UNDERSTANDING YOUR TEENAGER: AUTISM, ADHD AND LEARNING ASSESSMENTS
Noticing changes in your teenager's behaviour, focus, or social interactions can be concerning. An autism, ADHD and learning assessment for adolescents can provide clarity, helping families understand these difficulties and what support might be needed.
At The Balmain Practice, located in Sydney's Inner West, we conduct comprehensive assessments using evidence-based tools and techniques. We consider your teenager's developmental history, home and school life, and their everyday experiences to build a clear picture of their overall functioning
Understanding Autism in Teens
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts socially and processes the world around them.
While autism is often identified in early childhood, some children are not recognised until adolescence, especially when signs are less obvious or have been masked over time. Common signs that may lead parents to consider an autism diagnosis for teens include:
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Difficulty reading social cues, sarcasm or unwritten social rules among peers
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Preferring routine and structure, and becoming distressed when plans change unexpectedly
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Intense interests in specific topics or activities
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Difficulty with eye contact or understanding the flow of conversation
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Sensory sensitivities to noise, light, textures or crowded spaces
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Difficulty forming or maintaining friendships, or understanding social expectations among peers
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Taking language literally and finding it difficult to interpret jokes or figures of speech
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Many of these traits can overlap with other conditions or occur as part of typical adolescent development. Some teenagers may experience similar difficulties without any problems. This is why a formal clinical assessment is important. Self-diagnosis or online checklists cannot replace an assessment by a qualified psychologist.
Understanding ADHD in Teens
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects a person's ability to regulate attention, impulses and activity levels. In teenagers, the signs may be less noticeable than in younger children, particularly when difficulties mainly relate to attention rather than hyperactivity.
Some teenagers may also develop strategies to manage or compensate for their difficulties, which can make them harder to recognise. Parents considering an ADHD assessment for adolescents may notice signs such as:
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Difficulty staying organised, tracking assignments or managing deadlines
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Losing focus during lessons, conversations or tasks that require sustained attention
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Acting impulsively, such as blurting out responses or making decisions without considering the consequences
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Restlessness, fidgeting or a persistent need to move
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Trouble following instructions or completing multi-step tasks
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Frequently losing belongings such as keys or mobile devices
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Emotional reactivity or difficulty managing frustration
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As with autism, these signs can also occur with stress, anxiety, learning difficulties or typical changes during adolescence. Attention and focus are often affected when a teenager has poor sleep and high stress. That’s why a qualified psychologist considers these factors, along with your teenager's developmental history and how they function across different settings. A diagnosis cannot be based on a checklist or one observation.
Understanding Learning Difficulties in Teens
Learning difficulties, including dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia, can affect an adolescent's academic performance as schoolwork becomes more demanding. These neurodevelopmental conditions affect specific learning skills and are not related to a teen's overall intelligence or effort.
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Dyslexia primarily affects reading and language processing. Signs in teens may include:
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Reading slowly or having difficulty reading smoothly
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Difficulty spelling accurately despite repeated practice
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Avoiding reading tasks or feeling reluctant to read aloud
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Trouble summarising or finding key information in text
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Dysgraphia affects written expression and the skills involved in writing. Signs may include:
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Handwriting that is difficult to read or inconsistent
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Difficulty organising thoughts on paper
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Writing more slowly than they can explain ideas verbally
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Physical discomfort or fatigue when writing for extended periods
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Dyscalculia affects the understanding of numbers and mathematical concepts. Signs may include:
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Difficulty understanding mathematical concepts
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Difficulty calculating simple sums or remembering number facts
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Confusion with mathematical symbols or sequences
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Anxiety or frustration around maths-related tasks
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These learning difficulties can occur alongside ADHD or autism, which can sometimes make it harder to identify what is affecting a teenager's learning. A learning and educational assessment looks at the specific areas where a teenager is having difficulty and helps identify appropriate support at school and at home.
The Balmain Practice Assessment Process
STEP 1: INTAKE CALL
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The process begins with an intake call with our Client Concierge, Candy Elliott, who holds a Diploma in Psychotherapy and a Bachelor of Psychotherapy.
During the call, Candy will talk through your concerns, answer your questions, and explain what the assessment process involves for your teen. If an assessment is the right fit, she will organise an appointment with one of our psychologists at a time that works for you.
INTAKE CALL
STEP 2: ONLINE CLINICAL INTERVIEW WITH PATIENTS
Next, we conduct a detailed online clinical interview with parents or guardians. This session is focused on building a thorough picture of your teen's background so the assessment reflects their individual history and needs.
During the interview, the psychologist will explore:
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Current behaviour at home and school
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Emotional wellbeing and any difficulties your teen is experiencing
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Developmental history, including early milestones
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Family background and relevant health history
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Social development, friendships, hobbies, and interests
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Any existing reports from schools or other health professionals
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Academic challenges or learning difficulties
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Parents are also welcome to raise any questions or concerns about the process at this stage.
CLINICAL INTERVIEW
STEP 3: TESTING AND ASSESMENT
Your teenager will complete a series of psychometric assessments covering cognitive functioning, executive function, and behavioural patterns. These standardised tools are selected based on the concerns raised in earlier steps and can support assessment for conditions such as ADHD, autism, and specific learning disorders.
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Our psychologists ensure the process is structured, age-appropriate, and as comfortable as possible for your teen.
CHILD TESTING
STEP 4: ANALYSIS OF RESULTS AND WRITTEN REPORT
Once testing is complete, our psychologists carefully analyse the results and prepare a comprehensive written report. This report outlines the findings, explains what they mean, and provides evidence-based recommendations.
ANAlYSIS & REPORT
STEP 5: ONLINE FEEDBACK SESSION
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In the final step, your psychologist will schedule an online feedback session to walk you through the results of your teenager's assessment. The session gives you time to review the findings, ask questions, and discuss what the results mean for your teen.
Your psychologist will explain everything and address any concerns you may have. After the session, you will receive an electronic copy of the assessment report, which you can share with your teen's school, GP, or other relevant health professionals.
FEEDBACK SESSION
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
If you're considering an autism diagnosis for teens or an ADHD assessment for adolescents, a professional assessment can help clarify your concerns. At The Balmain Practice, our team is supportive, warm and understanding at every stage of the assessment process, from the first phone call through to the feedback session.
To learn more or book an assessment, contact The Balmain Practice today. Our team is here to guide you and your teen through the process, one step at a time.