ADHD Assessments

Adult & Child ADHD Testing | CPC Clinics

Struggling with focus, organization, or impulsivity? Whether it’s a child who can’t sit still in class or an adult overwhelmed by disorganization at work, ADHD might be the underlying cause. At CPC Clinics in Calgary, we offer comprehensive ADHD assessments for both children and adults. Getting a proper diagnosis is the first step to relief ,  it can unlock access to tailored strategies, school or workplace accommodations, and even a bit of self-compassion (“So it’s not laziness, it’s ADHD!”). Our assessments dig deeper than a quick checklist; we take the time to understand your unique profile. If you’ve been wondering “Do I or my child really have ADHD?”, our team can provide the answers and guidance you need. Regain clarity and control.

What Our ADHD Assessment Includes: Conducting an ADHD evaluation is like putting together pieces of a puzzle. We gather information from multiple sources to ensure an accurate picture

Clinical Interviews: We sit down with you (and for children, with parents and possibly teachers …

Clinical Interviews: We sit down with you (and for children, with parents and possibly teachers) to discuss symptoms and history. We’ll ask about attention span, distractibility, impulsivity, restlessness, and how these have shown up over time ,  at home, school, work, or in relationships. We also explore early childhood behavior, since ADHD often starts young. This conversation covers not just the problems, but also times you hyperfocus or environments where you do well, giving a balanced view.


Standardized Behaviour Questionnaires: You and perhaps others (a spouse, parent …

Standardized Behaviour Questionnaires: You and perhaps others (a spouse, parent, or teacher) will fill out rating scales that compare your symptoms to typical attention and activity levels. Common tools we use include the Conners Rating Scales or ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) for adults. These questionnaires quantify things like how often you forget appointments, struggle to finish tasks, fidget, or act impulsively. They provide objective data to back up the interview.


Cognitive Testing: ADHD can sometimes affect certain cognitive functions (like working …

Cognitive Testing: ADHD can sometimes affect certain cognitive functions (like working memory, processing speed, executive functioning). Our assessment may include cognitive tasks or computerized tests (for example, the TOVA or CPT ,  Continuous Performance Test) that measure attention and impulse control in a structured way. These tests help rule out other issues and see the specific attention profile ,  for instance, is it sustained attention that’s hard, or response inhibition (impulse control), etc.


Rule Out Other Causes: A crucial part of ADHD assessment is ensuring symptoms aren’t better …

Rule Out Other Causes: A crucial part of ADHD assessment is ensuring symptoms aren’t better explained by something else. We’ll screen for anxiety, depression, trauma, or learning disorders, as these can mimic or accompany ADHD. If you’re an adult, we might ask about sleep (untreated sleep apnea or chronic lack of sleep can cause focus problems) and any substance use. By ruling out (or identifying) other factors, we ensure the diagnosis ,  whether ADHD or something different ,  is accurate.


Feedback and Report: After analysis, we don’t just hand you a label. We schedule a thorough feedback session to explain the results in plain language. If you …

Feedback and Report: After analysis, we don’t just hand you a label. We schedule a thorough feedback session to explain the results in plain language. If you do meet criteria for ADHD, we’ll walk you through the type (Predominantly Inattentive, Hyperactive/Impulsive, or Combined), what that means, and why we concluded that. You’ll receive a detailed written report that you can use for schools, employers, or doctors. This report includes your test scores, interpretation, diagnosis, and personalized recommendations (e.g., classroom accommodations, workplace strategies, lifestyle tips, and treatment options like coaching, therapy or considering medication).


Why Our ADHD Assessment is the Clear Choice for You

Meet Our Calgary ADHD Assessment Specialist :

Blogs:

ADHD in Adults: Could You Have It?

Discuss common signs of adult ADHD often missed (procrastination, chronic lateness, etc.) and encourage assessment

Flexible & Accessible Counselling Options :

Psychological Assessments are series of test that are performed by our psychologist to understand and observe client’s issue and determine a diagnosis. Actual cost of an assessment is determined based on actual hours spent on the assessment and the complexity of the case. Below is a guideline for what assessments typically costs.

