ADHD Assessment
ADHD assessments are comprehensive evaluations that focus on attention, executive functioning, impulsivity, and related areas of daily functioning. These assessments can help determine whether ADHD is present, clarify how symptoms are impacting work, school, relationships, and daily life, and guide practical recommendations for treatment and accommodations in occupational or academic settings.
We provide ADHD assessments for children, adolescents, and adults in Ottawa, with virtual options available Ontario-wide.
Our Process
The ADHD assessment process is a collaborative process between you and the clinician, and in children, with a parent as well. The goal is to provide diagnostic clarity and a practical plan for next steps.
During ADHD assessments, you will be guided through several questions and standardized measures that have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they assess relevant areas of functioning in an evidence-based manner. Some questions are answered in a yes/no format, while others require more detailed responses.
Adult ADHD Assessment
Adult ADHD can present in many ways, including chronic disorganization, difficulty starting or finishing tasks, time management challenges, forgetfulness, restlessness, and emotional reactivity. Many adults also experience burnout, anxiety, or low mood that may be related to long-standing attention and executive functioning difficulties.
Adult ADHD assessments typically focus on current symptoms and functional impact, developmental history, and careful consideration of other factors that can overlap with ADHD symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression, trauma, sleep problems).
Child & Adolescent ADHD Assessment
In children and adolescents, ADHD can affect learning, behaviour, emotional regulation, and social functioning. Challenges may include difficulty sustaining attention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, inconsistent academic performance, and difficulty following routines.
Child and adolescent ADHD assessments often include parent input and, when available, teacher input to understand how symptoms present across settings such as home and school.
Following the completion of the assessment, a report will be written based on the information gathered throughout the process (and, when applicable, from collateral sources such as parent/teacher input). Once the report is complete, you will be invited to a feedback session, where you will have an opportunity to ask any questions and share any additional information you feel may be relevant.
In order to complete an ADHD assessment, you may be self-referred or referred by a physician or other healthcare professional.
What to Expect
Do I have ADHD?
Take a minute to complete a short self-assessment for ADHD. This self-assessment can provide valuable insights into the presence of ADHD symptoms, helping individuals make informed decisions about seeking professional evaluation and treatment.
Pricing
$250/hour
The total cost for these assessments varies depending on the time involved. This fee includes both the assessment time and the time required to write the report.
VR Testing
Our Virtual Reality (VR) Attention Testing is a premium, add-on module for in-person ADHD and psychoeducational assessments at BrainLab Ottawa. Using a Meta Quest 3S headset running Nesplora’s immersive Continuous Performance Test (CPT), clients complete attention and impulse-control tasks inside a lifelike virtual environment (classroom or aquarium). The goal is to capture objective, easy-to-understand data under realistic distraction, then translate that into practical school or workplace recommendations. This VR module is used alongside clinical interview, history, and rating scales. It is an adjunct to diagnosis, not a standalone test.
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What the VR Module Adds
Traditional CPTs are flat and quiet. Our VR format introduces realistic auditory and visual distractors and compares performance across quiet vs. distraction segments. This improves ecological validity and engagement, especially for youth who find standard tests dull or frustrating.
Who This Helps
This module is well-suited for children, teens, and adults when you want to:
Demonstrate how distractions affect performance in a classroom or open-office setting;
Add objective metrics to support IEPs, exam accommodations, or return-to-work planning;
Track change over time (e.g., before and after targeted interventions or medication adjustments).
What we Measure
Sustained attention and vigilance (accuracy over time).
Response inhibition (commission errors/impulsivity).
Processing speed and reaction-time variability.
Distraction effect (performance differences between quiet vs. distractor segments).
Strategy/consistency observations to inform coaching and classroom or workplace supports.
Safety, Comfort, and Accessibility
Sessions are short, most clients tolerate VR well, and glasses can be worn under the headset. We sanitize equipment between clients and can pause at any time if motion sensitivity arises. If VR isn’t appropriate for a client, we can proceed with standard assessment components only.
How it Works
Inclusive and Accessible Care
We understand the importance of inclusive and accessible care. Our diverse and inclusive staff can provide services for those who speak different languages, have varying abilities, and who come from many cultural backgrounds. Our assessment services are covered by most insurance plans, and we are committed to ensuring that our services are accessible to everyone who needs them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
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Yes. We provide ADHD assessments for adults, including individuals who may have masked symptoms for many years or who are seeking diagnostic clarity later in life.
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In many cases, yes. We can discuss scope and fit during the initial consultation to determine the most appropriate assessment plan.
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No, a referral is not required for most private assessments. Some insurance plans may require one, so it is best to check with your provider.
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Yes. Many individuals experience overlapping symptoms (e.g., anxiety, mood concerns, sleep problems). We consider differential diagnosis and co-occurring concerns to ensure conclusions are accurate and useful.
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When clinically appropriate, the report can include recommendations to support accommodations in academic or occupational settings.
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Virtual options are available depending on the referral question and what is clinically appropriate. We can discuss the best format during the initial consultation.
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Based on the results of the evaluation, medication prescription may be part of the intervention recommendations. You can meet with our nurse practitioner, who is able to prescribe medication based on your needs.
