ADHD Assessments for Children (13+) in Kitchener-Waterloo

Are you looking for clarity about your child’s focus, behavior, or school struggles? We understand that as a parent, it’s hard to see your teen having a difficult time.

At Transformation Counselling, we offer comprehensive ADHD psychological assessments for adolescents aged 13 and up in the Kitchener-Waterloo region.

Many kids with ADHD have wonderfully imaginative minds and great, but they may also have trouble with things like staying organized, sitting still, or paying attention.

Whether your teen has been struggling in school, seems constantly “on the go,” or is easily distracted despite their efforts, we’re here to help. You’re in the right place to get answers, support, and a plan forward for your child.

Why Consider an ADHD Assessment for Your Child?

ADHD (Attention‑Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a common neurodevelopmental condition that affects a child’s attention span, impulse control, and activity level. All children can be energetic or lose focus once in a while; what’s different about ADHD is that these behaviors are far more frequent, intense, and persistent than is typical for the child’s age.

ADHD affects approximately 5–9% of children in Canada (camh.ca), so if you suspect it in your teen, you are not alone. (In fact, experts note ADHD is often diagnosed more in boys, while girls may be underdiagnosed due to less obvious symptoms (camh.ca).

Getting an assessment is important because timely identification of ADHD is crucial – untreated ADHD can negatively impact your child’s academic performance, relationships with friends and family, and self-esteem (childrenscolorado.org).

When ADHD is left unaddressed, it can hinder a child’s learning, confidence, and overall mental health (groveslearning.org). On the other hand, the sooner your child’s ADHD symptoms are recognized and properly managed (through strategies like therapy, support at school, or sometimes medication), the more they can thrive and succeed in school and life (groveslearning.org).

In short, an ADHD assessment is the first step to understanding your child’s challenges and getting them the help they need to reach their full potential.

What an ADHD Assessment Can Provide:

Clear answers and peace of mind: You’ll finally find out whether ADHD is part of what’s affecting your child. This clarity can bring peace of mind – whether the answer is “yes, it’s ADHD” or “no, it’s something else,” you’ll gain insight into what’s going on. A diagnosis can also help your child understand themselves better. Children with ADHD often develop negative beliefs like “I’m just stupid or lazy” when they struggle at school or get in trouble. Knowing that they have ADHD (a real condition, not a personal failing) can help them see that it’s not their fault and replace self-blame with understanding and hopetheautismservice.co.uk.

1. Support at school and home: An official diagnosis can open doors to extra support for your child. Families often find that getting an ADHD diagnosis prompts teachers and schools to make helpful changes and accommodations for their childtheautismservice.co.uk. For example, your teen might receive additional educational support, classroom strategies, or an Individual Education Plan (IEP/504 plan) tailored to their needs. The assessment report provides a documented foundation for these accommodationsgroveslearning.org, so you can advocate for things like extra time on tests or a seating arrangement that minimizes distractions. In short, the results give you leverage to ensure your child gets the understanding and help they deserve in their learning environment.

2. Access to effective treatments: Although it’s a personal choice, many people with ADHD benefit from treatments like behavior therapy or medication. For instance, modern ADHD medications (such as stimulants) can help a person concentrate better, control impulses, and follow through with tasks. However, to explore options like medication, a formal diagnosis of ADHD is usually required (theautismservice.co.uk). By completing an assessment, you put all the treatment options on the table. We’ll also guide you on non-medication strategies (like parenting techniques or coaching) that can make life easier for your child. With a diagnosis in hand, you can confidently pursue the mix of supports that works best for your family.

3. Better long-term outcomes: Research suggests that undiagnosed or unsupported ADHD can lead to poorer outcomes in the long run, including lower academic achievement and challenges with mental health or even finances and relationships in adulthood (theautismservice.co.uk). ADHD is often an underlying factor in other issues like anxiety, depression, or risky behaviors that can emerge, especially if a child doesn’t get the help they need. A timely diagnosis is important to set your child up for a happier life and enable them to achieve their potential (theautismservice.co.uk). Early intervention can improve your teen’s daily life right now (by reducing homework struggles and conflict at home) and also help prevent bigger problems down the road. In short, identifying ADHD and learning how to manage it gives your child a much stronger foundation for future success.

Above all, an ADHD assessment is about empowerment – for both you and your child. It turns uncertainty into understanding. Rather than feeling frustrated or in the dark about why your teen is struggling, you’ll have an explanation and a way forward. Many parents and teens feel a sense of relief just knowing what’s going on. ADHD does not define your child’s worth or potential; it’s simply a condition that can be managed with the right strategies. Our goal is to arm you with knowledge and resources so your teen can shine.

