ADHD Testing is recommended for children or adolescents struggling with focus, sustained attention, hyperactivity, impulse control, and/or executive functioning.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder. While we all can have difficulties with sitting still or paying attention at times; for some people, these issues are so persistent and pervasive that they interfere with all aspects of life including family life, school, and friends.
There are three presentations of ADHD:
Predominately Inattentive: trouble with focus, sustaining attention, following directions, losing items, avoiding tasks that take a lot of mental effort
Predominately Hyperactive-Impulsive: trouble with remaining seated, interrupting, fidgeting, restlessness, talking excessively, impulsivity
Combined Type: trouble with both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms
Executive Functioning: Many individuals with (and without) ADHD have difficulties with executive functioning. Executive function is the brain’s ability to prioritize and manage thoughts, emotions, and actions. Deficits in executive function may include difficulties with:
- Planning ahead and organizing
- Initiation and task completion
- Time management
- Behavior and emotion regulation
ADHD Trajectory:
In the vast majority of cases, ADHD persists from childhood to adolescence, although the symptoms change over time. About one-third of children with ADHD continue to meet criteria for ADHD as adults. Without appropriate intervention, these individuals are at higher risk for potentially serious problems including academic and job failure, difficulties with daily responsibilities, relationship troubles, and chronic feelings of frustration. Early identification and support are critical!
Testing Process:
- Following a diagnostic interview, ADHD Testing typically takes place in one 3-hour appointment.
- It is an interactive process where I am working one-on-one with the test-taker engaged in a variety of tasks.
- I do not have a “standard” battery. I create a tailored testing plan for each client based on age and specific concerns. However, most ADHD evaluations include:
- Cognitive/ intelligence testing (i.e., completing puzzles, providing definitions of words, remembering information like numbers and pictures)
- ADHD and Executive Functioning Rating Scales (i.e., completed by parents and teachers)
- Attentional testing (i.e., focus, sustained attention, and impulse control)
- Executive Functioning testing (i.e., working memory, planning/organization, inhibition, cognitive flexibility).
***ADHD Testing does NOT evaluate for learning disabilities***
- Test scores will be interpreted and integrated with my behavioral observations, review of important documentation (i.e., report cards, word samples, prior testing reports) and collateral reports (parent, teacher, self-ratings) to conceptualize strengths and weaknesses and provide meaningful recommendations.
- Within 1-2 weeks of testing, I will meet with parents for a 60-minute feedback session to review all test findings, discuss real-world implications (i.e., how does “poor working memory” impact your child at home and in school), and recommendations.
- When appropriate, I also offer an abbreviated child or teen feedback session, so your child can hear the results directly from me in language they will understand. This is helpful when parents would like help in sharing diagnoses with their child.
If you think your child may have ADHD or problems with Executive Functioning, do not wait! Schedule a consultation to discuss your concerns and determine if testing is warranted.
