ADHD Evaluation

All children show some signs of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity at times. For children with ADHD, these behaviors have a significant impact on two or more aspects of everyday life— academic success, friendships and family relationships. ADHD can run in families, so many children with ADHD have a sibling or parent who also has ADHD. It occurs because of differences in brain wiring, meaning that the symptoms are biologically based and generally out of a child’s control.

In addition to a complete battery of IQ and academic tests, the ADHD evaluation includes neuropsychological tests that assess a child’s ability to stick with an activity, avoid distractions, and resist responding to incorrect cues. An ADHD screener is also offered for families who want to know if their child shows symptoms of ADHD that may warrant follow up.

What is measured?

ADHD evaluations measure:

·        Cognitive Abilities/IQ

·        Academic Achievement (reading, mathematics, writing)

·        Language (including phonological awareness)

·        Attention (sustained attention, impulse control, distractibility)

·        Neuropsychological Assessments (memory, learning, motor planning)

·        Learning & Memory

·        Executive Functioning (planning, self-monitoring, self-control)

·        Social/Emotional/Behavioral Functioning

Results

Test results are used to generate:

  • An ADHD or alternative diagnosis (when appropriate)

  • Recommendations for interventions to be used in school and by parents at home

  • Recommendations for activities/therapies that can help children learn needed skills (e.g., impulse control, organizational skills).