Our ADHD Assessment Process at Transformation Counselling

We follow a family-friendly, evidence-based assessment process that helps you and your teen feel supported from the very first call to the final feedback meeting. Our approach mirrors the best-practice guidelines for ADHD evaluations in Ontario – meaning it’s thorough, professional, and centered on your child’s well-being. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Intake & Pre-Screening

Getting started is easy. You’ll begin by filling out a brief intake form or giving us a call to share your concerns – for example, difficulties with focus, hyperactivity, organization, or any relevant history. In this initial contact, we’ll make sure our service is appropriate for your child (remember, we currently assess ages 13 and up). We might ask you to gather any relevant documents (for instance, report cards, previous assessments, or teacher notes) that could give us background on your teen’s struggles. We’ll then schedule a convenient time for your first assessment session. Our team is happy to answer any initial questions you have so that you and your teen know what to expect.

2. Clinical Interview & Questionnaires

For the main assessment session, you and your teen will meet with our registered psychologist (either in-person at our K-W office, or via secure video, whichever is most comfortable and appropriate). This session is essentially a conversation and information-gathering time. We’ll discuss your child’s development and history, from early childhood through their current teenage years, as well as their daily life at home and school. We want to build a full picture of your teen’s challenges and strengths. You, as a parent, will provide valuable perspective on things like when the symptoms started and how they have evolved. (By standard diagnostic criteria, ADHD symptoms must have been present before age 12 (childrenscolorado.org), so exploring early signs is important.) We’ll also talk with your teen in a warm, supportive way about what they experience day to day – for example, how they handle schoolwork, organization, and friendships.

In addition to the interview, you and your teen will complete some standard ADHD rating scales and questionnaires. These are checklists that measure things like inattention, impulsivity, and executive functioning difficulties. We often ask both the parent and the teen to fill these out, and sometimes a teacher or another important adult (with your permission) as well. This is because ADHD symptoms must appear in more than one setting (for instance, at home and at school) to be diagnosed (camh.ca). Hearing from multiple perspectives ensures we aren’t basing conclusions on just one environment.

Don’t worry, these questionnaires aren’t tests you need to “study” for, and there are no right or wrong answers. They simply help quantify the behaviors and challenges your child faces.

A note on testing: Parents often ask if an ADHD assessment is just “filling out a quick form.” Not quite! We use forms, yes, but that’s only one part. Our assessment involves a thorough interview, symptom checklists, and possibly some cognitive activities. The aim is to get a full picture of your child, it’s not just a simple check-box quiz. We take the time to understand the context of your teen’s behavior, not just the symptoms in isolation.

Throughout this step, we’re also looking to rule out other explanations. We’ll ask about your teen’s overall health, sleep, mood, and so on, because difficulties with focus can sometimes be influenced by other factors (like anxiety, trauma, or even vision/hearing problems). Our psychologists knows how to differentiate ADHD from other issues that might look similar.

3. Additional Testing (as needed)

Every child is unique. Depending on your teen’s situation and the questions that arise during the interview, we may recommend some additional testing to ensure we cover all bases. This could include cognitive or neuropsychological tests that measure things like memory, attention span, problem-solving skills, or academic achievement. These tests are especially useful if there’s a possibility of a learning disability or another developmental issue. For example, trouble focusing in class might also be related to an underlying reading difficulty, we want to identify that if it’s present.

We’ll tailor the depth of the assessment to your child’s needs – not every case requires a full day of testing or an extensive battery of exams. However, if something is unclear, these tests can provide objective data. They also help us rule out or identify co-occurring conditions. It’s very common for ADHD to exist alongside other challenges: in fact, about 78% of youth with ADHD have at least one co-occurring condition (such as anxiety, behavior disorders, learning disabilities, or depression) (childrenscolorado.org). We are mindful of this. If we suspect another issue is contributing to your teen’s struggles, we will either test for it or refer you to someone who can. Our goal in this step is to make sure nothing gets missed, we want a comprehensive understanding, so your child gets the right help.

(If no extra testing is needed beyond the interview and questionnaires, that’s okay too! We won’t put your teen through any unnecessary assessments. We only add tests when they could clarify the diagnosis or uncover other important information.)