ADHD Assessment
$2000 – $4000

IQ Test and Cognitive Assessment $1000 – $1500

Insurance billing available under specific conditions

In-person sessions available in Calgary

Let’s find a time and format that works best for you.

Ans: ADHD can be reliably diagnosed as early as about 6 years old (around first grade) when a child’s attentional demands increase in school. However, we can assess younger kids if symptoms are severe ,  we just do so very carefully, since toddlers and preschoolers are naturally active. For teens and adults, there’s no age limit ,  we assess high schoolers, university students, and many adults (including seniors who’ve had lifelong symptoms). In adults, we’ll ask about childhood history because ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder (it starts in childhood even if it wasn’t recognized). If you’re an adult who’s always wondered, “Do I have ADHD or am I just disorganized?”, an assessment can give clarity even later in life. We’ve diagnosed people in their 50s who finally understood why they struggled all those years.

Ans : It’s common for ADHD symptoms to vary by setting. Some kids hold it together at home where it’s one-on-one or less structured, but have trouble in school with lots of stimuli and demands. Or vice versa: sometimes home is unstructured so issues show more there. Our assessment will gather input from multiple sources ,  including you, the teacher, and possibly the child themselves (if old enough) ,  to see the full picture. ADHD requires symptoms in at least two settings (like home and school) for a diagnosis. If the teacher sees problems and you don’t, possibilities include: the teacher’s environment is very demanding or not a good match for your child’s style; or perhaps another issue (anxiety, learning disorder) is manifesting as inattention at school. The assessment will sort that out. Either we confirm ADHD and explain why it’s more apparent at school, or we find an alternative explanation and guide next steps. In any case, we’ll equip you with recommendations to share with the teacher to help your child succeed.

Ans. In a word, yes. Many adults with undiagnosed ADHD have spent years feeling frustrated or underachieving relative to their potential. Getting a diagnosis can be life-changing even later in adulthood. It can improve your self-understanding (“So my chronic procrastination isn’t because I’m bad ,  my brain is wired differently”). It opens up treatment options: you might benefit from stimulant medication which can significantly improve focus and executive function, or from ADHD coaching and therapy for organizational skills tailored to adults (like time management apps, strategies for work emails, etc.). Also, you could be eligible for workplace accommodations under human rights legislation ,  for example, flexible scheduling or written rather than verbal instructions from your boss ,  which can boost your job performance and reduce stress. We’ve had clients say, “I wish I’d done this 20 years ago,” but also, “better late than never.” It’s never too late to seek improvement and make your daily life easier.

Ans: Our report is comprehensive. It will have:

  • Background information: summarizing relevant history (developmental milestones, academic/work history, etc.).

  • Behavioural observations: how you or your child behaved during testing or interviews (e.g., fidgety, needed redirection, highly engaging, etc.).

  • Test results: scores from any questionnaires or cognitive tests, usually presented with an explanation (for instance, “Attention Index on CPT was below average, indicating difficulty sustaining focus”).

  • Interpretation: an analysis of all the data ,  do results meet criteria for ADHD? Are there other factors? We outline how we arrived at the diagnosis (or why criteria weren’t met). If another condition was found (like an anxiety disorder or learning disability), that will be explained too.

  • Diagnosis: clearly stated (using DSM-5 terminology such as “ADHD, Combined Presentation” or whatever is applicable, or “No ADHD diagnosis ,  instead, findings suggest… [other issue]”).

    Recommendations: this is often a lengthy section with practical advice. It will cover treatment suggestions (therapy, medication consult, behaviour therapy), school/work accommodations (like extra exam time, project break-down, maybe technology tools like speech-to-text software), and strategies for home (structured routines, reward systems, etc.). We tailor this to age ,  e.g., for a young child, recommendations might emphasize classroom strategies and parent training; for an adult, we might focus on workplace and daily life hacks.
 The goal is that the report is a useful roadmap. We also word it in a way that you can share it with doctors, schools, or employers to advocate for support. During the feedback session, we’ll go through the report with you and answer any questions, ensuring you fully understand it.


