Diagnostic Assessments for Children – ADHD, autism

Standard Diagnostic Assessment

A comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment process to explore the child’s situation, difficulties and strengths in detail.

Standard Diagnostic Assessment To understand your child’s situation, difficulties and strengths as accurately as possible, we have developed an assessment process based on collaboration between several specialists. This thorough assessment helps us recommend the most appropriate form of support or therapeutic direction for your family. The Assessment Process:

Initial Interview – Parent Consultation – 45 or 90 minutes. We begin the process together with the parents. We discuss your experiences, the background information you have provided, and any previous assessment results so that we can clearly define the aims of the assessment.
Individual Clinical Psychological Assessment – 4 sessions, 45 minutes each. During these meetings, we focus on the child’s individual psychological functioning, particularly their emotional development, impulse regulation, and personality development.
Neuropsychological Assessment – 1 session, 90 minutes. A comprehensive intelligence assessment, completed in one or two parts depending on the child’s age. This does not include a detailed assessment of attention functions; if this becomes necessary during the process, we will recommend extending the assessment accordingly.
Group observation – 2 sessions of 50 minutes each. Children aged 5–12 are also observed in a small-group setting led by two specialists so that we can understand how they relate to their peers. Children under the age of 5 are not included in this form of assessment.
Final Parent Consultation – 1 session, 45 minutes. Once the assessments have been completed, one or more of our professionals will discuss the results with you, along with possible next steps and our recommendations.

The process also includes the preparation of a detailed written clinical report. Important Information About the Assessments Dates: Assessment sessions may last 45, 50 or 90 minutes depending on the type of assessment and are usually scheduled in the morning. We can provide an official certificate for the educational institution covering the time of the assessment. Additional Recommendations: During the process, our specialists may consider it necessary to involve other disciplines, for example a child psychiatrist or special education professional. Any such recommendation will be discussed at the final consultation. What We Ask Parents to Provide Before the Assessment Begins: To gain the most accurate understanding possible, we also need feedback from the child’s wider environment.

Please send us all documentation from any previous assessments.
Please request a teacher's report from your child's kindergarten or school.

Comprehensive Assessment

A comprehensive assessment for ADHD, autism and comorbid chronic symptoms, involving multiple professionals.

Comprehensive Assessment At MURMO, assessments for ADHD, autism and comorbid chronic symptoms are carried out as part of a comprehensive diagnostic process involving several professionals. Possible Stages of a Comprehensive Assessment:

Parent interview with a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist, including a review of the child’s medical history and previous documentation.
Psychological assessments usually 3 sessions.
Neuropsychological assessments 2 sessions: one 90-minute IQ test and one 50-minute assessment. For younger children, two 50-minute assessment sessions are conducted.
Special education assessments – For children under 8, and where specifically indicated alongside neuropsychological assessment. This assessment is available from age 4 and usually consists of one 50-minute session.
Psychiatric assessment usually 2–3 sessions.
Group diagnostic assessment 2 sessions.
Feedback session for parents usually with one or two professionals.

In some cases, our professionals may consider an additional specialized assessment necessary. An ADOS assessment may be required where difficulties within the autism spectrum are suspected. We only carry out the ADOS assessment if it is necessary to establish a definitive diagnosis. Our professionals always decide on this individually, often during the assessment process and on the basis of the results obtained so far. For some difficulties — for example ASD, ADHD or comorbid symptoms — assessment is carried out only as part of a comprehensive diagnostic process. Fees for the Assessment Process Before committing to the process, it is important for families to consider the fees as well. At present, our Foundation is unable to provide financial support for the diagnostic phase. Fees include preparation of the detailed written report, professional consultation between colleagues, supervision, formulation of recommendations and, where possible, coordination of further care within our system. If the recommended form of care is not provided by our team, we are unable to undertake the organisation of further care. Important Information Assessment sessions are generally 50 minutes long, while an IQ assessment may take 90 minutes. Appointments are usually available in the morning. We can provide an attendance certificate for the duration of the assessment. Please Note! Assessments require a set amount of time, and not every test can be interrupted once it has begun. In the event of late arrival, there may not be enough time to start the planned assessment. In such cases, the professional will offer a new appointment. Where clinically justified, the process outlined above may be adjusted. More or fewer assessments may be required if our professionals consider this necessary during the process. We also request a report from the child’s nursery, kindergarten, or school. You can request an appointment for an assessment, consultation, or therapy using the registration form. We will respond within 5 business days.

Screening for specific learning difficulties

A detailed assessment of abilities in cases of reading, writing, spelling, or mathematical difficulties, including suspected dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia.

Screening for specific learning difficulties Is your child experiencing difficulties with reading, writing, or mathematics? Has dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia been suspected? The aim of the assessment is to provide a detailed picture of the child’s ability profile, strengths, and the areas that may require targeted support. Who Can Apply for an Assessment? The assessment is recommended in the following cases:

in cases of suspected dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia,
for children who are already receiving developmental support or therapy, but whose professional would like a more detailed understanding of specific areas—such as reading, writing, spelling, or mathematics,
to identify the underlying causes of learning difficulties,
to gain a more precise understanding of the child’s strengths and areas for development.

