ADHD affects about 5 to 9% of children in Canada (source). This neurodevelopmental disorder impacts attention, organization, and behavior, directly influencing academic success and family life.
A formal diagnosis helps rule out other possible causes and provides access to appropriate support. Clinical recognition of ADHD in children in Canada involves a structured process that engages both healthcare professionals and educational resources.
Understanding ADHD in Children: Symptoms and Warning Signs
The most common manifestations fall into three categories: inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
In children, sure signs should prompt a request for a specialized evaluation, including:
- Persistent academic difficulties despite support,
- Disorganization in daily tasks,
- Noticeable restlessness or inability to stay still,
- Frequent conflicts or relational challenges with peers and family.
Who to See for an ADHD Diagnosis in Children?
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Public Sector
Access is free, but wait times are long and require a medical referral. The family doctor can refer to a psychiatrist or child psychiatrist, but the wait often ranges from 6 to 18 months.
For children, schools may also initiate the process through a psychosocial assessment or an intervention plan.
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Private Sector
Access is faster, and it is possible to consult directly with a psychologist or neuropsychologist specialized in ADHD without a medical referral.
Wait times are usually 2 to 4 weeks. Evaluations cost between $1,200 and $2,500 (source), with partial reimbursement available depending on private insurance coverage.
The Diagnostic Process for Children: Key Steps
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Initial Interview
At the beginning of the diagnostic process, the clinician gathers information about the child’s personal, family, medical, and school-related background. Parents or close relatives may also be consulted to complete the assessment and provide a comprehensive view of the child’s functioning in different contexts.
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Standardized Questionnaires
Scientifically validated questionnaires are used to measure the levels of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Parents and teachers can provide input on how symptoms affect the child at home and in school, offering a whole perspective of the child’s daily life.
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Clinical Evaluation
A more detailed clinical assessment may include targeted cognitive tests to analyze attention, working memory, information processing, and executive functions. Some clinics, such as Neuroperforma, utilize quantitative EEG (qEEG) to monitor brain activity and detect potential imbalances. These data help inform the design of a personalized neurofeedback protocol. However, qEEG is not a medical diagnostic tool. For instance, no prior diagnosis is required to begin treatment at Neuroperforma.
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Differential Diagnosis
This step involves checking whether other conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or learning disorders, could explain the symptoms. The final evaluation is based on an overall profile combining clinical observations and cognitive test results.
Conclusion
Obtaining a precise ADHD diagnosis in children is a key step toward understanding their difficulties and implementing appropriate support both at school and at home. However, at Neuroperforma, a diagnosis is not required to begin neurofeedback treatment. This approach relies on analyzing the child’s brain activity, allowing for the development of personalized training to enhance concentration, emotional regulation, and academic success.