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.
Children may be assessed and diagnosed with ADHD by a Paediatrician, Psychiatrist,
Developmental Psychologist or General Practitioner.
At Kaleidoscope Clinic, GPs direct assessments for children. If a child has multiple medical issues, a complex medical history or taking multiple 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 or other learning disorder, we recommend referral to an appropriate psychology service.
Children transitioning from other Paediatric care (such as Paediatrician, Psychiatrist or
Psychologist) may not require a full diagnostic assessment, where correspondence from the
previous practitioner can be supplied.
Your assesment journey
ADHD assessment pathway -
For Adolescents 17-18 years, transitioning from Paediatric care
From 1st December 2025, adolescents no longer need to be review by a Psychiatrist to approve continuation of stimulant medication.
At Kaleidoscope Clinic, we are happy to review these patients to determine suitability to continue or advise whether adult Psychiatry care is recommended.
Your assesment journey
Referral to other services,
such as Psychiatry or
Paediatrics.
Or management with KC
commenced.
Kaleidoscope Clinic 3rd
and subsequent appointment to review management and goals.
Discharge back to usual
GP once therapeutic goals
achieved.
Kaleidoscope Clinic review
annually or sooner if
required.
ADHD assessment pathway - For Adults
Adult ADHD assessments are far more than a checklist of ADHD symptoms. Adults with ADHD symptoms can often have an alternative cause for their symptoms, such as disordered sleep,
substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health conditions and brain injury, which need to be thoroughly explored.
At Kaleidoscope Clinic we use screening questionnaires, take a thorough history, examine the patient and progress to more formal testing where appropriate.
Some patients will be referred for further Psychiatric assessment.
Your assesment journey
Referral to other services,
such as Psychiatry.
Or management with KC
commenced.
Kaleidoscope Clinic 3rd
and subsequent appointments to review management and goals.
Discharge back to usual
GP once therapeutic goals
achieved.
Kaleidoscope Clinic review
annually or sooner if
required.
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
17 Upward Street, Cairns
07 4281 6959
