ADHD - more than "Not Paying Attention"

Your child may benefit from ADHD evaluations for children if they frequently: 

 ☐ Lose homework or personal belongings  

☐ Forget directions  

☐ Have trouble sitting still  

☐ Seem constantly distracted  

☐ Rush through schoolwork  

☐ Have emotional outbursts  

☐ Struggle to finish assignments  

☐ Receive comments from teachers about attention  

☐ Have declining grades despite being capable  

☐ Take much longer than expected to complete homework 

If several of these sound familiar, a comprehensive ADHD assessment may provide valuable answers.  

What We Look For:  

Attention  

Executive functioning  

Working memory  

Processing speed  

Cognitive abilities  

Academic achievement  

Emotional functioning  

Behavioral regulation  

Additionally, our ADHD support services can help address these challenges.

How do I know if my child needs an ADHD evaluation? 

If your child consistently struggles with attention, organization, impulsivity, hyperactivity, or completing schoolwork despite receiving appropriate ADHD support services, a comprehensive ADHD assessment can help determine whether ADHD or another condition is contributing to these challenges. Many children who seem inattentive may actually have anxiety, learning disabilities, or other factors affecting their performance. 

At what age can a child be evaluated for ADHD? 

Children can often be evaluated for ADHD during the preschool or early elementary years if significant concerns are present. The appropriate age for a comprehensive ADHD evaluation depends on your child's developmental history and the nature of the concerns. During your consultation, we'll discuss whether testing is suitable at this time. 

Can girls have ADHD? 

Yes, girls can have ADHD, although they are often underdiagnosed since their symptoms may be less disruptive than those observed in boys. Rather than displaying hyperactivity, girls may come across as quiet, frequently daydream, struggle with organization, or experience anxiety. A comprehensive ADHD assessment can help identify these differences. 

Can gifted children have ADHD? 

Absolutely. Some children are considered 'twice exceptional', meaning they are both gifted and have ADHD or another learning difference. A comprehensive ADHD evaluation helps identify both their strengths and areas of need so they can receive appropriate support.

Does a comprehensive ADHD assessment include testing for learning disabilities? Yes. A thorough psychoeducational evaluation explores cognitive abilities, academic achievement, attention, executive functioning, and other domains to ascertain whether learning disabilities, ADHD, or both are contributing to your child's challenges.

Will my child's school accept a private ADHD evaluation? Many schools consider private ADHD evaluations for children when making educational decisions. While each school district has its own guidelines, these private evaluations often offer valuable insights that can aid in determining eligibility for accommodations or special education services.

How long does the evaluation process take? Most comprehensive ADHD assessments are completed over one to two testing sessions, depending on your child's age and specific needs. Families typically receive a detailed written report within two to three weeks after testing is finalized.

What happens after the evaluation? You'll receive a comprehensive written report, tailored recommendations, and a feedback meeting to discuss the results. If appropriate, recommendations may include school accommodations, intervention strategies, ADHD support services, or referrals for additional resources.