ADHD Assessment for Children
ADHD Assessment for ChildrenADHD Assessment for Children
Virtual ADHD assessments for children with a Registered Psychologist, serving Milton and families across Ontario.
Every child is distractible sometimes. But when trouble focusing, sitting still, following instructions or managing big feelings shows up day after day, at home and at school, parents often start to wonder whether something more is going on. Sometimes it's a teacher who raises it first.
An ADHD assessment with a Registered Psychologist looks carefully at your child's attention, behaviour, learning and emotional wellbeing, and at other things that can look like ADHD, so you can understand what's really happening and what will help.
Signs parents often notice
- Difficulty paying attention or finishing tasks, especially ones that aren't interesting
- Losing things, forgetting instructions or routines
- Being constantly on the go, fidgety or talking a lot
- Acting before thinking, interrupting or struggling to wait
- Frustration, meltdowns or low confidence about school
- Homework battles that leave everyone exhausted
How the assessment works
Parents are central to a child's assessment. Dr. Kerris begins by meeting with you to hear your concerns and gather a detailed developmental, medical, family and school history. She'll ask parents and teachers to complete standardized questionnaires about your child's behaviour in different settings, and may look at report cards or previous assessments.
Dr. Kerris also meets with your child online, at a level that suits their age, and may include testing of attention, thinking and learning skills. This helps tell ADHD apart from things that can look similar, such as learning difficulties, anxiety, sleep problems or stress, and shows where your child's strengths lie.
What you'll receive
At a feedback meeting, Dr. Kerris explains the results in plain language, including whether your child meets the criteria for ADHD, and talks through practical recommendations for home and school. You'll receive a written report you can share with your child's school to support an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or classroom accommodations, and with your family doctor or paediatrician.
Why Choose a Comprehensive Assessment Rather Than an Online Quiz?
Online ADHD and Autism quizzes or screening questionnaires can be useful starting points, but they cannot officially establish a diagnosis.
A comprehensive assessment by a psychologist goes further by examining developmental history, current functioning, strengths, challenges, and the possible influence of other psychological, medical, or environmental factors.
This means that, rather than relying on a single questionnaire score, Dr. Kerris integrates information from multiple sources using professional clinical judgment.
The goal isn't simply to determine whether someone meets diagnostic criteria. It's to develop a meaningful clinical picture that can guide appropriate recommendations and next steps.
About Dr. Kerris Oates
Assessments are provided by Dr. Kerris Oates, Ph.D., C.Psych., a Registered Psychologist with the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario since 2008. She has worked in private practice, multidisciplinary medical clinics, educational settings and specialized mental health programs, and is an Assistant Clinical Professor at McMaster University's Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine. Her approach is warm, collaborative, culturally responsive and strengths-based.
Our Team
Your Psychologist
Read a therapist's profile to learn about their approach, or book a free consultation and we'll help you find the right fit.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a child's ADHD assessment be done virtually?
Yes. Dr. Kerris completes assessments online. Parents take part in interviews and questionnaires, teachers can complete forms electronically, and your child meets with Dr. Kerris by secure video. At your first consultation she'll talk with you about how the process will work for your child.
Will the school accept the report?
Schools generally accept reports from a Registered Psychologist when planning supports such as an IEP or classroom accommodations. Decisions about supports are made by the school, but the report gives them clear information and recommendations.
What if my child doesn't have ADHD?
An assessment may or may not find ADHD. Either way, it helps explain what's getting in the way, whether that's a learning difficulty, anxiety or something else, and what to do next.
Can the psychologist prescribe medication?
Psychologists in Ontario can assess and diagnose ADHD, but they don't prescribe medication. If medication is something you'd like to explore, you can share the report with your family doctor, paediatrician or psychiatrist.
Is a child's ADHD assessment covered by insurance?
Private psychological assessments aren't covered by OHIP. Many extended health benefit plans cover services by a Registered Psychologist, usually up to an annual maximum, and we provide a receipt for you to submit. Contact us for current assessment fees, and check your plan's coverage before you start.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Book online or contact us to get started. Assessments are completed virtually, so you or your child can take part from home anywhere in Ontario.