The Assessment Process The process is always tailored to the child’s individual needs, but generally consists of the following steps:

1. Initial Consultations – 1–2 sessions. Gathering the child’s developmental history, reviewing the difficulties identified, and defining the aims of the assessment.
2. Intelligence Assessment – WISC intelligence assessment, approximately 90 minutes.
3. Additional Cognitive Assessments – Where necessary, assessment of attention, memory, executive functions, and other cognitive domains, lasting approximately 50 minutes.
4. Special education assessments – 1–3 sessions, 50 minutes each. A detailed assessment of reading, writing, spelling, and mathematical skills.
5. Feedback Consultation – Usually involving two professionals and lasting 50 minutes. A detailed discussion of the assessment results and formulation of recommendations.

Assessment Tools Used During the assessment, we use a range of standardised assessment tools selected according to the child’s age and the specific questions being explored, including:

WISC intelligence test,
GMP speech perception and comprehension assessment,
Meixner Reading Sheets,
reading comprehension, language, and spelling tests from the Handbook of Speech and Language Therapy Assessments,
dictation-based assessments,
Dyscalculia Educational Assessment,
Bender–Gestalt II test.

What Does the Family Receive? As a result of the assessment, the family receives a comprehensive overview of the child’s learning skills, the possible underlying causes of the difficulties, and personalised recommendations for further development and support. Important Information The purpose of the assessment is to gain a detailed understanding of the child’s learning skills and to identify their developmental support needs. This assessment is not equivalent to an assessment carried out by an expert committee. Its results therefore cannot be used to establish BTMN status—difficulties with integration, learning, or behaviour—or SNI status—special educational needs. These statuses may only be determined by the expert committees of the educational support services.

Cognitive, Specific Skills and School Readiness Assessments

Cognitive, specific skills and school readiness assessments for preschool- and school-age children using neuropsychological and special educational methods.

Cognitive, Specific Skills and School Readiness Assessments

At the request of a parent, preschool teacher or school teacher working with the child, an official cognitive, specific-skills or school-readiness assessment can be carried out by the designated Educational Guidance Service responsible for the child’s place of residence.

Following the assessment, the official expert opinion is also issued by the Educational Guidance Service. This document contains its recommendations, formally records any differences in learning abilities and, where necessary, recommends postponing the start of school.

For families already in a therapeutic relationship with us, we assess cognitive abilities and specific skills using neuropsychological and special educational assessment methods.

Depending on the results, we may recommend contacting the locally responsible Educational Guidance Service or beginning developmental therapy for cognitive abilities if performance in cognitive functions is below the level expected for the child’s age.

Assessments available at MURMO for preschool- and school-age children:

Motor development assessment
Assessment of cognitive ability profile and intelligence structure, where necessary using the WISC-IV Child Intelligence Scale
Assessment of learning abilities – reading, writing and mathematics
Attention assessment
Speech and language development assessment

You can register for an assessment, consultation or therapy through the registration form. We respond within 5 working days at the latest.

Neuropsychological Assessment

A neuropsychological assessment beginning with an initial interview, followed by additional assessment sessions as needed and a written professional opinion.

Neuropsychological Assessment

The assessment begins with an initial interview from a neuropsychological perspective. This is a 45–50 minute consultation with the parents, or with the patient in the case of an adult.

During this session, previous medical, educational and psychological assessments and therapies are reviewed in the context of the current neuropsychological and psychological concerns.

Another aim of the first consultation is for the specialist to determine the necessary steps of the assessment. These are discussed together at the end of the session.

The initial interview is usually followed by 1–4 assessment sessions, each lasting 45–90 minutes.

The number and length of sessions depend on the patient’s age, symptoms, history and the assessment questions that arise.

At the end of the assessment, the patient receives a written summary report of the findings.

The assessment may also include further consultation with the patient and, where relevant, with other professionals involved in the assessment or therapeutic work.

It is also possible that, after the initial interview, the specialist provides recommendations and considers a detailed cognitive assessment unnecessary at that time or appropriate only at a later date.

In such cases, a short written summary is still prepared, including recommendations for any further assessments or therapies that may be needed.

You can register for an assessment, consultation or therapy through the registration form. We respond within 5 working days at the latest.

Adult ADHD Assessment

A comprehensive clinical and neuropsychological assessment for suspected adult ADHD, including a detailed evaluation of attention, executive functioning, and cognitive functions.

Adult ADHD Assessment

The aim of the clinical assessment is to provide a detailed, evidence-based understanding of your cognitive functioning, executive functions, strengths, and the areas that may require targeted support or treatment.

Who Might Have Adult ADHD, and Why Is an Assessment Recommended?

Adult ADHD can remain undiagnosed for a long time because the physical hyperactivity seen in childhood often develops into inner restlessness, chronic forgetfulness, difficulties with time management and problems with emotional regulation in adulthood.

