The ADHD Assessment Process: What to Expect for You or Your Child
When our children showed signs of ADHD, my partner and I did what many parents in our situation do, we sought a professional ADHD assessment. Given the strong genetic link associated with ADHD, it made sense to look at the whole family picture as the signs were certainly there.
I could see many of the same signs and symptoms in my partner’s behaviour and suggested he be evaluated. He felt I also showed some of the symptoms as well and so we decided to both be assessed. After a full evaluation, I didn’t receive a diagnosis, my partner, on the other hand, did.
Because ADHD is highly heritable, with genetics accounting for up to 80% of the risk, it's common for a parent to recognize similar traits in themselves when their child is diagnosed.
The assessment process was a deeply insightful experience. One that gave us clarity, many answers, and even more questions to consider. If you're wondering what the ADHD evaluation process looks like, whether for yourself or your child, here’s what you need to know, especially if you are navigating an ADHD Assessment in the Swiss system. (Processes in other countries may vary.)
What is an ADHD Assessment?
An ADHD assessment is a structured process used to determine whether someone meets the diagnostic criteria for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It’s not based on a single test. Instead, it typically includes a series of interviews, standardized questionnaires, observation, and sometimes cognitive or psychological testing.
In determining a diagnosis of ADHD, clinicians are looking for symptoms and traits as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), 5th Edition or the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), the 10th or 11th edition.
While Switzerland officially uses ICD-10 (and is shifting to ICD-11), many mental health professionals also refer to the DSM-5 especially for ADHD, as the DSM-5 offers more nuanced criteria.
Whichever classification is used, both share important similarities. ADHD is listed as a Neurodevelopmental Disorder, and diagnosis requires:
A persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity
Symptoms present in two or more settings (e.g., home and school)
Onset before age 12
Clear evidence that symptoms interfere with functioning or development
Why Would You Consider an Assessment?
You might consider an assessment if:
You or your child struggle with focus, impulse control, hyperactivity, or emotional control and outbursts.
School or work performance is inconsistent despite apparent ability and intelligence.
You're noticing challenges with organization, planning, or maintaining routines.
There’s a family history of ADHD (as there often is) and you recognize many of the same signs and symptoms in yourself or your child.
Getting evaluated can bring relief, clarity, and access to support strategies and treatment options.
I also believe it is important to have children assessed early to minimise the chances of developing secondary conditions, called comorbidities, that often accompany unmanaged ADHD. These can be conditions like anxiety, depression, poor self-esteem, social challenges as well as risks of injuries and substance abuse.
How Can I Get Myself or My Child Evaluated?
In Switzerland, you will want to start by speaking to your pediatrician or general practitioner, who can provide a referral for assessment. Assessments are generally conducted by a child or adult psychiatrist, a neuropsychologist or psychologist who specializes in ADHD.
For children, teachers and school psychologists may also play a role in identifying concerns and initiating the process or making a recommendation for you to speak to your doctor.
Who Performs the Evaluation?
Children: Typically evaluated by a child and adolescent psychiatrist or a psychologist trained in developmental disorders.
Adults: An adult psychiatrist or clinical psychologist with ADHD experience will conduct the assessment.
The professional must have experience with ADHD to ensure the evaluation is comprehensive and reliable.
What Can I Expect During the Evaluation?
Expect:
A detailed developmental and medical history (for adults, this includes childhood behavior).
Standardized behavior questionnaires completed by parents, teachers (for kids), or partners (for adults).
Interviews exploring how symptoms show up in daily life.
Cognitive or neuropsychological tests (e.g., attention span, working memory).
In some cases, additional assessments to rule out or explore co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or learning disorders may be conducted.
Some clinics (especially private ones) use EEG (electroencephalogram) or qEEG (quantitative EEG) as part of their assessments to assess attention challenges, however they are not part of the standard ADHD diagnostic guidelines.
Although the evaluation process is thorough, it is not invasive or painful. In fact, many individuals find it eye-opening and appreciate the chance to reflect more deeply on their strengths, challenges, and personal history.
What if I Think There’s More Than ADHD at Play?
Bring it up early. It’s not uncommon for ADHD to overlap with other conditions such as anxiety, depression, ASD, or dyslexia. These co-occurring conditions can sometimes mask or mimic ADHD symptoms, and without a careful evaluation, important pieces of the puzzle can be missed.
Autism and ADHD in particular were once seen as mutually exclusive meaning you could only have one diagnosis, ruling out the other. But that has changed. With the release of the DSM-5, it is now recognized that an individual can be diagnosed with both ADHD and ASD. This has been a major step forward, as many people, especially children, show overlapping traits such as social difficulties, sensory sensitivities, or challenges with executive functioning.
A skilled evaluator will explore differential diagnoses, asking the right questions to distinguish between ADHD and other possibilities, or to understand how they interact. For example, is a child’s emotional dysregulation driven by impulsivity and inattention, or does it stem from difficulty reading social cues?
In our case, we were lucky to work with someone who asked deeper questions. While my partner clearly fit the ADHD criteria, they were careful not to jump to conclusions. They made space to explore whether stress, burnout, or even traits of autism were contributing to the difficulties we were seeing. That broader lens helped us walk away with a more complete and compassionate understanding, not just a label.
How Long Does an Evaluation Take?
For children: It usually involves 2–3 sessions, often spread over a few weeks.
For adults: Often 1–2 longer appointments, with additional time for filling in questionnaires and reviewing reports. If an EEG is included in the assessment this usually adds an additional appointment.
Expect the full process from first appointment to final feedback to take anywhere from 2 to 12 weeks, depending on wait times and complexity as well as how many different evaluations will be conducted.
