ADHD Testing

A thorough evaluation of (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) ADHD requires time and effort as no one test can confirm a diagnosis.  We begin with you.

First, our child psychologists meet with the parents to obtain a history and listen to your concerns.  Each child is different and it is important that we get a good medical, developmental, educational and family history to guide us in making a proper diagnosis.

Second, we will review school records, reports and rating scales from the teachers and parents.

Next, our child psychologists administer a battery of tests to look at cognitive processes.  Cognitive processes are mental activities including attention, intelligence, learning, memory, speed of information processing, visual perception, language and executive functioning.  Executive functioning involves how the brain activates, organizes, plans, inhibits behavior, and manages other functions.  Think of it as an orchestra conductor telling all the instruments how to function and work together.  The goal of the evaluation is to establish strengths and weaknesses of the child and provide sufficient information to make an informed conclusion about the presence of ADHD.

Testing is usually done in 2 or more blocks of 2 hours each.  After the evaluation is completed, the parents can expect a meeting with the child psychologist to discuss the findings and a written report with recommendations is furnished.  There is no one ADHD treatment plan that fits everyone.  Each family and child is unique thus finding the best approach for each family is important.  With proper treatment, the good news is that children with ADHD can be successful and learn to manage their symptoms.  Research shows that a combination of educational, psychological and medical interventions provide the most effective treatment approach.