Preparing for your ADHD Assessment: Questions to Ask & Documents to Bring (Canada Edition)

Booking an ADHD assessment can feel like a big step — but preparing in advance can make the process smoother, faster, and more accurate. Whether you’re meeting with a clinician in person or virtually, a little preparation can help you get the most out of your appointment.

Here’s a practical guide on how to get ready for your ADHD assessment in Canada.

Why Preparation Matters

An ADHD diagnosis isn’t based on a single test. It’s a comprehensive clinical process that looks at your symptoms, history, and daily functioning.

Coming prepared with the right information, records, and questions can help your clinician:

• Understand your symptom patterns more clearly

• Make a more accurate diagnosis

• Offer tailored treatment and support recommendations

• Save time and reduce back-and-forth follow-ups

What to Bring: Core Documentation

You don’t need to have everything perfectly organized, but bringing or gathering the following can make a real difference.

1. Personal Identification & Medical Information

• Government-issued photo ID

• Current medications (including supplements)

• Medical history or recent health reports, if relevant

2. Childhood Records

Because ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, it must be present from childhood to meet diagnostic criteria. If available:

• Report cards or school records

• Old assessments or psychological reports

• Teacher comments, IEPs, or resource support documentation

If you can’t access formal records, ask a parent, sibling, or caregiver to share specific examples or memories of your early behaviors and challenges.

3. Symptom Examples & Daily Challenges

• Make a short list of situations where focus, organization, or impulsivity caused problems (work, school, home, relationships).

• Note how long these issues have been present and what strategies you’ve used to cope.

4. Mental Health & Lifestyle Information

• Notes on sleep patterns, energy levels, and mood

• Any other mental health diagnoses, therapy history, or medications

• Substance use (if relevant), as this can affect symptom presentation and treatment options

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

An ADHD assessment is not just about answering questions — it’s also about getting clarity on what the process and next steps will look like. Here are some helpful questions to bring with you:

1. About the Assessment Itself

   • What does the assessment process involve?

   • How long will it take, and will it require multiple appointments?

   • Who will be conducting the assessment?

2. About the Diagnosis

   • How is ADHD diagnosed in adults?

   • Will the assessment screen for other conditions like anxiety or depression?

   • How do you differentiate ADHD from overlapping conditions?

3. About the Report and Next Steps

   • Will I receive a formal written report?

   • Can the report be used for workplace or academic accommodations?

   • Will the results be shared with my family doctor or kept private?

4. About Treatment and Support

   • What are my options if I’m diagnosed?

   • How can I access medication or therapy if needed?

   • Do you offer follow-up care or referrals?

Asking questions helps ensure you understand each step and gives you more confidence in your care plan.

How to Prepare Mentally for the Appointment

Many people feel anxious before their assessment — especially if they’ve lived with undiagnosed ADHD for years. Here are some practical tips to ease the process:

• Take notes in advance so you don’t rely on memory alone during the appointment.

• Be honest and specific — ADHD isn’t about occasional forgetfulness but about persistent, lifelong patterns.

• Avoid over-rehearsing answers. It’s okay if you don’t have everything figured out; your clinician is trained to help draw out the relevant information.

• Give real examples from different stages of life. This helps paint a clearer picture.

What Not to Worry About

• You don’t need to “prove” your struggles. The goal is understanding, not judgment.

• You don’t need to have perfect records — many adults don’t.

• You won’t be “graded” on how well you prepare. Even partial information can be very useful.

Precision North ADHD: Making the Process Simple

Precision North ADHD offers fully online ADHD assessments for adults that go deeper than just diagnosing — we take the time to understand what’s really driving your challenges and how it shows up in your life.

• Fast booking — often within days
• Comprehensive reports suitable for accommodations 
• Clinicians experienced in distinguishing ADHD from anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders  
• Simple, confidential, accessable

The goal is clarity, not complexity.

When to Seek Immediate Help

If your symptoms include severe depression, anxiety, or thoughts of self-harm, seek immediate support through:

• Your local emergency department

• A provincial or territorial crisis line

• The 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline (Canada-wide)

Next Steps

1. Gather what records and examples you can.

2. Write down your key concerns and questions.

3. Book your ADHD assessment with a trusted provider.

4. Take the first step toward clarity and a personalized support plan.

This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For personalized guidance, speak with a qualified healthcare professional.