Pause Purpose Play What Happens Before, During and After an ADHD Assessment?
Dec 11, 2025
28:06
If you’ve been wondering what actually happens in an ADHD assessment, or you’re thinking about booking one but feel unsure about the process, this solo episode walks you through everything you need to know.
Michaela breaks down what to expect before, during and after an adult ADHD assessment, based on her clinical process at her psychology practice The Thomas Connection.
Whether you’re exploring a diagnosis for yourself or supporting someone you care about, this episode brings clarity, reassurance and practical guidance.
In this episode you’ll learn:
• What happens before the assessment
Why a clarity call can help you feel safe and informed, what forms you’ll complete, and how childhood history fits into the picture.
• What the initial screening session is really for
How clinicians decide whether full ADHD assessment is appropriate, and why ruling in or out overlapping conditions is essential.
• What a full diagnostic assessment looks like
A gentle, structured interview process (usually spread over a month if virtually, or all in one day if choosing the home retreat option in Michaela's home), how your life story is explored, and why input from someone who knew you as a child can be helpful.
• What gets assessed — and what doesn’t
The difference between ADHD traits, burnout, anxiety and perfectionism…and why good clinicians never diagnose from a single questionnaire.
• What happens after the assessment
What your diagnostic report includes, how to share it with your GP for medication or shared care, and what support options like therapy, coaching or community groups look like whether you receive an ADHD diagnosis or not.
• Why a thoughtful assessment matters
How a proper evaluation offers clarity, validation, compassion and a personalised plan, and a lens to see yourself through rather than just a label. • Who this episode is for:
Anyone curious about ADHD assessment, already booked in for one, or supporting a partner, friend or colleague through the process. Book an ADHD assessment clarity call with Michaela here:
https://tidycal.com/michaela-thomas/adhd-assessment-clarity-call
• What happens before the assessment
Why a clarity call can help you feel safe and informed, what forms you’ll complete, and how childhood history fits into the picture.
• What the initial screening session is really for
How clinicians decide whether full ADHD assessment is appropriate, and why ruling in or out overlapping conditions is essential.
• What a full diagnostic assessment looks like
A gentle, structured interview process (usually spread over a month if virtually, or all in one day if choosing the home retreat option in Michaela's home), how your life story is explored, and why input from someone who knew you as a child can be helpful.
• What gets assessed — and what doesn’t
The difference between ADHD traits, burnout, anxiety and perfectionism…and why good clinicians never diagnose from a single questionnaire.
• What happens after the assessment
What your diagnostic report includes, how to share it with your GP for medication or shared care, and what support options like therapy, coaching or community groups look like whether you receive an ADHD diagnosis or not.
• Why a thoughtful assessment matters
How a proper evaluation offers clarity, validation, compassion and a personalised plan, and a lens to see yourself through rather than just a label. • Who this episode is for:
Anyone curious about ADHD assessment, already booked in for one, or supporting a partner, friend or colleague through the process. Book an ADHD assessment clarity call with Michaela here:
https://tidycal.com/michaela-thomas/adhd-assessment-clarity-call