NEURODIVERGENT kids HUB
ADHD support
for kids in Perth
Maybe it’s the homework meltdowns. The teacher saying “she’s bright, she just needs to apply herself”. Or the constant motion, from the moment they wake up to the moment they finally, finally fall asleep.
If you’re wondering whether attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might explain what’s happening for your child, you can start here.
ADHD
One of the most common
neurodevelopmental differences
ADHD is a difference in how the brain manages attention, impulses and energy. It’s not bad parenting. It’s not laziness or naughtiness. It’s one of the most common neurodevelopmental differences in childhood.
Kids with ADHD often have real strengths. Creativity, energy, humour, and the ability to focus intensely on the things they love. The challenges show up when the world expects them to sit still, wait their turn and remember their hat, lunchbox and homework folder all at once.
ADHD doesn’t always look like the bouncing-off-the-walls stereotype.
Some children, often girls, are quietly inattentive.
They daydream, lose things, drift off mid task and hold it together at school before falling apart at home.
This presentation gets missed more often, and many Perth families only start asking questions once school demands ramp up.
Signs parents often notice
- Trouble starting or finishing tasks
- Easily distracted
- Forgetting instructions seconds after hearing them
- Big emotional reactions that blow over quickly
- Constant fidgeting, talking or moving
- Losing belongings on repeat
Every child does some of these sometimes.
The question is whether they happen more often, more intensely and in more settings than for other kids the same age. Only a proper assessment can answer that.
How ADHD assessment works in Perth
There’s no single ADHD test. A good assessment usually involves a detailed history, questionnaires from home and school, and time with a clinician who knows what to look for.
In Western Australia, ADHD in children is usually diagnosed by a paediatrician or a child and adolescent psychiatrist.
Psychologists can also assess for ADHD, which can be valuable for understanding learning and attention, though decisions about medication sit with medical specialists.
The waitlists.
Waitlists for developmental paediatricians in Perth are long, and many have closed their books.
Perth Kids Hub keeps a regularly updated list of paediatricians and psychiatrists showing who is accepting new referrals — so you don’t have to ring thirty clinics to find out.
Here's what to do next
Find ADHD support in Perth
These searches are pre-filtered to providers who are accepting new referrals right now.
Common questions from Perth parents
Do I need a referral for an ADHD assessment?
You’ll need a GP referral to see a paediatrician or psychiatrist. Most psychologists don’t require a referral, though having one can open up Medicare rebates. When in doubt, ask the clinic when you enquire.
Can a psychologist diagnose ADHD?
Yes they can, but they cannot prescribe medication.
Can my daughter have ADHD if she’s not hyperactive?
Yes. Inattentive ADHD is real and common, and it’s the presentation most often missed in girls. If she’s holding it together at school and unravelling at home, that’s worth mentioning to your GP, because it’s a pattern assessors specifically ask about.
How much does an ADHD assessment cost in Perth?
Costs vary widely depending on the route you take and the provider. Medicare rebates may apply for specialist appointments with a referral. Always ask for a full breakdown, including any report fees, before booking.
Can the school diagnose ADHD?
No, schools can’t diagnose. But teacher observations carry real weight in an assessment, and schools can put supports in place before any diagnosis is made. Ask for a meeting with your child’s teacher as an early step.
What about medication?
Medication is one option among several, and it’s a decision you make with your paediatrician or psychiatrist, never something you have to rush. In WA, ADHD medication for children is generally started by a specialist. Many families combine it with therapy supports, and some don’t use it at all.