International professional guidelines recommend structured screening and diagnostic assessment because untreated adult ADHD may increase the risk of difficulties at work, relationship crises, anxiety and depressive disorders, and burnout.

An accurate diagnosis is the first and most important step towards appropriate strategies for improving quality of life and, where indicated, therapeutic or medication-based support.

Who Can Apply for the Assessment?

The assessment is recommended in the following cases:

in cases of suspected adult ADHD — inattentive, hyperactive or combined presentation;
for adults experiencing difficulties with work organisation, time management, maintaining focus, or emotional and impulse regulation,
to identify the underlying causes of chronic, long-standing difficulties with learning or performance,
for adults who have already been diagnosed and would like a more detailed understanding of their current cognitive profile in order to refine an individual development plan or therapeutic approach.

The Assessment Process

The assessment is carried out in two stages.

1. Psychological and Neuropsychological Stage – The process begins with an initial interview conducted by a MURMO neuropsychologist or clinical psychologist. This is followed by questionnaires and cognitive assessments covering areas such as the individual’s cognitive profile, attention regulation, and executive functions. The stage concludes with a feedback consultation and a written clinical report, usually after 4–5 sessions. Some sessions may also be conducted online or scheduled in a more intensive, block format.
2. Psychiatric Stage – The client then meets an adult psychiatrist who works with MURMO at an external location, bringing the assessment materials completed so far. The diagnosis is confirmed or ruled out at the end of this process. MURMO works with several psychiatrists, so the exact process and number of sessions may vary depending on the collaborating specialist. Current fees for the psychiatric assessment are provided by email.

Assessment Tools Used

During the assessment, we use a range of standardised measures and assessment methods selected according to the adult client’s age and the differential diagnostic questions, for example:

WAIS-IV — Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale,
structured diagnostic interview for the assessment of adult ADHD,
Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale,
Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scales,
a comprehensive assessment of selective and sustained attention, tolerance of monotony and executive functions;
BDI and BAI — Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory — to identify or rule out associated conditions.

What Does the Client Receive?

As a result of the assessment, you receive a comprehensive clinical and neuropsychological profile of your cognitive functioning, attention and executive functions, as well as possible factors underlying the difficulties you experience.

The process concludes with a written professional report containing personalised recommendations for everyday management strategies, workplace adjustment and any further targeted support.

Important Clinical Information

The purpose of the assessment is to explore the adult client’s cognitive profile and symptoms in detail and to prepare a psychological and neuropsychological professional report.

If the clinical picture indicates that medication may be required, only a specialist adult psychiatrist is authorised to establish the final official clinical diagnosis and prescribe or adjust medication.

Our professional report and assessment results support the psychiatric diagnostic and therapeutic process.

Assessment Planning Consultation

A structured parent consultation to help determine what type of assessment, specialist consultation, or therapeutic support the child may need.

Assessment Planning Consultation In child psychology and clinical assessment, it is common for symptoms, behavioural difficulties, or emotional concerns reported by parents not to be clearly distinguishable at the outset. In such cases, the first and most important step in the diagnostic process is an initial exploratory consultation. This is a structured parent consultation during which the clinical professional:

reviews the child’s developmental and medical history,
gains an understanding of the child’s current life circumstances,
helps interpret the child’s everyday difficulties from a professional perspective,
distinguishes natural developmental crises from difficulties requiring clinical intervention.

By the end of the consultation, it is possible to determine more precisely which specific diagnostic assessments are needed. The professional will outline the appropriate sequence of next steps and make recommendations regarding whether:

immediate therapeutic intervention is required,
a targeted specialist consultation—for example, in child and adolescent psychiatry or neurology—is required,
or a more comprehensive psychological assessment is required.

The initial exploratory consultation does not result in a definitive diagnosis. Instead, it identifies the fastest, most appropriate, and least burdensome pathway to help the family access the support they need.

Autism Assessment

A comprehensive autism assessment involving several professionals and, where necessary, neuropsychological, clinical, psychiatric and group observation methods.

Autism Assessment

In the case of autism, the comprehensive assessment consists of four components together with an educational report:

Neuropsychology 2–3 sessions
Clinical psychology 3–4 sessions
Child and adolescent psychiatrist 2–3 sessions
Group observation 2 sessions where necessary, most commonly for children up to the age of 12
Collection of school reports and previous professional opinions

The process described above may be adapted according to individual needs, the severity of the presenting difficulties, the family’s circumstances and any current crisis situations.

Each assessment session lasts 50–70 minutes, except for the initial interview, which may last up to 90 minutes.

For autism assessments, we use the Autism Foundation questionnaire as well as the ADI-R and ADOS assessments.

Children who are already receiving care within our system and who have undergone a detailed cognitive assessment and/or a clinical differential diagnostic assessment during the previous academic year only need to obtain a special education or educational report.

A childhood video may support the assessment process. Where necessary, we may record a session.

Written parental consent is required, clearly defining how the video may be handled and used.

You can apply for an assessment, consultation or therapy through the application form. We will respond within 5 business days.

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