Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Assessment & Diagnosis
Many parents hesitate to bring children in to see me for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder assessment and diagnosis because they think their child is just behaving - well, like a child. However, there are times when it seems like your child is struggling a bit more than typical in paying attention to their surroundings, in calming down when excited, in learning a new lesson or skill, or in simply staying in one place long enough to focus. In this regard, a diagnosis can serve as a tool in being better informed about what you child needs in order to engage more effectively with their environment, whether at home or in school, with peers or with parents. If you’re interested in learning more about attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder assessment at the Learning Curve Assessment Center, keep reading or give me a call to learn more.
What is Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, often referred to as ADHD or ADD, is a diagnosis relating to a person's ability to maintain attention, exhibit self-control, and contain impulses as developmentally appropriate. Some attention problems and increased activity level are perfectly normal for children, but when these concerns significantly impact the child’s educational and social experiences, ADHD diagnosis and treatment planning may become necessary.
What are Some of the Behaviors I May Notice in My Child with ADHD?
You may want to consider reaching out to us for ADHD assessment if you notice that your child is:
Easily distracted or gets bored quickly
Struggles to focus attention, especially on detail-oriented tasks
Misses parts of instructions
Fails to complete tasks
Seems to daydream or dawdle
Seems absent minded or forgetful
Exhibits fidgetiness, restlessness, or difficulty sitting still
Has difficulty staying quiet when necessary
Rushes through tasks that don’t hold their interest, leading to mistakes
Disrupts other students or annoys friends and family members more often than typical for age
Acts without thinking or recognizing potential consequences
Frequently interrupts or has difficulty waiting their turn
Engages in risky behavior or takes action without permission
Experiences or displays emotional responses that are disproportionate to the situation
At What Age Should Kids be Tested for ADHD?
In most cases, kids aren’t referred to me for ADHD testing until they reach school age (around six or seven), but in some cases, kids as young as four or five may receive an accurate diagnosis. If you are concerned your child has ADHD, I’d be happy to chat with you about whether or not testing is a good option, but in most cases, it makes sense to begin by talking to your child’s pediatrician or educators about your concerns.
What Type of Evaluation is Used for ADHD Diagnosis?
To accurately diagnose ADHD, we may complete a range of diagnostic tests and rating scales to determine the severity of a child’s ADHD symptoms, observing the child as they engage in a variety of tasks, and asking for feedback from parents, educators, and other caregivers. Assessments for ADHD will also be used to rule out related other issues/diagnoses that may appear to have some overlap with the symptoms of ADHD but are not quite the same in etiology.