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Possible signs of ADHD: what to look for and where to get help

Your child is restless, acts on impulse, and finds it hard to focus at home and school.

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Understanding suspected ADHD

Many parents worry when they notice their child is developing differently from other children the same age. These feelings are common, and help is available. Many allied health professionals in Australia work with children in this area.

Below are the services that most often help children with suspected ADHD, and what each one does.

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Providers who can help with suspected ADHD

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Cost & funding

Fees depend on the service, the provider and the length of the session. Ask each provider for their fees before the first visit.

An ADHD assessment usually starts with your GP, who can refer your child to a paediatrician. With a GP referral, Medicare pays a rebate for the paediatrician visit. Ask each provider for the full cost of an assessment before you book. For psychology sessions, Medicare pays a rebate when your GP writes a Mental Health Treatment Plan and a referral first.

If your child has an NDIS plan that includes these supports, you can use it. If your plan is self-managed or plan-managed, you can also use providers that are not NDIS registered. If the NDIA manages your plan, you must use registered providers.

  • ADHD assessment fees

    $1,240–$1,800

    The middle half of fees on 33 provider websites, April 2026.

  • NDIS price limit

    $252.99 an hour

    For therapy, not the assessment. Psychology, 2026–27.

Note: NDIS price limits are the national maximums for NDIA-managed and plan-managed plans (NDIS Pricing Schedule 2026–27); remote areas have higher limits. Medicare rebates are from MBS Online, 1 July 2026. Providers can charge more than the rebate. Assessment fees come from provider websites in April 2026.

Work out what you might pay: cost calculatorRead our guide to NDIS early intervention funding

Frequently asked questions

What are the possible signs of ADHD in children?

ADHD signs fall into two groups: inattention, and hyperactivity or impulsivity. Inattention can look like trouble focusing, forgetting instructions, and moving from one task to another without finishing the last one. Hyperactivity and impulsivity can look like restlessness, trouble staying still, talking a lot, constant fidgeting, and acting without thinking.

Does a child who fidgets or loses focus have ADHD?

One sign is not enough for a diagnosis. A child must have several signs of either inattention or hyperactivity and impulsivity, or both, in two or more settings, such as at home and at school. For very young children, attention, concentration and impulse control are still developing. The Royal Children's Hospital says a child may be inattentive, impulsive or hyperactive for other reasons, such as a health condition, emotional problems, learning troubles, hearing issues or poor-quality sleep.

Who can diagnose ADHD in a child, and where do I start?

Start by seeing your child's doctor. Only health professionals with special training can diagnose ADHD in children. Paediatricians and psychiatrists who work with children can assess for ADHD. Psychologists can also assess for ADHD, but they cannot prescribe medicine.

How do doctors decide if a child has ADHD?

There is no single test for ADHD. Health professionals gather information from many sources to get a full picture of your child's behaviour. This can include an interview with you and your child, questionnaires filled in by you and your child's teacher, and a check of your child's physical and mental health. You can still get help even if your child does not get a diagnosis of ADHD.

Does a child with ADHD always need medicine?

No, there are two ways to manage ADHD symptoms: with or without medicine. Positive parenting strategies, school support and counselling will help most children with ADHD. A doctor may suggest medicine if ADHD is having a big impact on your child's life. Even when a child takes medicine, it works best when used with other strategies.

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