Understanding ADHD in Adults

ADHD (Attention‑Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain manages attention, motivation, planning, and self‑regulation. Although often associated with childhood, ADHD commonly continues into adulthood — many people reach their 20s, 30s, or later before recognising the lifelong patterns that ADHD can create.

ADHD is not a problem with intelligence or effort. It reflects differences in brain development and functioning, particularly in the networks responsible for executive functioning (planning, organising, prioritising), working memory, and emotional regulation. These differences can influence daily life in subtle or significant ways, depending on the individual.

The three types of ADHD

Clinically, ADHD is grouped into three presentations. These describe the pattern of symptoms a person experiences:

1. Predominantly Inattentive

Characterised by difficulties with focus, organisation, follow‑through, and working memory.

2. Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive

Involves restlessness, impulsive actions or decisions, and difficulty slowing down.

3. Combined Presentation

A mix of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive features. These presentations can shift over time as life demands change.

Management and support

ADHD is highly manageable, and many adults thrive once they understand how their brain works. Effective support often includes:

• Education and self‑understanding Recognising ADHD patterns can reduce shame and increase confidence.

• Lifestyle and behavioural strategies Tools for organisation, time‑management, emotional regulation, and reducing overwhelm.

• Psychological support Therapy can help with coping skills, self‑esteem, and managing stress.

• Medication (when appropriate) Some people benefit from medication as part of a broader treatment plan. Decisions about medication are made with medical health professional like a Psychiatrist or Mental Health GP.

• Environmental adjustments Small changes at home or work can significantly improve daily functioning.

Why assessment matters

For many adults, an ADHD assessment provides clarity, validation, and a roadmap for moving forward. Understanding your neurodevelopmental profile can help you make sense of lifelong patterns and access the right support.

Here's what to expect from an assessment for ADHD with Salvado. If you haven't been assessed for ADHD before by another Psychologist or medical professional, you're happy with the fees and rebates, and you're ready to start the process, we will book you a session with our Psychologist.

1. Before we start any services with you, if you're a new patient you'll need to agree to our Practice Policy. This has important information about our cancellation policy and payments. We'll also collect your card details here so payments are easier down the track. Reading and agreeing to this should only take a minute or so.

2. After that we send you an Assessment Pack of nine online questionnaires, eight are for you to complete and one is for someone who knows you well. Some of these assessments need time for you to reflect on your experiences in different settings, and one goes back to your childhood. Because they need reflection, we reccomend doing them in a quiet space where you can be uninterrupted. You can do these in your own time, but we reccomend you complete them at least one week before your appointment. A due date will be set, but give yourself plenty of time. 

3. You will choose someone to complete one of these online questionnaires, choose someone like a family member or spouse. It is important this form is completed by someone who really knows you well - and can answer questions about you in different settings across several years.

Something we notice often: the relief people feel after an assessment — regardless of the outcome — comes from finally having information. An answer, or a clearer picture of what else might be going on. Either way, you leave knowing more than when you arrived.

An ADHD diagnosis isn't a label that limits you. For most people, it's the beginning of understanding yourself with a lot more compassion.

You deserve that clarity.

Frequently asked questions

Can I do the appointments online?

Yes. Online sessions are available with our psychologists and psychiatrists via phone or video through Telehealth. We’ll schedule the appointment with you and send you a link both on email and SMS at the time of the appointment.

What happens if I don't attend my appointment or cancel late? 

Life happens, we get it. But because appointment slots are limited, we need at least 48 hours’ notice for cancellations. Please see our website here under ‘Cancellations’ for the latest info.

If a cancellation fee is incurred, it must be settled before the appointment can be rescheduled. We thank you for your understanding. If appointment 1 (psychology) is cancelled and not rescheduled – appointments 2 and 3 will also be cancelled and can result in extended wait times.

Do I need a referral letter from my GP?

No, you do not need a GP referral to start, as there is no Medicare rebate for the initial two appointments. However, if you proceed to the medical appointment, we recommend getting a referral from your GP before the appointment to claim the Medicare rebate. We'll let you know what you'll need to do at the time.

Will there be more follow up appointments?

Depending on your individual needs and outcomes, continued psychological therapy may be reccomended as an option for support. Ongoing appointments with the psychiatrist or mental health GP will be required if medication is prescribed.

What are the costs and can I get a Medicare rebate?

If you are looking for an Initial Assessment for ADHD because you have not been officially diagnosed by a medical professional, the cost is $1720 inc GST for an ADHD assessment.  No Medicare rebates apply. These fees are for new ADULT ADHD assessments only.
These fees do not apply to existing bookings or other service types.

If you have already been diagnosed with ADHD and are seeking ongoing treatment with medication and prescription management with one of our Psychiatrists, the fee is $569.10 (GST free) with a Medicare rebate. It is $825.00 without a Medicare Rebate ($255.90 is the Medicare rebate). Medicare rebates require a valid referral from a GP or medical specialist. Referrals may be declined depending on complexity and risk in accordance with our Practice Policy.

We support the use of AI tools in patient care, so our practitioners can spend more time focussing on you instead of administration. The tools we use are for transcription of your consultation and to help support a faster assessment with increased accuracy for a diagnosis. All data is stored within Australia and in compliance with Australian Privacy standards. The use of these tools is optional to receiving services from us and you will be asked your consent before the any use commences. If you would like to learn more, please read our Privacy Policy.