Ans: Yes, we can, but we do so carefully. ADHD often co-exists with other conditions (anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, etc.). We follow guidelines to differentiate symptoms. For instance, poor concentration can be due to ADHD or due to depression ,  we’ll look at the onset and context. ADHD is lifelong (since childhood) and shows in multiple settings, whereas concentration problems from depression might have started with the depressive episode and come with other depressive symptoms like low mood. We’ll also use testing to tease things apart; cognitive patterns in ADHD (like inconsistency in attention) can differ from those in anxiety (where focus might be okay but you’re preoccupied with worry). It’s definitely possible to have both ,  in fact, many with ADHD feel anxious or down because of the challenges ADHD creates. In those cases, we might diagnose both ADHD and an anxiety disorder, for example. Our assessment is comprehensive enough to sort through this complexity. The result will be a clear explanation of what is present and what is the primary issue. And crucially, if you do have co-existing conditions, our report will address all of them with recommendations (like treating the anxiety alongside ADHD). We won’t leave you guessing.

Ans: There’s not too much you need to do ,  we want to see typical behavior. For adults, just come well-rested (as best you can) and with any relevant documents (report cards, previous assessments, etc.) you might have. Think ahead about your challenges and also your strengths ,  it helps to be ready to discuss examples of where attention issues occur. For parents bringing a child: ensure they get a good night’s sleep and a normal breakfast. Let them know in a positive, reassuring tone what will happen: e.g., “We’re going to meet a specialist who will ask you questions and give you some puzzles and games to see how your brain works. It’s not a big test like school; there are no grades. It’s actually kind of fun and you can’t fail ,  it’s just to help us help you.” If the child asks why, you can say something like, “We want to see if there’s a way to make school easier for you, or understand why sitting still is hard, so we can get help.” That frames it as a helpful process, not a scary one. Also, if the teacher needs to fill out forms, you might give them a heads-up to watch for the email or package from us. Lastly, relax ,  our team in Calgary will guide you through each step, so you don’t need to study or prepare intensively. We frequently take breaks during child assessments to keep them fresh, and we have snacks and water available. We aim to make the experience comfortable for all.

Ans: Online quizzes can be a helpful starting point but they are not a diagnosis. They are usually just a list of symptoms where you check boxes. They don’t account for other conditions, severity, impairment level, or falsifying variables (like maybe you thought you have ADHD but actually you’re just sleep deprived with a newborn). Our professional assessment goes much deeper. We use validated instruments and clinical expertise to distinguish ADHD from other issues and to gauge its impact on your life. Online quizzes often err on the side of over-identifying ADHD (to get you to click or seek services). We’ve had clients convinced by an internet quiz they had ADHD, but after assessment, we discovered it was untreated anxiety causing their concentration problems ,  addressing that resolved the focus issues. On the flip side, some with ADHD fly under the radar of simplistic quizzes because they’ve developed coping strategies; a thorough assessment can still catch subtle ADHD in bright or high-functioning individuals. In summary, a quiz might suggest “ADHD possible” ,  but you’ll want a real evaluation for accuracy and credibility (no school or doctor will accept an online quiz as proof, whereas our reports are authoritative). Considering the life implications of an ADHD diagnosis (from medications to accommodations), it’s worth doing it right.

Location :

Macleod Place II, 5940 Macleod Trail SW, Suite 500 Calgary AB T2H 2G4

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1. Experienced & Specialized Assessors

What It Is :

Our ADHD evaluations are conducted by a Registered Psychologist (Dr. D. Sebastian Saint, PhD) who specializes in differential diagnosis. Dr. Saint brings years of experience in accurately identifying ADHD and distinguishing it from look-alike conditions, ensuring every assessment is both thorough and valid. We possess expertise in how ADHD presents across the lifespan, from a hyperactive child to a distracted adult whose symptoms were previously missed.

How It Strengthens Your Path Forward :

  • Delivers Clarity and Validation: A definitive diagnosis from a specialist validates your experiences, confirming that “You’re not lazy or stupid—your brain just works differently.” This understanding helps reduce self-blame and boosts self-esteem.
  • Ensures Diagnostic Accuracy: Expertise in differential diagnosis means we can identify whether the issue is truly ADHD or another condition, such as anxiety or a learning disability, so you can address the right problem.
  • Builds Trust and Confidence: Knowing your assessment is led by a seasoned professional provides confidence in the results and the recommendations that follow.

