Step 1: Trust What You’re Noticing

Most parents don’t land on this page by accident.
If you’ve noticed patterns like:

• Ongoing difficulty focusing
• High levels of energy or impulsivity
• Emotional outbursts
• Struggles at school or home

…it’s reasonable to explore this further.

You don’t need to be 100% certain to take the next step.

---

Step 2: Observe Patterns (Not Just Moments)

Before jumping to conclusions, take a step back and look for patterns:

• When do the behaviours happen?
• Are they happening across multiple environments?
• Are they consistent over time?

ADHD is about patterns, not one-off behaviours.

---

Step 3: Use a Checklist to Clarify Concerns
A checklist can help you organise your observations and identify whether there are consistent signs.
This can also make it easier to explain your concerns to professionals.

ADHD Checklist for children

---

Step 4: Speak to Key People in Your Child’s Life

​Teachers or Educators
They can provide insight into:

• Attention and learning
• Behaviour in structured environments
• Social interactions

Your GP
Your GP is often the first step and can:

• Discuss your concerns
• Provide guidance
• Refer you to appropriate services

---

Step 5: Understand the ADHD Assessment Process

An ADHD assessment is not just a single test.
It usually involves:

• Parent questionnaires
• Teacher feedback
• Clinical interviews
• Standardised assessments
  

​
The goal is to build a full picture of your child, not just label behaviours.​​

ADHD Assessment

---

Step 6: Start Support Early (You Don’t Have to Wait)

This is one of the biggest misconceptions.
​You do not need to wait for a diagnosis to begin support.

Early support can help with:

• Emotional regulation
• Attention and focus
• Daily routines
• Behaviour strategies

---

What Support Might Look Like

Depending on your child’s needs, support may include:

Occupational Therapy (OT)

• Attention and focus strategies
• Sensory regulation
• Daily routines

​
​Psychology

• Emotional regulation
• Behaviour support
• Coping strategies

Parent Coaching

• Practical strategies for home
• Managing behaviour
• Supporting routines

School Support

• Classroom strategies
• Communication with teachers

---

Step 7: Decide Whether to Pursue a Diagnosis

A diagnosis can help:

• Provide clarity
• Guide support planning
• Access certain services

However, it’s not always urgent.

Some families choose to:

• Start support first
• Monitor progress
• Explore assessment later​

---

Common Concerns Parents Have

“Should I wait and see?”
If concerns are ongoing, it’s reasonable to explore support rather than wait.

“What if I’m overreacting?”
Many parents worry about this—but seeking advice doesn’t commit you to anything.

“Will my child be labelled?”
The focus is not on labels, but on understanding your child and supporting them effectively.

---

When Should I Act Now?

​You may want to move forward sooner if:

• Your child is struggling at school
• Behaviour is impacting family life
• Your child is becoming distressed or frustrated
• You feel unsure and need clarity

---

How We Can Support You

​At Belong Health, we support families at all stages—whether you’re just starting to explore concerns or ready for 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

---

Not Sure?
If you’re unsure what your next step should be, we can help you work through it.

Book a free 20-minute call with our team
Contact our team to discuss your concerns and explore the right support for your child.
Our team is here to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us an email here

​Your Support​ Matters
If you find these resources helpful, please support us in creating more valuable content by leaving a review on Facebook and Google.
Your feedback helps us continue to provide support and information that benefits our community.
​Stay updated with our latest resources and tips by liking us on Facebook!

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​