4. Feedback & Report

Once we’ve gathered all the information (interviews, questionnaires, any test results, etc.), our psychologist will carefully analyze everything and compile a detailed report. This psychological assessment report will clearly summarize the findings in plain language. It will cover key points such as:

• What we observed and learned: A summary of your teen’s profile including; strengths, challenges, and the patterns that emerged from the assessment.

• Diagnosis: Whether your child meets the criteria for ADHD (and which type, if so, e.g. Primarily Inattentive, Hyperactive/Impulsive, or Combined type) according to the diagnostic guidelines. We’ll explain this in understandable terms, so you know exactly what it means.

• Other factors: Any other contributing factors or co-occurring issues that were identified. For example, we might note signs of an anxiety disorder, mood difficulties, or learning differences if those came up in the assessment. We don’t want to overlook anything that could be affecting your child.

• Recommendations: Our professional recommendations for next steps and support. This section is like an action plan for how to help your teen move forward. It will be personalized to your child’s needs, but can include suggestions such as ADHD-focused therapy or coaching, parenting strategies, classroom accommodations, study/organization tools, and whether a medication evaluation is something to consider with a physician.

After the report is written, we’ll schedule a feedback session with you (and your teen, if appropriate) to go through the results together. In this meeting, the psychologist will explain the findings and make sure all of your questions are answered. We know this is a lot of information, so we take the time to ensure you understand everything. You will also receive a copy of the report for your records. This report can be shared (with your permission) with your child’s school or family doctor or anyone else who is involved in supporting your teen, so that everyone is on the same page moving forward.

5. Next Steps & Support

The assessment is just the beginning – once you have answers, we’re here to help with the next steps. What this looks like can vary depending on the results:

• If your child is diagnosed with ADHD: We will discuss with you what this means and outline options to support your teen. This can include therapeutic support (for example, counseling or coaching to build organization and coping skills), strategies for home and school (like establishing routines or getting classroom accommodations), and possibly a referral to your family doctor or a psychiatrist to talk about medication. (Many families at least consider medication for ADHD, and our role is to provide the diagnostic report that the doctor would require to prescribe, as well as to help you weigh that decision in an informed way.) We want you to leave with a clear roadmap of resources and recommendations to help your teen thrive with ADHD.

• If the assessment shows your child does not have ADHD: That’s okay, too. Not every attention or behavior issue is ADHD, and in those cases the assessment is still incredibly valuable. We’ll explain what else may be contributing to your child’s difficulties. For example, perhaps we found signs of an anxiety disorder, autism spectrum traits, or an executive functioning weakness. Whatever the case, you will still get guidance on how to address those findings. The goal is that you walk away with answers and an action plan, even if the answer isn’t ADHD. Sometimes just knowing what isn’t the issue brings relief and points you in the right direction to get the proper help.

• Ongoing support: Whether or not an ADHD diagnosis is made, some families choose to continue with counseling or coaching to work on the challenges identified. We have a team of compassionate therapists who can work with your teen (and/or with you as parents) on things like improving focus and study habits, managing impulsive behavior, boosting self-esteem, or handling any emotional struggles. If you decide to pursue therapy or any follow-up services, we’ll be ready to help, so you’re not left on your own after the assessment. Our aim is to set your family up for success in the long run.

Throughout this journey, we emphasize that an ADHD diagnosis does not change who your child is – it just gives you a clearer lens to understand them. Many successful people have ADHD; with the right support, your teen can leverage their strengths and overcome their challenges. After our assessment and feedback, you’ll be equipped with knowledge, documentation, and next steps to confidently support your child.

Why Choose Transformation Counselling for Your Teen’s ADHD Assessment?

We know you have options when it comes to seeking an ADHD assessment for your child. Here are a few reasons families in Kitchener-Waterloo trust us to help their teens:

• Experienced with adolescents: Our assessments are conducted by a licensed psychologist who has specialized experience working with teens and young adults. We understand that ADHD can look different in a 14-year-old than it does in a younger child or an adult. Teens are going through a lot – puberty, high school pressures, growing independence – and ADHD can add another layer to those challenges. We approach each adolescent with respect, patience, and a genuine understanding of teen development. (We also ensure our approach is age-appropriate – for instance, we won’t use test activities that are too “kiddie” or, on the flip side, too advanced for your teen’s age.)

• Family-centered and compassionate approach: We pride ourselves on being friendly and empathetic. From the moment you contact us, you’ll be met with warmth and understanding. We know that coming in for a psychological assessment can make some kids (and parents!) a bit anxious. That’s why we create a relaxed, welcoming environment. Our psychologist explains things in kid-friendly terms and takes breaks during testing if needed. We also involve parents as partners – your insights and concerns are valued throughout the process. Our goal is that both you and your teen feel heard, supported, and comfortable every step of the way.

