Understanding ADHD: Assessment, Clarity & Support

Understanding ADHD: Assessment, Clarity & Support
By Eytan Woolfson :Clinical Psychologist Registrar

"ADHD isn’t a lack of attention. It’s a lack of regulation of attention." – Dr. Edward Hallowell

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is often misunderstood. It's not just about being “hyper” or “distracted.” For many children and adults, it’s a daily struggle with focus, restlessness, impulsivity, and organisation — often in spite of intelligence, motivation, or effort.

The assessment process begins with a thorough clinical interview, covering developmental history, current challenges, and impact across settings (home, school, work). For children, we often include parent and teacher questionnaires, and sometimes cognitive testing. For adults, we explore lifelong patterns and may use rating scales and collateral reports from partners or family.

Accurate diagnosis matters. ADHD can mimic — or mask — anxiety, mood disorders, and learning difficulties. It’s important to rule these in or out to provide the most helpful support.

Treatment is multi-layered. It might include education (understanding your brain), behavioural strategies, coaching or therapy, and in many cases, medication. The goal is not to “fix” a person, but to reduce the friction between how their brain works and the demands of everyday life.

When someone receives a clear diagnosis — whether child, teen, or adult — it can feel like turning on the lights in a room they’ve been stumbling through for years. It brings understanding, not just for the individual, but often for the whole family.

If you or your child are struggling with focus, organisation, or emotional regulation, it’s worth exploring. Clarity can be life-changing.