ADHD Doctor
Kensington Park, Adelaide.
ADHD Assessment & Support in Adelaide
Kensington Park Medical Practice | Serving Adelaide’s Eastern Suburbs
You are not lazy.
You are not broken.
For many Australians, an ADHD diagnosis is the explanation they spent years — sometimes decades — searching for. If you have been chasing answers, bouncing between clinicians, or sitting on a waitlist that never seems to move, you already know how exhausting this system can be. We know it too, and we want to help.
- What is ADHD
- Does any of this sound familiar
- The long road to diagnosis
- What has changed in South Australia
- How the new SA ADHD pathway works
- Common myths about ADHD
- Treatment for ADHD
- Frequently asked questions about ADHD assessment in Adelaide
- Why Kensington Park Medical Practice
- Costs
- Medical disclaimer
This page is general information. Your doctor will explain the most appropriate next steps based on your circumstances.
I fit in everywhere, but nowhere.
I seem arrogant, but I’m very much aware of my own faults.
I’m capable of anything, but not motivated to do a thing.
I’m witty and charismatic, but have a low tolerance for pretence.
I’m great at giving advice, but follow none of it.
I’m highly intelligent, but struggle to handle my own emotions.
I love being different, but hate being misunderstood.
I have brilliant ideas but lack the patience to follow through.
I have more interests than anyone around me — and I get bored with every one of them.
I easily understand the thoughts and feelings of others, but find it hard to translate my own.
I’m very compassionate, yet seemingly cold.
— Anonymous
“I’ve tried harder than anyone I know. I just can’t understand why I still can’t keep up.”
If that sentence made your chest tighten, you are not alone. ADHD — Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder — is one of the most common and most misunderstood neurodevelopmental conditions in Australia. It is also one of the most treatable. And for so many people, simply getting the right help changes everything.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a condition that affects how the brain manages attention, impulse control, and activity levels. It is not a character flaw, a sign of low intelligence, or the result of bad parenting. It is a well-recognised medical condition with a strong genetic basis, supported by decades of research, and it begins exhibiting symptoms in childhood — though it is frequently not identified until much later in life.
There are three types of ADHD:
| Type | What It Looks Like |
|---|---|
| Predominantly Inattentive | Difficulty sustaining focus, easily distracted, forgetful, loses things, struggles to follow through on tasks — even when motivated. |
| Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive | Restless, talks excessively, interrupts others, acts without thinking, difficulty waiting. Often misread as rudeness or immaturity. |
| Combined Presentation | A mix of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive features — the most commonly diagnosed type in adults. |
ADHD looks very different from person to person. It often presents differently in women and girls, in adults diagnosed later in life, and in people who have developed strong coping strategies over time — what clinicians call masking. If you have spent years wondering why everything feels harder for you than it seems to for everyone else, this matters.
Does any of this sound familiar?
These are the kinds of things people with ADHD often say — to themselves, late at night, after another day of trying to hold it all together:
“I feel like there are multiple tabs open in my head — and I can’t close any of them.”
“I can hyperfocus for hours on things I love, but I can’t make myself start the things I need to do.”
“My brain never stops. Even when I’m exhausted, I can’t switch off.”
“I’m always late, no matter how hard I try. People think I don’t care. I care deeply.”
“I lose things constantly — keys, my phone, my train of thought mid-sentence.”
The long road to diagnosis — and why the system is so hard to navigate
We want to be honest with you: getting an ADHD diagnosis in South Australia is not always straightforward. The system is fragmented, costly, and often deeply frustrating — not just for the person seeking help, but for the partners, parents, and friends who have watched their loved ones struggle for years. It is improving as the government recognises the massive need and long wait to see specialists.
“I’ve been to three different GPs. One said I was anxious. One said I was stressed. None of them mentioned ADHD.”
What we ask is that you try once more — this time, with us.
What has changed in South Australia — ADHD prescribing reforms from 1 February 2026
Important: New SA prescribing rules now apply to all ADHD patients — new and existing
If you are currently on ADHD medication, recently moved to SA, or are seeking assessment for the first time, please read this section before your appointment.
From 1 February 2026, the South Australian government requires that stimulant medication for ADHD be initiated and overseen by a recognised specialist prescriber — specifically a psychiatrist, paediatrician, or a GP who has completed RACGP-approved training in ADHD diagnosis and treatment.
This means your regular GP — regardless of how long you have been their patient — may not be able to start or continue your ADHD prescription without specialist involvement. It also means that a psychologist, no matter how thorough their assessment, cannot authorise nor act as a pre-cursor of authorisation on your medication.
We know this is frustrating. For many people, it means starting over, navigating new referral pathways, and waiting longer. We are not going to pretend otherwise. But understanding exactly what the new rules require means you can move through the system more efficiently — and that is where we can help.
