Getting your child assessed and possibly diagnosed for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) can be a difficult and lengthy process, but as a first step, make an appointment to see your GP, taking with you a full documented account of any concerns you or other people in your child’s life (teachers/carers) have raised.

GPs cannot complete ADHD assessments themselves but can refer your child to a specialist such as a psychiatrist, paediatrician, neurologist or psychologist.

Diagnosis criteria

There is no blood test or genetic screening for ADHD, so a diagnosis will be based on a full clinical assessment of your child.

For an ADHD diagnosis for children, clinicians follow strict criteria, as set out in the DSM-5 diagnostic manual. They are:

• A persistent pattern of inattention/and or hyperactivity that interferes with functioning or development over a period of at least six months.
• Several of the symptoms were present before the age of twelve.
• ADHD symptoms are present in two or more settings, for example, at home and at school.
• There is clear evidence that that the symptoms interfere with the quality of social, academic or occupational functioning.
• The symptoms are not caused by another disorder such as anxiety or depression.

Research is ongoing as to the causes of ADHD but it is known to be strongly genetic, so if your child has ADHD, it’s likely someone else in the family will have it too.

Treatment

ADHD presents in many different ways, which means each child with ADHD requires a highly individualised treatment plan.

But usually with ADHD, a multi-model approach is recommended, which means a combination of support and strategies, and sometimes medication.

Therapy and counselling may be recommended not only for your child, but also for your family, so that everyone can learn about and understand the condition.

It will be important to liaise with your child’s school so that they update your child’s Individual Education Plan, if they have one, to accommodate their specific learning, social and emotional needs.

If your child is prescribed medication, you should ask how long they will need to take it for, and what potential side effects there may be. It’s important that any medication is reviewed regularly, and that you report any adverse symptoms to your doctor immediately.

While GPs cannot currently prescribe medication for ADHD, this is set to change from February 1, 2026, as announced by the Ministry of Health.

What if my child doesn’t meet the diagnosis criteria?

While your child may not have met the strict criteria to be diagnosed with ADHD, it is possible they still possess ADHD traits that would benefit from added support and interventions.

See our other articles below for more advice on supporting a child with ADHD, or check out the resources and links below including the following websites:

• ADHD New Zealand ‍
• ADHD in children (Mental Health Foundation)‍
• ADHD – Aroreretini (Kids Health)‍
• ADHD and learning (TKI: Te Kete Ipurangi)‍
• Thriving with ADHD Parenting Framework ‍
• About ADHD - CHADD (The National Resource on ADHD, USA)

Alternatively, you can contact the IHC library directly to have a chat about what you need on 0800 442 442 or email Librarian@ihc.org.nz