focus or behaviour? Our team at Continuum Paediatric and Specialist Centre can help. We offer thorough ADHD assessments in Canberra. We make the process clear, calm, and family-friendly.
✆ Call us: (02) 6152 8340
📍 Visit us: Unit 5, 46 Geils Court, Deakin ACT 2600
🌐 Book Online: https://mycpsc.com.au/contact/
This guide is part of a series. Dive deeper with these related articles:
Is your child struggling to focus at school? Do they find it hard to sit still or control their impulses? You are not alone. Many Canberra families face the same questions every day. ADHD is one of the most common conditions in children. But it can be hard to spot. […]
Every child grows at their own pace. But sometimes things get harder. Behaviour problems, slow development, or emotional struggles can affect daily life. They can affect school. They can affect your whole family. When this happens, it is time to get expert help. Table of Contents Signs Your Child May Need an Assessment How the […]
Are you searching for pediatricians near me accepting new patients in Canberra? You are not alone. Many families face the same challenge. They look for a paediatrician, only to hit long wait lists and fully booked clinics. Table of Contents Why So Many Canberra Families Struggle to Find a Paediatrician What to Look for When […]
Is your child hard to settle?Do they lose focus fast or act before they think?
You’re not alone. ADHD is one of the most common conditions in children. Many Canberra families have the same concerns.
This guide gives you clear answers. You’ll learn the early signs of ADHD, how the assessment works, and what support is available. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do next.
ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It affects how a child controls their attention and impulses.
It’s not caused by bad parenting. It’s not about a child being naughty. ADHD is a brain-based condition with strong genetic roots.
Getting an early ADHD assessment in Canberra makes a real difference. Here’s why:
A good ADHD assessment will identify which type fits your child best.
These children seem lost in their own world. They forget things, lose items, and drift off during tasks. This type is more common in girls. It often goes unnoticed for longer.
These children can’t sit still. They act fast without thinking. They talk over others and struggle to wait their turn. This type shows up more in younger children.
This is the most common type. The child shows both inattention and hyperactivity. It’s often what people think of when they picture ADHD.
Parents usually notice something first. Your child may seem different from other kids their age.
ADHD signs show up in more than one place. They happen at home, at school, and with friends. They’re not just a bad day.
Have you seen several of these signs? Have they lasted more than six months? If so, it’s time to act.
Read more in other related article: ADHD Diagnosis Children: Early Signs, Assessment Process and What Parents Need to Know.
Knowing what to expect makes the process much less stressful. Here’s how it works at the Continuum Paediatric and Specialist Centre.
Start with your family GP. Tell them what you’ve noticed. Be specific — when it happens, how often, and how it affects daily life.
Your GP will write a referral to a developmental paediatrician. This referral also helps you access Medicare rebates.
Before your first visit, you’ll fill in a short questionnaire. Your child’s teacher does one too.
These forms measure how often symptoms show up at home and at school. They give us a clear, objective picture.
The paediatrician will talk with you in detail. They’ll ask about your child’s development, health history, school life, and family background.
This conversation is at the heart of the assessment. It helps us understand your child as a whole person.
Some conditions can look like ADHD. Anxiety, sleep problems, and learning difficulties can all cause similar signs.
The paediatrician will check for these too. This ensures your child gets the right diagnosis — not just a close one.
If ADHD is confirmed, we build a plan together. This plan is tailored to your child’s needs, strengths, and family goals.
It may include school support, behaviour strategies, and sometimes medication.
Wondering when to see a specialist? Read: ADHD Specialist Canberra: When Should Your Child See a Developmental Paediatrician?
A diagnosis is just the beginning. The good news? There’s a lot you can do to help your child thrive.
ADHD support works best when it combines a few different approaches. Here are the main ones.
These are often the first step. A specialist can teach you practical tools for home.
You’ll learn how to set up routines, manage transitions, and reward positive behaviour. Small changes can make a big difference.
Schools can make helpful changes for children with ADHD. These might include:
Your paediatrician can write a letter to the school. In some cases, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) may be set up.
For some children, medication is very helpful. It can reduce the core symptoms of ADHD.
Medication is never the first step for young children. The decision is made together with families. If prescribed, we monitor it closely and adjust as needed.
Many children with ADHD also work with other specialists. This might include:
We coordinate with these professionals to give your child a full circle of care.
For more detail on support strategies, read: ADHD Treatment Children: Effective Support Strategies for Managing ADHD Symptoms.
We know that seeking an ADHD assessment can feel daunting. We’re here to make it easy.
Our team has deep experience in ADHD, autism, and developmental care. We take time to listen. We explain things clearly. And we work alongside your family every step of the way.
We’re located at Deakin Professional Centre, Unit 5, 46 Geils Court, Deakin ACT 2600. Our rooms are warm and welcoming for children and families.
ADHD can be assessed from around age four. Most diagnoses happen between ages six and twelve.
Assessment is adapted to your child’s age and stage. If you’re worried about a younger child, start by talking to your GP.
There’s usually at least one detailed initial appointment. Follow-up visits may be needed to review results and questionnaires.
Most families get a clear outcome within a few appointments. We aim to keep the process as smooth as possible.
Yes. A GP referral is required. It also helps you claim Medicare rebates, which can lower your costs.
GPs can send referrals electronically via Healthlink EDI: Canabled.
ADHD and autism can look similar but they’re different conditions. ADHD focuses on attention and impulse control. Autism covers social communication and sensory processing.
Some children have both. Our paediatricians are experienced in assessing and managing both conditions.
Yes. Some strategies can start straight away. But a formal diagnosis opens the door to funded services, medication if needed, and formal school adjustments.
A clear diagnosis also helps your whole family understand your child’s needs better.
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
Worried about your child’s focus or behaviour? Our team at Continuum Paediatric and Specialist Centre can help. We offer thorough ADHD assessments in Canberra. We make the process clear, calm, and family-friendly.
✆ Call us: (02) 6152 8340
📍 Visit us: Unit 5, 46 Geils Court, Deakin ACT 2600
🌐 Book Online: https://mycpsc.com.au/contact/
This guide is part of a series. Dive deeper with these related articles:
