Is Your Child Struggling at School? When to Seek an ADHD Assessment (Sydney's Northern Beaches)
- Shane Dilanchian
- May 16
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 11
As a parent, it can be really hard to see your child struggling at school. Maybe they have trouble sitting still, staying focused, or finishing their work. Maybe they come home upset or frustrated. These things can be a normal part of growing up, but sometimes, they may be signs of something more, like ADHD.
At Skyline Psychology in Frenchs Forest, we work with children and families to understand what’s going on and how to help. If you’re feeling unsure, you’re not alone, and we’re here to support you.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It’s a condition that affects how children focus, sit still, and manage their emotions. It’s not about being lazy or misbehaving, children with ADHD often try very hard but still struggle with things like:
Paying attention for long periods.
Remembering instructions.
Staying organised.
Sitting still when expected.
Waiting their turn or thinking before speaking.
There are different types of ADHD, and every child shows it in their own way.
Signs to Look For at School
Lots of kids have moments when they lose focus or feel fidgety. But if these things happen often, and they’re getting in the way of learning or friendships, it might be time to look more closely.
You might notice your child:
Has trouble starting or finishing homework.
Gets distracted easily in class.
Often forgets things or loses belongings.
Talks a lot or interrupts others.
Has big emotions or gets upset easily after school.
Teachers may also mention these things. If the same patterns happen at both school and home, it can be helpful to talk to a child psychologist.
Why We Start with an Initial Consultation
We begin every assessment with an Initial Consultation, a clinical interview between you (the parent or carer) and one of our psychologists. In some cases, your child may also join part of the session.
During this appointment, we’ll ask about your child’s development, school experience, behaviour at home, and any concerns you may have. Most importantly, we take the time to listen and understand your child’s situation.
This first step helps us ensure that the assessment process is thoughtful, ethical, and tailored to your child’s unique needs.
What’s Involved in an ADHD Assessment at Skyline Psychology
(Northern Beaches)
We take time to understand how your child is doing - both at home and at school, not just during testing.
The assessment may include:
A clinical interview with you about your child’s development and history.
Questionnaires filled out by both you and your child’s teacher.
Cognitive assessment that help us look at attention, memory, and thinking.
Sometimes, a school visit (more on this below).
Not every child needs a cognitive assessment. If your child has had one done in the past five years, or if the psychologist decides it’s not necessary, we may not include it. We’ll let you know what’s recommended based on your child’s unique needs.
This full process helps us build a clear, well rounded understanding of your child, so we can provide support that’s thoughtful, useful, and right for them.)
Why a School Visit May Be Recommended?
As part of an ADHD assessment for school aged children at Skyline Psychology, a school visit may be recommended when further information is needed about how your child functions in their day to day learning environment. This involves your child’s psychologist visiting the school to observe interactions in settings such as the classroom or playground.
While a school visit is not always required, it can be helpful when there are questions about how your child’s attention, behaviour, or social interactions present in a structured setting. During the visit, we may observe things like:
How your child manages attention and focus in class.
Interactions with teachers and peers.
Responses to instructions, transitions, and group tasks.
If a school visit becomes appropriate, your psychologist will discuss this with you in advance. Please note that this service involves an additional fee and will only be included with your consent.
What Happens After the Assessment?
After the assessment is complete, we meet with you again for a feedback session. We explain everything clearly and calmly, and there’s plenty of time to ask questions.
If ADHD is diagnosed, we’ll talk about what it means and what you can do next. We might recommend:
Changes at school to support your child’s learning
Strategies for home
Emotional or behavioural support
A referral to a GP or paediatrician, if needed
Our Child and Adolescent Psychologists
At Skyline Psychology in Frenchs Forest, our team includes experienced child and adolescent psychologists who specialise in working with young people with ADHD and other learning or behavioural challenges.
Our psychologists use evidence-based tools and approaches that are tailored to the age and needs of your child. We take time to understand your child’s unique strengths and challenges and provide recommendations that are practical and individualised.
We also work closely with families, schools, and other health professionals to support your child across different parts of their life.
Early Support Can Make a Big Difference
When a child gets the right help early, it can change everything. They may feel more confident, happier at school, and better able to cope with challenges.
A diagnosis (if it’s made) doesn’t define your child - it simply helps you understand them better and give them the tools they need to succeed.
ADHD Assessment Services for Children on the Northern Beaches
At Skyline Psychology, we offer ADHD assessments to children and adolescents living across Sydney’s Northern Beaches, including Frenchs Forest, Belrose, Forestville, Dee Why, and surrounding areas. Our team includes experienced child psychologists who understand the local school landscape and are committed to providing thoughtful, individualised support.
Based in Frenchs Forest, Sydney’s Northern Beaches
To book an initial consultation or ask about our ADHD assessment process:
To find out more about ADHD Assessments at Skyline Psychology (Northern Beaches):
At Skyline Psychology (Northern Beaches) we also offer Educational, Cognitive and Autism Assessments:
Comments