Services
At Kaleidoscope Clinic, we strive to help individuals and families navigate the health system, how to access diversity care including assessments and treatments. We can facilitate comprehensive mental health and ADHD assessments for children over 6, adolescents, and adults and to existing services which may offer an alternative pathway to reduce wait times and barriers.
Importantly, Kaleidoscope Clinic is not a replacement for existing specialists (including paediatricians and psychiatrists) but rather we can facilitate assessments and coordinate services which may still include collaborating with those specialties, especially where there is a complexity of care needs.
As GPs, we don’t require a referral to see us but it is encouraged to provide further history/information. We will happily work with your existing GP and encourage everyone to have a regular GP.
Not all individuals who think they have ADHD will do so. To make a professional assessment takes time and patience; that is why a series of appointments is required and medical assessment and further testing may be necessary.
ADHD assessment pathway -
Children aged > 6 years.
Kaleidoscope Clinic might be right for your child if there are concerns from either parents/caregivers or teachers/educators regarding the possibility of ADHD in the child and symptoms are not likely better explained by an alternative diagnosis such as ASD (autism spectrum disorder) or trauma.
Assessment is not guaranteed to result in a diagnosis of ADHD. Validated assessment tools are used to assess children.
This is NOT designed to replace existing referral pathways – but rather an alternative option to reduce time/ barriers to assessment where Paediatric access is limited, and patients are less likely to need ongoing paediatric level care. If a child has multiple medical issues / history or medications – we would recommend direct Paediatric referral. If a child would benefit from a psychoeducational assessment and management plan arising from challenges related to Autism, we recommend referral to an appropriate psychology service.
Your assesment journey
ADHD assessment pathway -
For Adolescents 17-18 years, transitioning from Paediatric care
We are not Psychiatrists, and therefore in accordance with existing Queensland state laws, a psychiatrist is required to review previous history and reassess to determine if ongoing use of medication is required into adulthood. We can facilitate further referrals onto private Psychiatrists.
Why would we use Kaleidoscope Clinic instead of our usual GP?
Some GPs are not familiar or comfortable with initiating or adjusting medications for ADHD. Our GPs can do this and facilitate the necessary ongoing monitoring. Ultimately, we would encourage your usual GP to take over prescribing in the long term and can liase/support this transition.
Your assesment journey
ADHD assessment pathway - For Adults
We are not Psychiatrists, and therefore in accordance with existing Queensland state laws, a Psychiatrist is required to assess for ADHD as part of a comprehensive psychiatric assessment prior to the prescription of psychostimulants. We can facilitate further referrals onto private Psychiatrists. We can provide ADHD assessments for adults where psychostimulant prescribing is not required.
Your assesment journey
These flow charts are an example of how a typical appointment series may be facilitated. Appointment times and or outcomes are not fixed, but are determined during consultation with the individual patient and their individual health care requirements.
Neurodivergent Care – What does this mean?
Neurodivergent care refers to the recognition, support, and inclusion of individuals whose neurological development differs from what is considered “neurotypical.” This includes conditions such as:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- Tourette Syndrome
- Sensory Processing Disorders
Key Principles:
- Individualised support: Focus on understanding how each person thinks, communicates, and interacts with the world.
- Inclusion:Adjusting environments (schools, workplaces, services) to reduce barriers.
- Early identification:Timely assessment helps access support early.
- Lifelong approach: Support may be needed across all life stages – education, employment, health, and community.
Tools & Supports Available in Australia:
- Government Supports
- NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme): Provides funding for eligible individuals for therapies, supports, assistive technology, and skill-building. ** ADHD and ASD (level 1) are not individually eligible for NDIS **
- Medicare:
- Chronic Disease Management Plans: Access to subsidised allied health visits.
- Mental Health Care Plans: Psychology sessions for managing emotional or behavioural challenges.
- Autism/ADHD assessments: Rebates available under certain criteria for diagnostic services.
- Educational Supports
- NAPLAN Adjustments: For students needing modified assessment.
- Individual Learning Plans (ILPs): Tailored learning approaches in schools.
- School inclusion funding: Public schools may access state-funded disability supports (varies by state).
- NDIS Early Childhood Approach (ECA): Early intervention for children under 9 with developmental delay or disability. ** this is where involvement of a Paediatrician is important **
- Allied Health & Clinical Support
- Occupational Therapists (OTs): For sensory processing, daily function.
- Speech Pathologists: For communication and social skills.
- Psychologists: For behavioural support, counselling.
- Developmental Paediatricians & Psychiatrists: For diagnosis and medical management.
- Community & Peer Supports
- Advocacy Groups: e.g., Amaze (Autism), ADHD Australia, Reframing Autism.
- Support groups & mentoring: Peer-led spaces for connection and sharing.
- Carer support: Respite services, counselling, and education for families and carers.
- Workplace & Adult Supports
- JobAccess: Government program that assists with employment accommodations.
- Disability Employment Services (DES): Helps neurodivergent individuals find and maintain work.
- Assistive technology: Tools for communication, organisation, and sensory regulation (e.g., noise-cancelling headphones, speech-to-text apps).
Summary
Neurodivergent care in Australia is increasingly focused on inclusion, accessibility, and tailored support. A combination of government-funded programs, allied health services, educational adjustments, and community networks can assist neurodivergent individuals live more autonomously and with dignity. Access to support typically requires a formal diagnosis.
ADHD Supports, Programs & Advocacy in Australia
What is ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is defined as a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.
- Inattention: Difficulty sustaining focus, following through on tasks, and organizing activities.
- Hyperactivity-Impulsivity: Excessive movement, fidgeting, restlessness, interrupting others, or acting without thinking.
To meet the diagnostic criteria:
- Symptoms must be present for at least 6 months,
- Occur in two or more settings (e.g., home, school, work),
- Be developmentally inappropriate, and
- Cause clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning.
There are three presentations:
- Predominantly Inattentive
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive
- Combined Presentation
Access To Supports and Programs in Australia
Diagnosis & Medical Support:
- GPs: First point of contact; can initiate referrals, perform assessments (with upskilling/training), manage medications and provide support
- Psychiatrists & Paediatricians: Provide formal diagnosis and medication recommendations / management.
- Psychologists: Involved in behavioural assessments and therapy.
- Medicare:
- Rebates available for GP, psychiatrist or paediatrician appointments.
- Mental Health Care Plan: Provides rebates for up to 10 psychology sessions per year.
There are three presentations:
Major ADHD Advocacy & Support Organisations
- ADHD Australia
- Website: adhdaustralia.org.au
- National advocacy organisation.
- Provides research updates, policy submissions, education resources, and support directories.
- Australian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA)
- Peak body for clinicians and researchers.
- Focus on evidence-based care and improving access to services.
- Neurodiversity Hub
- Promotes inclusion of neurodivergent students in higher education and employment.
- Offers toolkits and employer resources.
- Support Groups and Peer Networks
- Local support groups via Facebook or Meetup (e.g., “ADHD Support Group Australia”).
- State-specific groups
- Some run webinars, parent/carer education, and social groups for teens and adults.
Summary
ADHD supports in Australia includes medical, educational, and employment domains.
While access and funding can vary, advocacy is growing to improve affordability, awareness, and inclusion. Organisations like ADHD Australia and AADPA play key roles in shaping national dialogue and resources. Peer support and practical tools are increasingly available for individuals and families navigating ADHD.
Both of our GP’s – Dr. Katie Williamson and Dr. Katherine Holzhuaser are members of AADPA and the RACGP Specific Interest group for ADHD and Neurodiversity
