Child ADHD Assessments in Calgary 

Child & Teen ADHD Assessments in Calgary

If your child struggles to focus, seems constantly “on the go,” or brings home frequent feedback from school about attention or behaviour, you’re not alone. Many families in Calgary reach out to us feeling worried, frustrated, and unsure of how to best support their child. A professional child ADHD assessment in Calgary can bring clarity, relief, and a concrete plan forward.

What is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that can significantly impact a child’s academic learning, social interactions, and ability to manage daily routines. It is closely connected to executive functioning skills—such as planning, organization, and self-control—and, if untreated, may increase the risk of mood or anxiety disorders. Some children also experience heightened emotional sensitivity, sometimes referred to as Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria, and a higher risk of Learning Disabilities.

An early diagnosis and appropriate supports are pivotal for improving a child’s well-being and quality of life. Our Calgary ADHD assessments help families gain answers, clarify whether symptoms overlap with other conditions, and provide strategies to help children thrive.

ADHD Assessments at Embark Psychology

Our ADHD assessments focus on identifying attention, impulse control, and regulation difficulties. They do not include formal cognitive or academic testing. For families who would like ADHD testing only—without a full psycho-educational evaluation—this may be the best fit.

During the assessment, we explore history, gather input from parents and teachers, and work directly with the child or teen. The goal is to determine whether symptoms are consistent with ADHD, and if so, which type of presentation best describes their profile.

Symptoms of ADHD

Types of ADHD

ADHD is now considered an umbrella term that includes three different presentations. Symptoms can vary widely from child to child and may also appear differently across genders.

Inattentive Presentation (previously called ADD)

  • Difficulty paying attention to details, leading to careless mistakes

  • Trouble sustaining focus, especially on non-preferred tasks

  • Forgetfulness and losing items frequently

  • Difficulty initiating or completing tasks

  • Easily distracted and not following through on instructions

  • Avoids or dislikes tasks that require long mental effort

  • Appears not to listen when spoken to

  • Disorganized with tasks and activities

Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation

  • Fidgeting or squirming in seat

  • Leaving seat when expected to remain seated (e.g., classroom, dinner table)

  • Running or climbing in inappropriate situations

  • Difficulty engaging in quiet activities

  • Appearing “on the go” or “driven by a motor”

  • Talking excessively or blurting out answers

  • Difficulty waiting their turn

  • Interrupting or intruding on others

Combined Presentation

  • A mix of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms

(Or something called Other-Specified ADHD, where the diagnosis is believed to be present for that child, impacting areas of their life, but not all criteria was met for some reason. Clinical judgement is used by the Psychologist given the supporting evidence.)

Why Consider an ADHD Assessment in Calgary?

An ADHD assessment helps families understand whether attention and executive functioning are affecting a child’s learning, behaviour, or emotional well-being. Clear results can:

  • Distinguish ADHD from other concerns such as anxiety or learning differences

  • Provide documentation for school supports and accommodations (IPP)

  • Offer strategies for focus, routines, and emotional regulation at home

  • Build your child’s confidence and self-understanding

  • Give parents language and recommendations to advocate effectively

Our Calgary ADHD psychologists specialize in turning assessment results into actionable next steps for school, home, and social settings.

Our ADHD Assessment Process

The Cost for a child or teen ADHD Assessment is a flat fee of $1800. We keep the process supportive, straightforward, and child-friendly using the following steps:

  1. Parent Intake Meeting
    A one-hour session to review your child’s history, current concerns, and family/school observations.

  2. Child/Teen Session
    Your child completes puzzles, memory tasks, and other age-appropriate activities that measure attention and executive functioning. For younger kids, the tasks feel like games.

  3. Teacher & Parent Questionnaires + Teacher Interview (or other third party rater)
    Input from both home and school ensures a complete picture of your child’s behaviour and challenges.

  4. Feedback Meeting
    We meet with parents (and older teens if appropriate) to explain the results clearly and discuss next steps. You’ll leave with practical strategies tailored to your child.

  5. Written Report
    Within two weeks, you can receive a detailed written report to support school accommodations, physician follow-up, or advocacy.

What Happens if My Child Gets an ADHD Diagnosis?

Our belief at Embark Psychology is that knowledge is power. If your child receives an ADHD diagnosis, it is simply a way to describe what’s happening in their brain to them and to others; sometimes, a diagnosis is required in order to receive formal supports at school. We can help you understand how to best support your child and how to explain this to others to advocate for them and have them receive their accommodations. By providing greater understanding, we can remove any remaining stigma from society.

What might change in the school environment: With an ADHD report, schools may “code” a child which makes them eligible for increased support and accommodation through an Individual Program Plan (IPP). This might change the resources available to them both in the classroom and in the school overall. Teachers will have a better understanding of how your child’s brain is functioning and what approaches might work best to aid in their learning.

What might change in the home environment: This is a chance for parents to understand how their child is functioning compared to same age peers. We can help you with recommendations for implementing and scaffolding home routines, schedules, and building in independence while keeping your child on track.

After the Assessment

The goal of an ADHD assessment is not just a diagnosis—it’s a plan. Families often gain:

  • Access to school supports (such as IPPs or classroom accommodations)

  • Clear recommendations for structure, organization, and focus at home

  • Strategies for managing big emotions and frustration

  • A deeper understanding of strengths and learning styles

  • Guidance for ongoing support (counselling, skill-building, medical consultation)

Why Choose Embark Psychology?

Local expertise in Calgary ADHD assessments – we understand the school system and support services available.

  1. Child-centered approach – our assessments are designed to make kids comfortable and engaged.

  2. Clear, actionable results – not just numbers, but strategies you can use right away.

  3. Convenient & family-friendly – evening appointments, free parking, complimentary snacks, Wi-Fi, and a child-friendly space.

  4. Quick turnaround – feedback meetings within days and reports ready within two weeks.

 FAQs

  • No referral is required! Parents can contact us directly to book an appointment.

  • ADHD can overlap with other concerns and some features present similarly. In addition, someone with ADHD is at a higher risk for having additional diagnoses like LDs or Anxiety. Our ADHD assessments explore attention, behaviour, and emotional factors to provide a clear picture.

  • Yes, absolutely! Recommendations for school accommodations, for home support, and strategies for day-to-day tasks are part of every ADHD feedback meeting and report.

  • Most families can complete intake, observation, and the forms fairly quickly.

    The report and feedback meeting are completed 2 weeks after all information has been returned. The total process can take between 2-4 weeks on average.

  • Yes. ADHD can be assessed in children as young as 5 years old.

  • Yes. Part of the diagnostic criteria says that symptoms must be observed across multiple settings (home, school, and/or community).

    It does not have to be their teacher. It could be a sports coach, tutor, etc. Anyone who knows them well and works with them regularly!

Have Questions?

We’re here to help!

If you’re ready to better understand your child’s attention and learning profile, an ADHD assessment in Calgary can provide answers and direction. Reach out today to schedule a free 15 minute consultation or your intake session.

contact@embarkpsychologycalgary.com

(587) 887-9636