At what age can my child be assessed for ADHD with Finding Focus?

Finding Focus assesses youth ages 12 to 17 in Ontario, and adults across Canada

Finding Focus offers ADHD assessments to youth ages 12 to 17 and to adults 18 and older. There is an important distinction in *where* each group can currently be seen: our youth (under-18) assessments are available in Ontario only, while our adult assessments are offered nationally across Canada. ADHD and mental-health care is available for all ages from 18 onward, including older adults 65+.

We do not currently assess children under 12. If your child is younger than 12, a Finding Focus youth assessment is not the right fit yet, and we want to set that expectation clearly so you can plan the right next step (covered further down this page). Every assessment we provide follows DSM-5-TR criteria and is CADDRA-aligned, and is carried out by licensed Canadian nurse practitioners and clinicians.

Children under 12 are not assessed here, here is what to do instead

Because Finding Focus does not currently assess children under 12, families with a younger child will need a different route. ADHD can absolutely be identified before age 12, but assessment for this age group is usually handled by a paediatrician, a child psychologist, or a children's mental-health program, often working alongside a child's school. Here are practical options to consider while your child is under 12:

• Start with your family doctor or paediatrician. They can document concerns, rule out other causes, and refer your child to a paediatric ADHD assessment pathway.
• Talk to your child's school. Teachers and school support staff can share classroom observations and help coordinate accommodations, which are valuable input for any assessment.
• Ask about provincial children's mental-health services. Public programs are covered by provincial health plans, though access can involve waits.
• Plan ahead for age 12. If concerns continue, your teen may become eligible for a Finding Focus youth assessment once they turn 12 (in Ontario). Keeping notes, report cards, and any prior evaluations makes that future step smoother.

Keeping a simple record now, what you notice at home, what teachers report, and any earlier evaluations, pays off later. If your child is approaching 12 and you live in Ontario, you can read how the process works in our guide on how to get your teen assessed for ADHD.

Here is how a youth ADHD assessment works for ages 12 to 17

For an Ontario teen aged 12 to 17, the assessment is conducted online by a licensed nurse practitioner or clinician, with a parent or guardian involved as appropriate for the teen's age. The goal is a careful, DSM-5-TR-based evaluation rather than a quick yes-or-no, and because it is virtual, it removes the long public wait lists that can stretch 1 to 2 years or more. Here is the general flow:

1. Book and complete intake. You and your teen share background, current concerns, and relevant history. Bringing report cards or past evaluations is helpful but not always required.
2. Clinical assessment appointment. A nurse practitioner or clinician meets with your teen (and you, as appropriate) by video to review symptoms against DSM-5-TR criteria across home, school, and social settings.
3. Review and diagnosis. The clinician determines whether the criteria for ADHD are met. A diagnosis is never guaranteed; the outcome reflects the clinical findings.
4. Personalized plan if diagnosed. A confirmed diagnosis can flow into a treatment plan, which may include medication management, psychotherapy such as CBT or DBT, school accommodations, Disability Tax Credit (DTC) forms, or expedited psychiatry referrals.

Teens are active participants in their own assessment, and their consent and input matter throughout. If you want a fuller picture of how virtual youth assessment works, see can a teenager be assessed for ADHD online. Any medication that may follow a diagnosis is prescribed in line with provincial rules for controlled stimulant prescribing, and you can learn more about teen-focused care on our ADHD assessments for teens page.

Youth assessments start at $399, here is how to begin

Online ADHD assessments at Finding Focus start at $399 (CAD), with transparent pricing shown up front and no surprise add-ons. For context, private psychologist ADHD assessments commonly run roughly $2,000 to $4,000 or more, and psychiatry is generally publicly funded with a referral, so the barrier is the wait, not the cost; the public system is covered by provincial health plans but access is limited with long waits. Our aim is accessible and affordable ADHD care that gives families a faster, clearer path.

• Transparent pricing from $399, shown before you commit.
• 50% off the initial consultation if your teen already has an ADHD diagnosis and is seeking ongoing care.
• Affordable payment plans are available to spread the cost.
• Diagnosis in hours, not weeks, no 1-to-2-year public wait list.

If your child is 12 to 17 and lives in Ontario, you can begin by reviewing our full pricing details and the ADHD testing and diagnosis overview, then book a time that works for your family. If your child is under 12, keep this page handy and revisit when they turn 12. Questions about eligibility or fit? Reach our team at 1-866-506-9203 or support@findfocusnow.com.