Can one parent get a child ADHD diagnosis in Ontario if the other parent is against medication?

One parent in Ontario may be able to take a child to a physician for an ADHD assessment even if the other parent opposes medication, but diagnosis and treatment are separate decisions, and custody or decision-making responsibility can change who may consent. The Health Care Consent Act has no fixed age and is capacity-based; for a young child who is not capable, a parent or other substitute decision-maker listed in the Act may consent to assessment. If parents disagree, the clinician will look at who has legal decision-making responsibility and at the child's capacity if the child is older. A diagnosis does not force medication. Prescribing stimulants requires a further consent discussion, and a parent who is against medication may still agree to assessment and non-drug supports. Rules, coverage and referral pathways vary by province and can change; confirm the current position with the relevant institution or provincial program. References: https://www.ontario.ca/page/what-ohip-covers https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/prescription-stimulants.html https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng87/chapter/recommendations https://www.fastreat.com/en/adhd-faq

This is only my experience as a separated parent in Ontario, not legal advice. I took our child to the paediatrician for an assessment while the other parent opposed pills. The doctor diagnosed ADHD after school questionnaires but did not start a stimulant because consent for medication was still disputed. I am not saying every office will separate diagnosis from prescribing this way.

Different personal experience, also just mine in Ontario. We had a court order giving me decision-making for health. The clinic asked to see it before they would even book. The other parent still refused to fill school forms, which slowed the assessment. Medication was not started at that visit. I am not claiming this is how every Ontario family file proceeds.