Assessment & Testing Services

What Does an ADHD Assessment Include?

Our assessment process is designed to develop a fuller understanding of how symptoms affect functioning at home, school, work, and within relationships. Depending on age and presenting concerns, the evaluation may include:

• a comprehensive clinical and diagnostic interview;

• review of developmental, educational, medical, behavioral, and mental health history;

• standardized ADHD symptom measures;

• assessment of executive-functioning skills;

• screening for emotional and behavioral concerns that may contribute to attention difficulties;

• parent or caregiver rating forms for children and adolescents;

• teacher, partner, family member, coach, or other observer questionnaires when clinically appropriate;

• review of previous treatment, educational records, IEP or 504 information, or prior evaluations when available;

• assessment of functional impairment across multiple areas of daily life; and

• a feedback appointment to review findings, diagnostic impressions, and recommendations.

 

No single assessment tool determines whether someone has ADHD. Findings are interpreted by the clinician using information from multiple sources, current diagnostic criteria, clinical history, and the individual's overall pattern of functioning.

ADHD Assessment for Children and Adolescents

For younger clients, ADHD assessment often includes information from both the child or adolescent and the adults who regularly observe them.

Parents or caregivers may be asked to provide information about development, behavior, emotional regulation, routines, school functioning, and symptoms at home. Teachers or other school professionals may also be invited to complete standardized rating forms so that symptoms can be evaluated across settings.

The evaluation may explore concerns such as:

• difficulty sustaining attention;

• excessive movement or restlessness;

• impulsive behavior;

• difficulty following directions;

• losing or forgetting belongings;

• incomplete schoolwork;

• problems with organization;

• emotional reactivity;

• difficulty transitioning between activities;

• challenges with planning and time management; and

• differences between home and school functioning.

 

Recommendations may include behavioral strategies, psychotherapy, parent support, school-based interventions, or consideration of additional educational, medical, or psychological evaluation when appropriate.

ADHD Assessment for Adults

ADHD may continue into adulthood or may not be recognized until adult responsibilities become increasingly difficult to manage.

Adults may seek assessment because of concerns involving:

• chronic procrastination;

• difficulty starting or completing tasks;

• distractibility;

• forgetfulness;

• poor time management;

• difficulty prioritizing;

• problems maintaining routines;

• impulsivity;

• emotional dysregulation;

• academic or occupational difficulties;

• relationship challenges; or

• feeling overwhelmed by everyday responsibilities.

 

Adult evaluation considers both current functioning and the developmental history of symptoms. When appropriate, information from a spouse, partner, family member, or another person familiar with the client's functioning may also be incorporated.

What Happens After Testing?

After the assessment is completed, your clinician will review the results with you and discuss whether the available information supports an ADHD diagnosis or suggests another explanation for your symptoms.

Recommendations are individualized and may include:

• psychotherapy;

• ADHD-focused behavioral strategies;

• executive-functioning supports;

• parent or family interventions;

• school or workplace strategies;

• referral to a prescribing medical professional;

• additional educational, psychological, or neuropsychological testing; or

• coordination with other providers when appropriate.

 

When included in the service, a written diagnostic assessment report may also be provided.

Important Information About ADHD Testing

An ADHD evaluation is intended to provide an objective clinical assessment. Completing testing does not guarantee an ADHD diagnosis, medication prescription, IEP or 504 Plan, workplace accommodation, disability determination, or other third-party approval.

Our goal is to understand what is contributing to the difficulties you or your child are experiencing and provide recommendations that support effective treatment and improved daily functioning.

Interested in an ADHD Assessment?

If you are wondering whether ADHD may be contributing to difficulties with attention, organization, executive functioning, school, work, relationships, or daily responsibilities, contact our office to learn more about our ADHD assessment process for children, adolescents, and adults.