Adults in South Australia have three main routes to an ADHD assessment: a specially trained GP (since 28 February 2026, they can assess, diagnose and prescribe for adults where clinically appropriate), a psychiatrist, or a psychologist-led assessment. Only medical practitioners can prescribe. Our ADHD assessments are for ages 6–25, but for adults we offer cognitive and neuropsychological assessment of attention and executive function, plus therapy and occupational therapy.
Can you be diagnosed with ADHD as an adult?
Yes. ADHD begins in childhood (several symptoms need to have been present before age 12), but many people aren’t recognised until adulthood. It often becomes noticeable when demands increase, for example at university, in a new job or when parenting. Because the diagnosis looks back to childhood, assessments usually ask for early history, school reports and input from someone who knew you as a child.
Common signs in adults
- Procrastination and difficulty starting tasks
- Losing track of time, deadlines and appointments
- Disorganisation at home or work
- Trouble sustaining attention in meetings, reading or study
- Restlessness, or difficulty relaxing
- Impulsive decisions or spending
- Emotional overwhelm and frustration
- A long-standing sense of underachieving
Things that can look like ADHD
Difficulties with attention and organisation can also come from poor sleep, anxiety, low mood, stress or burnout, medical conditions, medication or substance effects, hearing problems or a past head injury, and some of these can occur alongside ADHD. A good assessment considers all of them, which is why it takes more than a checklist.
Your options in South Australia
| Route | Diagnose? | Prescribe? | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specially trained GP | Yes | Yes | Since 28 February 2026, under the SA program. Ask your practice whether one of its GPs has completed the training. |
| Psychiatrist | Yes | Yes | A GP referral is needed to claim Medicare rebates. |
| Psychologist (adult ADHD service) | Yes | No | Usually includes detailed testing and a written report. Not rebated by Medicare. |
| Adelaide Hills Neuropsychology (over 25) | No formal ADHD diagnosis | No | Cognitive or neuropsychological assessment of attention and executive function, plus therapy and occupational therapy. |
How we can help if you’re over 25
Our formal ADHD assessments are for ages 6–25, but there’s still a lot we can do for adults:
- Cognitive or neuropsychological assessment. Objective testing of attention, working memory, processing speed and executive function. It shows your strengths and difficulties, checks for other contributors, and gives practical recommendations you can share with your GP or psychiatrist.
- Psychological therapy. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and CBT for overwhelm, anxiety, low mood and adjusting to a diagnosis, in person or by telehealth.
- Occupational therapy. Practical strategies and routines for planning, organisation and daily life.
How to prepare for an adult ADHD assessment
- Find old school reports, if you can
- Ask a parent, sibling or long-time friend whether they can share what you were like as a child
- Write down recent examples of where things go wrong at work, study or home
- List your medical history, current medications and how you’re sleeping
- Note what you’d most like to understand or change
Next steps
Start with your GP. They can talk through the SA GP pathway or refer you to a psychiatrist. If you’d like an objective picture of your attention and thinking skills, or support with what you’re experiencing now, our cognitive assessment and therapy are open to adults.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral?
You can see your GP without one. To claim Medicare rebates for a psychiatrist, you need a referral, usually from your GP. A referral isn’t required to book a private psychology appointment.
Can a psychologist prescribe ADHD medication?
No. Psychologists can assess and diagnose but can’t prescribe. Medication is managed by a GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician; in SA, specially trained GPs can now prescribe for adults where clinically appropriate.
Does Medicare or the NDIS cover an adult ADHD assessment?
Medicare rebates apply to GP and psychiatrist consultations (with a referral for the psychiatrist), but not to psychological ADHD assessments for adults. The NDIS doesn’t fund diagnostic assessments. Some private health “extras” policies contribute to psychology.
Is it worth getting assessed as an adult?
For many people, yes. Understanding why things have been hard can make it easier to find the right strategies, workplace or study adjustments, and treatment. A thorough assessment also checks for other explanations, such as sleep problems, anxiety or low mood.
Sources
- SA Health — Access ADHD care through a GP
- RACGP newsGP — First 100 SA GPs complete ADHD training
- AADPA — Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for ADHD
- NDIS — Our Guideline: Mainstream and community supports (27 July 2026)
This guide is general information only and isn’t a substitute for individual advice. Funding rules and rebates change — figures are current as at 2 October 2026.