ADD/ADHD Testing
We offer high-quality, comprehensive assessments for ADD/ADHD conducted by a licensed and certified school psychologist. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (often referred to as Attention Deficit Disorder or ADD) is a chronic condition of attention difficulties and/or hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Children who have ADHD often show symptoms while they are very young. Parents may notice their child is more active, talkative, impulsive, or has more trouble listening or following directions than siblings or playmates. Many parents wait until symptoms are causing difficulties at home and in school before seeking an evaluation.
ADHD is one of the most common childhood disorders and can continue through adolescence and into adulthood. The prevalence of children ever diagnosed with ADHD is about 11%, and males consistently have a higher prevalence of ADHD than females.
An ADHD evaluation has several purposes:
- To find out whether a child has the kinds of symptoms that indicate ADHD
To understand the symptoms’ severity and their impact on different areas of functioning
To make sure there are no other conditions that explain the symptoms better
To understand if the child has any other co-occurring conditions (e.g., anxiety, learning disabilities)
The complete evaluation will ask about the child’s behavior at home, at school, and in activities like sports. It will include information from parents or guardians and teachers, or other mental health clinicians who are involved in the child’s care. Often a child’s behavior will vary, depending on the setting.
A complete evaluation may include:
- Interviewing the parent and child
Reviewing the child’s educational and medical history, as well as family history
Parent- and teacher-completed behavior rating scales
Classroom observations
Intelligence testing, educational achievement testing, or screening for learning disabilities if the child has poor grades or struggles with learning
Not every child receives the same evaluation; the assessment is individualized to his/her specific symptoms and problems. Because as many as 45 percent of children with ADHD also have a learning disability, a full cognitive and academic battery is often suggested, especially if the child is presenting with learning issues as well.
After the comprehensive testing, a feedback session is scheduled with the parents usually within two weeks (either in-person or by video conference). The conference will discuss assessment results as well as review the comprehensive written report detailing test findings and a treatment recommendation plan. The results from the ADHD evaluation can be used to develop a treatment plan that is right for the specific child, including therapy and support at home, at school, and in other activities.
Most feedback sessions are scheduled within two weeks of data collection. It is important to us at ETS to get you the information you need as soon as possible.
Dr. Bell is also available to attend school meetings to review test results, to help with intervention planning, or to advocate for the needs of your child.