ADHD assessments and medication in Perth
Many families find Perth Kids Hub because they are seeking an ADHD assessment, often due to challenges at school, at home, or socially and because medication is being considered.
In Western Australia, ADHD assessment and treatment works differently to some other states, which is why access to paediatricians and child and adolescent psychiatrists can feel particularly difficult.
ADHD in girls and high-masking children
Many girls and high-masking children are missed in early years because they may not appear disruptive.
Instead, you might see:
- Daydreaming or “zoning out”
- Perfectionism
- Anxiety
- Social exhaustion
- Emotional sensitivity
- Late diagnosis in upper primary or high school
If this sounds familiar, you are not imagining it. Trust your instincts and seek an assessment if you have concerns.
FAQs
ADHD can be assessed by a range of professionals, including psychologists, paediatricians and psychiatrists. However, what you are hoping to achieve through assessment matters.
- Psychologists can assess ADHD and provide a diagnosis
- Paediatricians and child and adolescent psychiatrists can diagnose ADHD and prescribe medication.
If medication is likely to be part of your child’s treatment plan, a paediatrician or psychiatrist will be required at some point.
In Western Australia:
- Stimulant ADHD medication can only be initiated by a paediatrician, child and adolescent psychiatrist or neurologist
- GPs cannot start stimulant medication
- Once a child is stable on medication, some families move to a shared care arrangement with their GP or Nurse Practitioner.
Because of these regulations, demand for clinicians who assess and manage ADHD is extremely high, and waitlists are often long. This is a system-wide issue and not a reflection of your child’s needs or urgency.
Within the public system, the government provides a free (government funded) Child Development Service (CDS) that includes developmental paediatrician services. Families can find information about referral to this service at CAHS | Child and Adolescent Health Service – Referral information or by contacting CDS directly on 1300 551 827.
There continues to be an increasing demand for developmental services, including developmental paediatrician services, across both the public and private sectors and this has led to long waiting times for services. The increase in demand is not unique to WA but reflective of an issue across Australia, New Zealand and many other countries.
The Child Development Service continues to prioritise children based on clinical need and age at referral to the service. In practice this often means that school-aged children will wait much longer than those aged under five years to see a paediatrician through the public year. In many cases up to four years.
Many Perth families start with non-pharmacological options including:
- Psychology support (emotional regulation, anxiety, behaviour and executive functioning)
- Occupational therapy (attention, sensory processing and daily functioning)
- School adjustments and learning supports
- Parent education or ADHD coaching
These supports can be beneficial regardless of whether medication is ultimately recommended.
It may be helpful for a family to make an appointment with their GP to discuss their concerns for their child, including any sleep, diet or mental health concerns and whether a Mental Health Treatment Plan or Chronic Diseases Management Plan would be of benefit in helping provide access to relevant allied health services, such as occupational therapy or psychology support.
Your GP
Your GP plays a central role in:
- Understanding your concerns for your child including any sleep, diet or mental health concerns
- Referrals and triage
- Ruling out medical factors (e.g. iron deficiency, thyroid issues, hearing or vision concerns)
- Supporting your child and family while you wait
- Access to early intervention or allied health services through Mental Health Plans or Chronic Disease Management Plans
Booking a long appointment and bringing a clear summary of concerns can make a big difference.
CDS has launched some new resources for families which may be helpful. These are available on the CAHS website CAHS | Child and Adolescent Health Service – Child Development Service
The Child and Adolescent Health Service’s Kids Health Matters podcast also includes useful information on common concerns affecting families today – everything from sleep and theimportant support your child health nurse can offer through the early years of a child’s life, to managing food allergies, the risks of vaping, ADHD and strategies to support a young person through depression or a mental health crisis.
If you are seeking an ADHD assessment, you may need to see:
Paediatricians
Developmental or general paediatricians can assess, diagnose and manage ADHD, including prescribing medication if appropriate.
Child and Adolescent Psychologists
Psychologists can conduct cognitive and behavioural assessments and contribute to diagnostic reports.
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry specialists may assess and manage more complex presentations, including co-occurring mental health conditions.
Tip: Many services require a GP referral. Waitlists can be long, so it is worth joining multiple lists and checking for updates regularly.
A diagnosis is only the beginning. Many families say the real work begins afterwards: building strategies, strengthening confidence, and creating environments where their child can thrive.
Psychology
Support for emotional regulation, anxiety, self-esteem, social skills and behaviour strategies.
Occupational Therapy
Helps with executive functioning, sensory processing, motor coordination and daily routines.
ADHD Coaching
Practical, strengths-based support for organisation, planning, study skills and independence — particularly helpful for older children and teens.
Learning Support & Tutoring
For children with ADHD and co-occurring learning differences such as dyslexia, dysgraphia or dyscalculia.
School Advocacy & Educational Support
Guidance with Individual Education Plans (IEPs), classroom adjustments and communication with schools.
Medication Management
When appropriate, stimulant or non-stimulant medications may be prescribed and monitored by a paediatrician or psychiatrist.
There is no one-size-fits-all plan. ADHD support works best when tailored to your child’s unique profile.
Building your child's ADHD support team in Perth
Perth Kids Hub helps you find:
- Paediatricians accepting referrals
- Psychologists with ADHD experience
- Occupational therapists
- ADHD coaches
- Educational consultants
- Speech pathologists
- Counsellors and social workers
- Allied health clinics with availability updates
All listed providers are based in Perth and Western Australia and work with children and adolescents.