Why Many Families Wait (And Why You Don’t Have To)

It’s very common for parents to delay support because they are:

• Unsure if it’s ADHD
• Waiting for an assessment
• Concerned about labels
• Not sure where to start

But in reality:
Support is based on your child’s needs, not just a diagnosis.

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What Can Be Supported Without a Diagnosis?

Many of the challenges associated with ADHD can be supported early, including:

• Attention and focus
• Emotional regulation
• Impulsivity
• Daily routines
• Behaviour patterns
• Social skills

These areas can be addressed without needing a formal diagnosis first.

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Why Early Support Matters

Starting support early can:

• Reduce frustration for your child
• Improve family routines
• Build confidence and skills
• Prevent challenges from escalating

Early support is often more effective than waiting.

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What ADHD Support Might Look Like

Occupational Therapy (OT)

• Strategies to improve attention and focus
• Sensory regulation support
• Building routines and structure

​Psychology Support

• Emotional regulation strategies
• Behaviour support
• Coping skills

Parent Coaching

• Practical strategies for home
• Understanding behaviour patterns
• Supporting your child day-to-day

School Strategies

• Supporting learning and attention
• Communication with teachers
• Classroom adjustments

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But What If It Turns Out Not to Be ADHD?

This is a common concern.
The strategies used to support ADHD-related challenges:

• Help a wide range of children
• Are not harmful if ADHD is not present
• Focus on building skills, not labels​​​

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When Should I Consider an Assessment?

​You may still consider an assessment if:

• You want diagnostic clarity
• Your child is struggling significantly
• You need documentation for school or supports
• You want a more detailed understanding

ADHD Assessment

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You Don’t Have to Choose One or the Other

This is important:
❌ It’s not “support OR assessment”
✅ It’s often “support AND assessment (if needed)”

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Common Questions Parents Ask

“Will starting support affect a future diagnosis?”
​No. Support does not interfere with assessment outcomes.

“Do I need a referral to start support?”
Not always. Some services can be accessed directly.

“What if I’m not sure yet?”
You don’t need certainty to start exploring support options.

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How We Support Children Without a Diagnosis

At Belong Health, we regularly support children who:

• Are showing early signs of ADHD
• Are on waitlists for assessment
• Are still in the exploration stage

​We focus on:

• Understanding your child
• Building practical strategies
• Supporting your family

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Services Available
​

• Occupational Therapy
• Psychology Assessments
• Positive Behaviour Supports (PBS)
• Counselling
• Telehealth services across WA

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How We Can Support You

At Belong Health, we help families understand their child’s behaviour and explore the right next steps, whether that’s reassurance, strategies, or further assessment.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

• Attention and concentration strategies
• Sensory processing and regulation
• Daily routines and organisation
• Emotional regulation support

​Speech Pathology (SP)

• Listening and comprehension skills
• Social communication
• Following instructions
• Language processing support

Counselling

• Emotional regulation and coping
• Anxiety and self-esteem support
• Managing frustration and behaviour
• Supporting older children and adolescents

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

• Understanding behaviour patterns
• Reducing challenging behaviours
• Practical strategies for home and school
• Family and caregiver support

Psychology Assessments

• Comprehensive ADHD assessments
• Cognitive and behavioural profiling
• Diagnostic clarification
• Detailed reports and recommendations

​
Parent Support & Coaching

• Practical, real-world strategies
• Building consistent routines
• Understanding your child’s behaviour
• Ongoing guidance and support

​School Support

• Communication with educators
• Classroom strategies
• Supporting learning environments

Telehealth Across WA

• Access support from anywhere
• Ideal for rural and regional families
• Flexible support options

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Not Sure?

You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out.
If you’re noticing challenges and want guidance, we can help you explore the next steps.