2. A Rigorous, Evidence-Based Process

What It Is :

Rooted in the gold-standard procedures recommended by organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CPA, our process uses multiple measures and data sources. We meticulously verify that symptoms are present across different settings (e.g., home and school/work) and have persisted for at least six months, upholding the highest standard of diagnostic accuracy.

How It Strengthens Your Path Forward :

  • Unlocks School and Workplace Accommodations: A professional, evidence-based diagnosis is the key to accessing necessary supports. This can lead to an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), extra time on university exams, or workplace adjustments like flexible deadlines.
  • Provides a Foundation for Advocacy: Our detailed reports explicitly list recommended accommodations, making it easier for you or your child to advocate for the necessary tools to level the playing field.
  • Creates a Trustworthy Diagnosis: Adherence to strict clinical guidelines ensures the diagnosis is respected by schools, employers, and medical professionals.

3. A Compassionate and Nonjudgmental Approach

What It Is:

We recognize the stigma and shame that can accompany attention difficulties. Our Calgary-based team approaches every evaluation with empathy and a focus on your unique strengths. We create a safe environment where clients report feeling heard and understood, often for the first time. We also acknowledge the positive traits associated with ADHD, such as creativity, high energy, and unique problem-solving skills.

How It Strengthens Your Path Forward :

  • Improves Emotional Health: By replacing self-blame with understanding, the assessment process alleviates the chronic stress, anxiety, and low mood that often accompany untreated ADHD. A teen who felt “dumb” can regain confidence, knowing the challenges are treatable.

  • Reduces Family Conflict: When parents understand their child’s behavior is neurologically driven, not willful defiance, it fosters empathy and patience. This shift in perspective improves the parent-child relationship and reduces household stress.

  • Fosters Self-Acceptance: Our focus on strengths helps you build a positive identity, recognizing that having a different brain is not a character flaw but a unique way of being.

4. Actionable Next Steps & Tailored Strategies

What It Is:

An assessment’s true value lies in its application. We don’t just deliver a diagnosis; we provide a comprehensive plan. We guide you toward next steps, including connecting with ADHD coaches in Calgary, discussing treatment options (medication, therapy) with your physician, and implementing practical tools like planner systems and apps tailored to your specific needs.

How It Strengthens Your Path Forward :

  • Provides Tailored, Effective Strategies: We pinpoint specific deficits (like working memory or impulsivity) and recommend targeted interventions. This can include using checklists to externalize memory or mindfulness techniques to build a pause before acting.

  • Improves Day-to-Day Functioning: Clients see significant improvement once they use ADHD-specific tools. It’s like finally having the right key for a lock things click into place with visual timers, color-coded systems, or exercise routines.

  • Empowers You with a Clear Plan: You leave the assessment process not just with clarity, but with a concrete roadmap to manage challenges and leverage your strengths, empowering you to thrive with ADHD.

Dr. D. Sebastian Saint

PhD – Registered Psychologist
& Assessment Specialist

Credentials: PhD in Clinical Psychology (University of Saskatchewan); Registered Psychologist in Alberta.
 Expertise: Adult and Pediatric ADHD, Psychoeducational Assessments, Clinical Assessments for mood and anxiety.
 About: Dr. Saint is meticulous, kind, and passionate about helping clients unlock their potential. He recognizes that seeking an assessment can feel daunting, so he prioritizes making you comfortable. “I strive to create a nonjudgmental space where you can be honest about your struggles and successes,” he says. He has a knack for explaining complex test results in simple terms. Clients often appreciate how he breaks down the science (“Your attention score is here, which explains why meetings are hard ,  but your creativity score is high, which is a strength we can leverage”). Dr. Saint stays current with ADHD research and ensures that each assessment adheres to best practices. He’s also approachable ,  feel free to ask questions throughout the process; he believes an informed client is an empowered client.