At the time of writing, wait times for a healthcare-funded ADHD assessment in Switzerland are quite long, in many regions, families are waiting 12 to 18 months for an appointment. This delay can be frustrating, especially when you're seeking answers or support for yourself or your child.
One alternative is to consider a private assessment, which is typically available within 4 to 6 weeks. While it is an out-of-pocket expense, it can provide a faster path to clarity, support, and next steps.
If you're interested in exploring the private route, feel free to contact me directly. I'm happy to discuss your options and refer you to a trusted private assessor.
How to Prepare
Gather school reports, teacher feedback, and any past assessments for your child.
For adults, reflect on your school years, ask your parents about your behavior as a child, and think about how challenges show up in your current life.
Write down specific examples of difficulties you or your child face this helps bring clarity during the evaluation.
What Happens After the Evaluation?
Once the assessment is complete, you'll receive a comprehensive summary of the findings and next steps. This typically includes:
A Detailed Diagnostic Report
A written document summarizing the entire evaluation. It usually includes:
Developmental and medical history
Observations and behavioral patterns
Results from cognitive and attention tests
Scores from parent, teacher, or self-report questionnaires
Interpretation of the findings in relation to diagnostic criteria (ICD or DSM)
A Clear Diagnosis (If Applicable)
The evaluator will provide feedback on whether:
ADHD is diagnosed, and if so, what type (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or combined)
Whether other neurodevelopmental or mental health concerns are present (e.g., anxiety, learning disorders, ASD)
Even if no formal diagnosis is made, the evaluation process can still offer valuable insight into your unique strengths and challenges, and how they affect your daily life.
In my own case, I did not receive an ADHD diagnosis but the assessment helped me understand that many of the symptoms I was experiencing, like difficulty focusing, mental exhaustion, and emotional overwhelm, were not signs of a neurodevelopmental disorder, but rather a response to the chronic stress of living in and managing a family where everyone but me has ADHD.
Trying to support different executive function needs across the household, while holding it all together, had taken a real toll on my wellbeing. And I’ve learned that my experience is far from unique. Many of the clients I support, especially non-ADHD partners or parents, share this same feeling of “going crazy” from constantly adapting to the needs of their loved ones.
Sometimes the greatest gift of an assessment is not a label, but a new perspective, one that validates your experience and guides you toward the support you didn’t even know you needed.
Personalized Recommendations
Based on the findings, you’ll receive tailored suggestions for support. These may include:
Psychoeducation to help you or your child better understand the diagnosis
Therapy (e.g., CBT, emotional regulation work)
ADHD coaching for skill-building and routine management
School accommodations like extended test time, movement breaks, or classroom support
Occupational therapy or speech therapy, if relevant
Medication, if deemed appropriate and after discussion with a prescribing doctor
Parent training or family support to help with structure and communication at home
Getting a diagnosis is just the beginning. The goal of an assessment isn’t only to put a name to what’s going on it’s to offer a roadmap for growth, support, and meaningful change.
Too often, we find ourselves trying to solve the wrong problem. We pour energy into fixing behaviors, improving motivation, or managing conflict without realizing that the root cause is something neurological and deeply misunderstood. This leads to frustration, self-doubt, and disappointment for everyone involved.
But with an accurate diagnosis, you’re no longer guessing. You can shift from reaction to understanding, from coping to strategizing. The right diagnosis doesn’t just explain the challenges it empowers you with direction. It helps you and your family move from a place of constant survival into one of stability, connection, and hope.
What Are the Treatment Options?
Treatment is highly individual. In Switzerland, a combined approach is common:
Medication (e.g. stimulants) may be recommended, especially when symptoms significantly impact daily life. They can also help you or your child learn new skills. I think of them as the key that can open the door.
Psychoeducation helps families understand ADHD and in my opinion should be mandatory education following a diagnosis. Without understanding the facts about ADHD many people struggle to manage it because they are focused on the wrong things losing time, causing frustration and continuing to struggle.
Behavioral strategies, coaching, or therapy help with practical skills, executive functions such as time management, planning and prioritizing and emotional regulation.
Support at school or work can be arranged once a diagnosis is confirmed.
It’s not one-size-fits-all and while medication can provide relief for many childen and adults, it should not be the only treatment option. Non-medication strategies such as coaching or therapy, as well as lifestyle changes such as exercise, nutrition and sleep should be considered a mandatory aspect of a comprehensive treatment plan to reduce the suffering caused by untreated ADHD.
Common Concerns About Getting Evaluated
Some parents worry about labeling their child too early. Adults may fear being seen as “making excuses” or about the stigma and whether a diagnosis will limit future opportunities.
But here’s what I’ve learned, Not knowing is harder.
Having an explanation for your, or your child’s struggles opens doors to support, to understanding, and to growth. It also helps provide the right treatment and support to prevent many of the consequences of untreated ADHD such as increased risks of comorbidities (e.g. anxiety and depression), risks of serious accidents, substance abuse, relationship and interpersonal challenges and divorce to name just a few.
An assessment isn’t a life sentence. It’s a tool, a lens by which we can view our experiences. One that helped us navigate things more clearly, both for our children and for ourselves as a couple.
Final Thoughts
If you're on the fence about an ADHD assessment I understand your fears and I want to encourage you to take that step. Yes, it’s a big step. But it can also be the beginning of real change and peace both at home and within yourself or your child.
If you're looking for support before, during, or after the assessment, I invite you to reach out. You're not supposed to have all the answers before you begin.
I’ve personally been through the process four times in total, with two children, with a partner and for myself. Professionally, I have accompanied many parents and adults as well and I am here for you should you be nervous and prefer not to go through it alone.
Quality of life and the connection within your family can improve dramatically with a proper diagnosis and treatment and I am happy to be there to support you every step of the way.
Book a complimentary ADHD support call here and we can discuss what support could look like for you and your family.