• Comprehensive, evidence-based process: At Transformation Counselling, we don’t cut corners. Our ADHD assessment process is thorough and aligns with established best practices (such as those recommended by pediatric and psychological associations). We gather information from multiple sources (parent, teen, possibly teachers) and use validated tools to ensure an accurate diagnosis. By considering the whole picture, we avoid the risk of misdiagnosis or overlooking something important. This comprehensive approach means you can have confidence in the results. (In fact, some families come to us after an overly quick assessment elsewhere left them with doubts – we take the time to do it right.)

• Nuanced understanding of ADHD: ADHD isn’t one-size-fits-all, and we get that. For example, one teen might be classically hyperactive and bouncing off the walls, while another might be quietly daydreaming and missed by teachers. We are mindful of gender and personality differences – research shows that girls, for instance, are often underdiagnosed because their ADHD symptoms tend to be less overtcamh.ca. Rest assured, we look beyond the stereotypes. We recognize that ADHD can present as inattentiveness, disorganization, and forgetfulness just as much as it can present as hyperactivity and impulsivity. By being attuned to these nuances, we strive to give every child a fair and accurate evaluation.

• Local expertise with connections: We’re a local Kitchener-Waterloo practice, and we understand the Ontario school system and community resources available for your family. If your teen is in high school or preparing for post-secondary, we’re knowledgeable about the kinds of supports (like IEPs, 504 plans, or exam accommodations) that local schools and colleges provide for students with ADHD. We can guide you on how to communicate with your child’s school and what to ask for. Being rooted in the community also means we can refer you to trusted local specialists if needed (for example, a pediatrician or psychiatrist for medication, or a tutor who has experience with ADHD learners).

• Continuous support and follow-up: Choosing us for the assessment means you’re not just getting a one-time service. We truly care about the outcome for your child. After the assessment, if you have questions or new concerns down the line, you can reach back out – we’re here for you. Many of our assessment clients continue with therapy services or periodic consultations, and we’re happy to be part of that ongoing journey. Our mission is to not only identify ADHD, but also to help your teen adapt and flourish with that knowledge.

• Flexible and accessible services: We know life with kids and teens is busy! That’s why we offer flexible scheduling, including some evening or weekend appointments, to accommodate school hours and family routines. Our office is conveniently located and teen-friendly (with free parking available), and we also provide virtual consultation options if you live farther away or prefer remote meetings. We strive to make the process as convenient and stress-free as possible for both you and your child. Also, during the assessment we explain the process clearly – you’ll always know what’s happening and why, which can put everyone at ease.

In summary, at Transformation Counselling you’ll find professionals who are knowledgeable about ADHD and who truly care about kids and families. We blend expertise with empathy. We take pride in guiding you from that first inquiry, through the assessment, to the point where you have answers and a plan. When you choose us, you’re not just getting an assessment - you’re gaining a supportive team dedicated to helping your child succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD Assessments

Have another question that wasn’t covered here? Feel free to contact us by phone or email – our team is very approachable and will gladly provide the information you need.

Ready to Get Started with an ADHD Assessment?

Taking the first step can feel daunting, but you’ve come this far – and getting answers could make a world of difference for your child. If you’re ready to pursue an ADHD assessment for your teen, we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible.

Click below to book a free ADHD consultation with our psychologist. In this brief consultation, we’ll discuss your concerns and explain how we can help, so you can move forward with confidence. There are no wait-lists – we strive to schedule your child’s assessment at the earliest convenient time for your family.

Have Questions or Concerns?

We understand that you might have worries or uncertainties about the assessment process. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can fill out our contact form below or give our office a call, and someone from our team will respond within 1 business day. No question is too small – we’re here to help you make the best decision for your child.

Embarking on an ADHD assessment is not just about getting a label – it’s about understanding your child better: their unique brain, their challenges, and their strengths. It’s about empowering your family with knowledge and paving the way for a more focused, confident future for your teen. We’re honored to support you on this journey and look forward to helping your child unlock their full potential.

Let’s take this important step together towards clarity and support for your teen. We’re ready when you are!

Our Kitchener-Waterloo Office

Address: 22 King St S, Waterloo, ON N2J 1N8

Unit 103 and 404

Email: admin@transformationcounselling.com

Phone Number: (519) 954-4900

Fax Number: (437) 296-0654