How the new SA ADHD pathway works — step by step
-
See your GP first
Your GP is your starting point, and that does not change under the new rules. At Kensington Park Medical Practice, our GPs can take a full history, rule out other causes, discuss whether a specialist referral is appropriate for your situation, and help ensure you are in the best possible position when you do see a specialist. Coming in prepared makes a real difference to how quickly the process moves. -
Specialist assessment
A psychiatrist, paediatrician, or credentialled GP specialist will conduct a formal ADHD assessment. This typically involves a structured clinical interview, standardised questionnaires, and sometimes input from a third party such as school reports, a partner, or a parent. It is thorough by design. -
Diagnosis and treatment plan
If ADHD is confirmed, the specialist will develop a treatment plan that may include medication, psychological support, or both. They will issue the required authority for any stimulant prescription under SA law. -
Ongoing care with your GP
Once a treatment plan is in place, your KPMP GP plays an active ongoing role — monitoring your medication, reviewing your wellbeing, coordinating care with your specialist and allied health team, and being the consistent point of contact you can rely on.
Interstate patients and existing diagnoses
If you have an existing ADHD diagnosis from another state or territory, or a prescription issued outside South Australia, your situation will depend on a number of factors. The rules for continuing treatment are not straightforward, and applying them incorrectly can cause unnecessary gaps in your care.
Please book an appointment at KPMP so we can review your specific circumstances and work out the right path forward with you.
Common myths about ADHD — and why they matter
Misinformation about ADHD causes real harm. It delays diagnosis, undermines treatment, and leaves people feeling dismissed at exactly the moment they need support. Here is what the evidence actually shows:
| The myth | What the evidence shows |
|---|---|
| “ADHD is just for hyperactive little boys.” | ADHD affects people of all genders and ages. Many adults receive their first diagnosis in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. Women and girls are disproportionately underdiagnosed because their presentations often look different. |
| “If you can focus on things you enjoy, it can’t be ADHD.” | Hyperfocus — the ability to concentrate intensely on engaging tasks — is itself a hallmark feature of ADHD. It is not evidence against it. |
| “ADHD medication turns people into zombies.” | When appropriately prescribed and monitored, stimulant medication can be highly effective with manageable side effects. It is one part of a broader treatment picture. |
| “Adults with ADHD just need more discipline.” | People with ADHD often work significantly harder than their peers just to keep up. The difficulty is neurological, not motivational or a matter of character. |
| “You would have been diagnosed as a child if you really had ADHD.” | Many adults — particularly women and people from non-English-speaking backgrounds — were missed entirely. The diagnostic criteria historically skewed toward hyperactive presentations in boys. |
Treatment for ADHD: it is more than medication
Medication is effective for many people with ADHD — but it is rarely the whole answer, and it is never the starting point without proper assessment. Evidence-based treatment for ADHD in adults typically includes a combination of the following:
Medication: Stimulants such as methylphenidate and dexamphetamine, and non-stimulant alternatives, can significantly improve focus, impulse control, and daily functioning when correctly prescribed and properly monitored.
Psychological support: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and ADHD coaching build practical, lasting skills for organisation, time management, and emotional regulation — things medication alone does not address.
Lifestyle strategies: Regular exercise, consistent sleep, and structured routines have meaningful, evidence-backed benefits for ADHD symptoms — and are often underestimated.
Self-understanding: For many people, understanding their own ADHD is itself transformative. It reframes a lifetime of struggle in a new and far more compassionate light.
At Kensington Park Medical Practice, we see ADHD management as a long-term partnership, not a one-off assessment. Our GPs work with you, your specialist, and your broader support network to make sure your care actually fits your life.
Frequently asked questions about ADHD assessment in Adelaide
Can I get an ADHD diagnosis at Kensington Park Medical Practice?
Your GP at KPMP can take a comprehensive history, complete initial screening, and refer you to an appropriate specialist for formal diagnosis. Under the SA 2026 reforms, formal diagnosis and medication initiation require specialist involvement. We will guide you through that process from the very first appointment.
What happens at my first ADHD appointment at KPMP?
Your GP will ask about your history — not just your ADHD concerns, but your overall health, any co-occurring conditions, current medications, and your daily functioning. This is a conversation, not a checklist. Please allow a longer appointment (30 minutes) so we can give this the attention it deserves.
I already have an ADHD diagnosis. Can I just get a prescription at KPMP?
This depends on where your diagnosis was made, when it was made, and the nature of your existing prescription. Under the new SA rules, not all out-of-state or prior prescriptions can be continued by a GP without specialist oversight. Please book an appointment — we will review your documentation and advise you clearly on what is needed.
How long is the wait to see a psychiatrist in Adelaide?
Private psychiatrist waitlists in Adelaide currently range from approximately six to eighteen months, depending on the provider and your circumstances. Public pathways exist but are typically longer. Coming to Kensington Park Medical Practice first means we can make your referral with a full clinical history attached — which can meaningfully improve the quality and speed of your specialist assessment.
I’m a parent or partner of someone with ADHD. Can I come in too?
Yes. ADHD affects the whole family, not just the individual. Whether you want to understand your loved one’s condition better, discuss how to support them, or address your own wellbeing in the process, you are welcome at KPMP. You do not need a formal reason to book.
Why Kensington Park Medical Practice?
Finding a GP who genuinely understands ADHD — not just the diagnostic criteria, but the lived experience of trying to get help — makes an enormous difference. That is not always easy to find.