Book a free 20-minute call with our team
Contact our team to discuss your child and what support might look like.
Our team is here to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us an email here

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Have a question? or need more information

Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us a message

13 Littleton st, Falcon

Phone: 08 9586 3934

EMAIL US

OFFICE HOURS:         MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8:30am - 4:30pm

BELONG HEALTH'S Paediatric Occupational Therapy SERVICES FOR Perth region

A: Alexander Heights, Alfred Cove, Applecross, Applecross North, Ardross, Armadale, Ascot, Ashby, Ashfield, Attadale, Atwell, Aubin Grove, Aveley
B: Balcatta, Balga, Ballajura, Banjup, Banksia Grove, Baskerville, Bassendean, Bateman, Bayswater, Beaconsfield, Beckenham, Bedford, Bedfordale, Beechboro, Beeliar, Beldon, Belhus, Bellevue, Belmont, Bennett Springs, Bentley, Bibra Lake, Bicton, Booragoon, Boya, Brabham, Brentwood, Brigadoon, Broadway Nedlands, Brookdale, Bull Creek, Burns Beach, Burswood, Bushmead, Butler
C: Canning Vale, Cannington, Carabooda, Carine, Carlisle, Carramar, Caversham, Champion Lakes, Churchlands, City Beach, Claremont, Clarkson, Cloverdale, Cockburn Central, Como, Connolly, Coogee, Coolbellup, Coolbinia, Cottesloe, Craigie, Crawley, Currambine
D: Daglish, Dalkeith, Darch, Darlington, Dayton, Dianella, Dog Swamp, Doubleview, Duncraig
E: East Cannington, East Fremantle, East Perth, East Victoria Park, Eden Hill, Edgewater, Ellenbrook, Embleton
F: Ferndale, Floreat, Forrestdale, Forrestfield, Fremantle
G: Gidgegannup, Girrawheen, Glen Forrest, Glendalough, Glengarry, Gnangara, Gosnells, Greenmount, Greenwood, Guildford, Gwelup
H: Hamersley, Hamilton Hill, Hammond Park, Harrisdale, Haynes, Hazelmere, Heathridge, Helena Valley, Henderson, Henley Brook, Herdsman, Herne Hill, High Wycombe, Highgate, Hilbert, Hillarys, Hilton, Hocking, Hovea, Huntingdale
I: Iluka, Inglewood, Innaloo, Jandabup, Jandakot, Jane Brook, Jindalee, Jolimont, Joondalup, Joondanna
K: Kallaroo, Karawara, Kardinya, Karragullen, Karrakatta, Karrinyup, Kelmscott, Kensington, Kenwick, Kewdale, Kiara, Kings Park, Kingsley, Kingsway, Kinross, Koondoola, Koongamia
L: Landsdale, Langford, Lathlain, Leederville, Leeming, Lexia, Lockridge, Lynwood
M: Maddington, Madeley, Mahogany Creek, Maida Vale, Malaga, Manning, Marangaroo, Mariginiup, Marmion, Martin, Maylands, Melaleuca, Melville, Menora, Merriwa, Middle Swan, Midland, Midvale, Millendon, Mindarie, Mirrabooka, Morangup, Morley, Mosman Park, Mount Claremont, Mount Hawthorn, Mount Lawley, Mount Nasura, Mount Pleasant, Mount Richon, Mullaloo, Munster, Murdoch, Myaree
N: Nedlands, Neerabup, Nollamara, Noranda, North Beach, North Coogee, North Fremantle, North Lake, North Perth, Northbridge, Nowergup
O: O'connor, Ocean Reef, Orange Grove, Osborne Park
P: Padbury, Palmyra, Parkerville, Parkwood, Pearsall, Peppermint Grove, Perth, Piara Waters, Pinjar, Queens Park, Quinns Rocks
R: Red Hill, Redcliffe, Ridgewood, Riverton, Rivervale, Roleystone, Rossmoyne, Rottnest Island
S: Salter Point, Samson, Sawyers Valley, Scarborough, Seville Grove, Shelley, Shenton Park, Sinagra, Sorrento, South Fremantle, South Guildford, South Lake, South Perth, Southern River, Spearwood, St James, Stirling, Stoneville, Stratton, Subiaco, Subiaco East, Success, Swan View, Swanbourne
T: Tamala Park, Tapping, The Vines, Thornlie, Treeby, Trigg, Tuart Hill
U: Upper Swan
V: Victoria Park
W: Wangara, Wanneroo, Warwick, Waterford, Watermans Bay, Wattle Grove, Wattleup, Welshpool, Wembley, Wembley Downs, West Leederville, West Perth, West Swan, Westfield, Westminster, White Gum Valley, Whiteman, Willagee, Willetton, Wilson, Winthrop, Woodbridge, Woodlands, Woodvale, Wungong
Y: Yangebup, Yokine​