ADHD EVALUATION IN TRURO & STELLARTON, NOVA SCOTIA

Get the Right Diagnosis with a Comprehensive ADHD Evaluation

Get clarity, answers, and an expert report to help your child succeed at home and at school.

A teacher and a child working on school work together

Your child or teen can succeed—even if it’s hard for them to focus, follow instructions, or stay on task.


Our comprehensive ADHD evaluation helps determine whether those struggles are due to ADHD or something else — like anxiety or a learning disorder. We serve families from Pictou County and Colchester County, including New Glasgow, Truro, and surrounding areasm, from our clinics in Stellarton and Truro, NS.

Common signs of ADHD include:


Difficulty staying focused or on task

Trouble listening, causing them to miss important details

Difficulty finishing what they start

Appearing absentminded, forgetful, or losing track of things

Feeling restless or fidgety

Becoming bored easily

Tendency to rush through tasks causing them to make careless mistakes

Acting impulsively or quickly before thinking

Difficulty waiting

Tendency to interrupt people

But are your child or teen’s struggles due to ADHD?

These days, it seems like anytime a child or teen is restless, has trouble focusing or listening, or struggles in school, people immediately assume it’s due to ADHD.

But, it’s essential to accurately determine whether the child or teen’s symptoms are due to ADHD and not another condition that can look like ADHD.  

Because what’s not as commonly known is that ADHD shares similar symptoms to other medical, emotional, and learning disorders. Additionally, some medications can also cause symptoms similar to ADHD.

So unless your child or teen is properly assessed, these other concerns can get overlooked. Leading to a misdiagnosis and a treatment strategy that may not be what your child actually needs.

hand holding papers and pens reviewing adhd assessments

A comprehensive ADHD evaluation can get you the answers you and your child need.


ADHD is a medical condition that can be successfully managed with behavioural, environmental, and sometimes medical strategies.

But, ADHD can’t be diagnosed with a single questionnaire, a brief interview, a blood test, or an X-ray.

Instead, you need a thorough ADHD evaluation that gathers information from a variety of sources. This approach provides a complete picture of your child’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioural functioning. So you get an accurate diagnosis.

Our comprehensive ADHD evaluation includes gathering information from a variety of sources, such as:

Interviews with teachers, you or other caregivers, and your child or teen

Review of your child’s collateral history (medical, school)

Behavioural observations during the interview and ADHD testing

Results from standardized assessment tools and questionnaires

Book an ADHD evaluation at one of our Nova Scotia clinics. No referral needed. Most families receive their results within 2–4 weeks.

Our comprehensive ADHD assessment is tailored to your child’s situation.

Unlike a brief interview or ADHD screen, our comprehensive ADHD evaluation isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach.  

Instead, we tailor our ADHD assessment to address your child or teen’s specific needs and referral questions. For instance, we’ll include a learning evaluation or psychoeducational assessment as part of the ADHD testing if your child is struggling academically.  

This personalized approach allows us to get a better understanding of your child, their struggles, and their strengths. So we can identify what’s contributing to their problems and provide strategies, tools, and recommendations that will help them thrive.

Our comprehensive ADHD assessment approach enables our ADHD experts to help you and your child:

Rule out other causes or conditions that mimic ADHD

Accurately diagnose ADHD if it is present

Identify any coexisting conditions, like a behavioural, emotional, or learning disorder

Understand your child’s behavioural, emotional, and learning strengths

Get the support they need through treatment recommendations and strategies tailored to your child’s unique needs.

therapist helping a child with school work for adhd

Our ADHD experts can help you get the answers and support you and your child need.

Our experts are licensed psychologists trained in assessment, learning, and ADHD.

As a result, we understand the importance of providing a comprehensive evaluation that can correctly identify what’s contributing to your child or teen’s struggles. So you get the insights, strategies, and tools you need to help your child achieve their personal best.

Additionally, we create a safe, supportive environment so your child or teen feels comfortable, relaxed, and motivated during the ADHD testing.

Because we take a comprehensive approach to understanding your child’s functioning, including strengths, many children report the process helps them feel empowered or that they can be a learner

    Meet the Psychologists Who Conduct Your Child’s ADHD Assessment

    lisa hayden psychologist at north short psychological

    Lisa Hayden, M.A., Registered Psychologist (R0617)

    • Registered Psychologist for 19+ years with the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology
    • Specializes in ADHD, learning disabilities, and anxiety assessments for children and teens
    • Trained at Mount Saint Vincent University

    Briden Cohen, Psychometrist

    • Specializes in psychoeducational, developmental, and functional behaviour assessments
    • Uses evidence-based treatment drawing on behavioural and cognitive behavioural therapy

    ADHD Assessment: Frequently Asked Questions

    Do I need a referral for ADHD testing?

    No referral is required to book with our Stellarton clinic.

    However, some insurance providers may request one for reimbursement, so we recommend checking with your plan directly.

    What’s included in an ADHD assessment?

    Each comprehensive ADHD assessment includes:

    • A clinical interview with parents or caregivers

    • Review of school and developmental history

    • Standardized behavior and attention testing

    • Written diagnostic report with school-ready recommendations

    • Optional follow-up call with our psychologist

    How long does the process take?

    Most families complete the evaluation process within 2–4 weeks from the initial appointment.

    The timeline may vary depending on availability, testing needs, and how quickly paperwork is completed.

    Do you offer ADHD assessments in Truro, NS?

    Yes. We see clients at our Truro location at 339 Willow Street, Suite B. No referral is required to book at either clinic. If you’re unsure which location is closer, contact us and we’ll help you find the right fit.

    Who will conduct my child's ADHD assessment?

    ADHD evaluations are conducted by our licensed psychologists and psychometrists, including Lisa Hayden (Registered Psychologist, R0617) and Briden Cohen. Both specialize in child and adolescent assessment.

    Can a psychoeducational assessment also diagnose ADHD?

    Yes. If your child is struggling with both focus and academics, we can combine the ADHD evaluation and learning assessment into one comprehensive psychoeducational assessment — giving you the full picture without separate appointments.

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    Learn more about comprehensive ADHD testing and evaluations with resources on our blog.

    Get the right diagnosis and personalized recommendations so your child or teen can thrive.

    Our ADHD experts are here to help you and your child. Contact us to schedule an appointment or if you have additional questions.