How do you get diagnosed for ADHD in NZ?

You keep losing your keys, feel you can never finish anything at work, or maybe have had a family member say “do you think you might have ADHD?.” You've had a child or adolescent assessed and diagnosed with ADHD only to find out its genetic and wondered about yourself.

​Whatever the reason, getting a specialist assessment is the first step towards getting some answers and potentially explaining what you've been experiencing since childhood.​

Getting an assessment and diagnosis of ADHD often helps you to understand there is a reason for many of your current and past difficulties can be an enormous relief.

​Rather like getting a new job, there are many things you'll have to undertake and share with your specialist. There are two ways you can go about this:

  • see your GP and have them refer you (if you're over 18 years of age) or your child (if they're 18 years or younger) to be seen by a specialist in the Public Health System (which will likely involve a wait, but is free), or
  • go directly to a private specialist (which may be less of a wait, but will have a cost associated with it). 

If you're an adult wanting to get assessed for ADHD we'd recommend that first you see your GP for a referral. However, adults often end up seeing a private Specialist to get assessed for ADHD.

Think you, or your child, have ADHD?

​Here's an outline of the process for getting assessed for, and possibly diagnosed with, ADHD. Click on any of the links to find out more about each step.​

1. See your GP

  • Will you want to use insurance?
  • Which specialist should you see?

2. Choose your specialist

3. Preparing to see your specialist

  • What assessments will you need to undertake before seeing them?
  • Who else, or what other evidence, should you take to your meeting with your specialist?​

4. Getting assessed for ADHD

5. Getting diagnosed with ADHD