Over the past couple of years, Dr. Ivan Hoh has developed a focused interest in ADHD in adults, with a particular awareness of the patients who are most often missed: women who were told for years they were just anxious, adults who masked their way through school and only started struggling when life got bigger and more demanding, and people who have been around the system and come away feeling unheard.
What that means in practice:
He takes the time to actually listen.
An ADHD consultation with Dr. Hoh is not a ten-minute appointment with a checklist at the end. It is a proper conversation — about your history, your patterns, what has and has not worked, and what your day-to-day life actually looks like. For many patients, this is the first time a clinician has asked those questions.
He knows how to navigate the system — including the new 2026 rules.
The SA prescribing reforms introduced in February 2026 have added real complexity to what was already a fragmented referral landscape. Dr. Hoh has been working within this new environment since the changes came into effect — understanding which referral pathways move faster, how to prepare a clinical history that supports a thorough specialist assessment, and how to avoid the gaps in care that the new rules can inadvertently create if you are not across them.
He works with the whole picture, not just the presenting problem.
ADHD rarely arrives alone. Anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, relationship strain — these are often part of the same story. Dr. Hoh coordinates care across your GP management, specialist involvement, and allied health support so that all the pieces are actually connected. He is also conscious that ADHD affects families, not just individuals, and welcomes conversations with partners and parents as part of that broader support.
He helps you understand what to expect — before, during, and after.
One of the most disorienting things about seeking an ADHD diagnosis is not knowing what comes next. Dr. Hoh makes it his job to explain the pathway clearly at every stage — so you leave each appointment knowing what is happening, why, and what you need to do.
A note on credentials
Our doctors in KPMP do not currently hold a formal RACGP ADHD credentialling — which, under the new SA rules, means our clinic operates on the Continued Treatment pathway rather than initiating new stimulant prescriptions independently. What it means for you is that we will refer you to our panel of psychiatrists and paediatricians, and our role is to make that collaboration as smooth, coordinated, and well-prepared as possible.
In a system where many GPs are still finding their footing with the new rules, having a GP who is honest about the boundaries of his role — and genuinely skilled at working within them — is worth more than credentials alone.
COSTS:
Initial consultation: normal fee and gap applies. There is no reduced fees.
ADHD 1st consult ( Referral to Specialists): Out of pocket of $250
Subsequent visits: Out of pocket of $110-120
Ready to take the next step? We are here.
You do not need a formal diagnosis to make an appointment. You do not need to have everything figured out. You just need to start the conversation.
Our team at Kensington Park Medical Practice will listen without judgment, explain your options clearly, and help you find a path forward that makes sense for your situation — however complicated that situation may be.
Book an appointment at KPMP
📞 (08) 83324077
🌐 Book online at healthengine
📍 84 Shipsters Road, Kensington Park SA 5068
We are a general practice serving Kensington Park, Norwood, Magill, St Peters, and Adelaide’s broader eastern suburbs.
Medical disclaimer
The information on this page is general in nature and is intended for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and should not replace a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. ADHD assessment and treatment decisions must be made in consultation with your GP and relevant specialists. If you are concerned about your health or the health of someone you care for, please book an appointment.
Information about SA prescribing reforms reflects rules in effect from 1 February 2026. Regulatory requirements may change. Kensington Park Medical Practice makes every effort to keep this information current.
Kensington Park Medical Practice | 84 Shipsters Road, Kensington Park SA 5068
Myth: “If you’re not hyperactive, you can’t have ADHD”
Hyperactive/Impulsivity
Inattentive
Combined
One is inattentive ADHD, where people are not hyperactive but have trouble with:
Paying attention to details
Staying focused
Finishing tasks
Organising work
Remembering things or keeping track of belongings
These symptoms can be harder to notice, so many people are diagnosed later in life. However, inattentive ADHD can still have a major impact and usually continues into adulthood.
Myth: “Bad parenting causes ADHD”
Parenting style does not cause ADHD. Genes does.
Some early life factors (such as very premature birth or very low birth weight) may increase risk, but ADHD is not caused by poor parenting.
Myth: “Stimulant medication causes drug addiction later in life”
Stimulant treatment does not increase the risk of substance use disorders
People with ADHD who receive treatment may actually have lower rates of substance misuse
Myth: “ADHD can only be treated by medications”
Myth: “Only boys have ADHD”
Many girls are missed because:
They are more likely to have inattentive symptoms
Their hyperactivity may be less obvious
Early recognition helps girls get the support they need to reach their full potential.
Myth: “Children grow out of ADHD”
Adults often learn to hide symptoms rather than lose them. With the right treatment and support, challenges can be reduced and strengths can be supported.
Myth: “ADHD is overdiagnosed”
ADHD is often missed when people don’t show obvious hyperactivity. Even when diagnosed, many people do not receive ongoing treatment, which can lead to poorer long-term outcomes for individuals, families, and the community.
Myth: “My child can’t have ADHD — they can focus for hours on gaming”
Stimulant medications help by increasing these brain chemicals, making it easier to:
Start tasks
Stay focused
Finish school, work, and daily activities