Attention Clinic

Attention quietly guides how we think, how we experience and move through the world.

What is attention?
Attention is your brain’s ability to focus on what matters—whether it’s a task, a conversation, or something happening around you. It's actually very well designed : it helps you selectively process and respond to the vast amount of information constantly present in both inside and outside you. Distraction may help you survive if a stimuli comes out in your periphery. Attention exists as a cognitive process because it would be costly for an organism to process all incoming information simultaneously, with equal importance.

Are there different types of attention?
Yes! Sometimes we need to concentrate deeply on one thing, while other times we stay alert to what’s happening around us. Different situations call for different kinds of attention.

Why can some people work in a noisy, busy place while others need complete silence to focus?
Everyone’s brain is unique. Some people find it easier to tune out distractions and focus no matter what’s happening around them, while others need a quiet space to concentrate.

What does “attention deficit” mean?
It doesn’t mean you have less attention overall. It means you might find it harder to sustain focus, switch between tasks, or filter out distractions compared to others.

An initial consultation can help clarify your concerns and determine whether a neuropsychological evaluation or another approach would be most appropriate. Not everyone requires a comprehensive evaluation.

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How does it work
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Non pharmacological treatment for ADHD?
There are many strategies beyond medication! These can include developing routines, using tools to organize tasks, practicing mindfulness, and creating an environment that supports focus.
Learn about intervention

Do you wonder if your have ADHD...?

Do these symptoms sound familiar to you or a loved one? Has a former teacher suggested you might have ADHD?

Good news: this can be an opportunity for growth, but it requires careful consideration. It’s important not to jump to conclusions too quickly. Many neuropsychological and psychological conditions can present with symptoms similar to ADHD, in both children and adults. Even relational challenges may sometimes be mistaken for ADHD.

There are countless reasons why someone might exhibit symptoms such as inattention, impulsivity, or disorganization. Could it be dyslexia, intellectual giftedness, memory difficulties, depression, adjustment disorder, non-verbal learning disorder, autism spectrum traits, visual agnosia, a visual-spatial learning style, or indeed ADD/ADHD? How can you be sure?

Some experts even question the very existence of ADHD. Others raise concerns about its overdiagnosis in adults.

Both perspectives highlight an important point: what we call “ADHD” may actually be the manifestation of various other conditions. Because of this, ADHD should be considered a diagnosis of exclusion. A thorough professional evaluation is essential to rule out other potential causes before confirming an ADHD diagnosis. This comprehensive assessment typically includes attention, intellectual functioning, language skills, memory, mood, and more.

Without such a careful process, there is a risk of misdiagnosis, which can lead to inappropriate or ineffective interventions.

What should you do next?

Consult a qualified neuropsychologist. Taking the time to understand yourself through a detailed evaluation may bring great return into your life. Reflect on the specific difficulties you are facing. What symptoms are interfering with daily functioning, and in what ways? Be prepared to ask yourself meaningful questions and remain open to the answers. You have 2 main options:

  1. Public healthcare system: There are currently very few neuropsychologists available publicly, and most only accept referrals for complex cases. It’s worth asking your doctor, but be aware that wait times and availability may be limited.

  2. Private practice: Similar to dental care, private neuropsychological evaluations can be costly but often worth the investment. Most insurance plans cover psychological services under “psychologist.” To find a licensed neuropsychologist (the only professionals legally authorized to assess and diagnose neuropsychological disorders under Bill 21), please visit: Ordre des Psychologues du Québec - Trouver de l’aide

A final note: ADHD is rarely diagnosed in a brief 15 to 45-minute consultation. Because it is a diagnosis of exclusion, it requires a comprehensive evaluation to avoid overlooking other possible causes and to ensure that the most appropriate interventions are provided.