Not knowing what will happen can make people put off booking. So here is the whole process, in order, with nothing hidden.
Dr Jaspreet Saini, Rosedale Medical Practice, West Pennant Hills. Looking after local families since 1997.
Step 1: Questionnaires before your visit
After you book, you complete some questionnaires at home. They ask about attention, focus, restlessness, mood and daily life.
Take your time. There are no right or wrong answers. Honest answers give the clearest picture.
Doing this at home means your visit time goes on talking, not on form filling.
Step 2: Your first visit
Visit one is 60 minutes in person at our practice in West Pennant Hills. That is much longer than a usual GP visit, on purpose.
Dr Saini goes through your questionnaires with you. He asks about work, study, relationships, sleep and health. He also asks what has changed, and what has always been there.
It is a conversation, not a test. You can bring a support person if that helps.
Your doctor may also ask about caffeine, alcohol, sleep and past health problems. These can look like ADHD, so we check them with care.
Good to know
Adults 18 and over can book directly. You do not need a referral.
How childhood history is gathered
ADHD starts in childhood, so your early years matter. This part worries many adults, because memories can be hazy.
You do not need perfect records. Old school reports help, if you have them. A parent, sibling or older relative can also share what they remember.
If no one can help, tell us. We will look at the whole picture, not one missing piece.
Step 3: Time to think
Your doctor puts the information together after the visit. This takes time and care. A rushed answer would not help you.
In this gap you do not need to do anything. If you remember something useful, such as a school comment or a story from a family member, you can share it at visit two.
Step 4: Your feedback visit
About three to four weeks later, you come back for visit two. Dr Saini explains what he found and what it means.
If you have ADHD, you will hear why. If you do not, you will hear that too, along with what else may explain how you feel.
If treatment is appropriate, you talk through your options. Nothing is rushed or decided for you.
What a diagnosis does and does not mean
A diagnosis gives a name to patterns you may have lived with for years. It can open the door to treatment and support.
It does not define you, and it does not mean you must start treatment. You choose what to do next.
It also is not a fixed outcome from the start. An assessment is an honest look, and the answer can go either way.
Some people feel relief. Others feel mixed emotions. Both are normal, and we are happy to talk about how you feel.
Related reading
- How to prepare for your ADHD assessment
- 6 questions to ask before booking an ADHD assessment with a GP
- How much does an adult ADHD assessment cost in Sydney?
- Adult ADHD assessment at Rosedale
Where to read more
Our ADHD diagnosis page covers the pathway in more detail. If you want the fees laid out, see what an ADHD assessment costs in Sydney.
Common questions
How long is the first ADHD assessment visit?
The first visit is 60 minutes, in person at our West Pennant Hills practice. Questionnaires are done beforehand.
Do I need to bring anything?
Bring any old school reports or past health letters if you have them. If you do not, that is fine.
What if I cannot remember my childhood?
That is common. A family member can help, and so can any old records. We look at the whole picture.
Will I get a diagnosis at the first visit?
Usually not. Your feedback visit is about three to four weeks later, after your doctor has reviewed everything.
Wondering if this is for you?
Our free two-minute fit check is a gentle first step. It takes no commitment to try.
Try the fit check →Medically reviewed by Dr Jaspreet Saini, FRACGP, 8 October 2026