ADHD stands for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. ADHD has 3 types: inattentive type, hyperactive type, and combined type (both inattentive and hyperactive).
HOW DO I KNOW IF I SHOULD SEEK AN EVALUATION?
Symptoms of ADHD can include:
- Careless mistakes/lack of attention to details
- Lack of sustained attention
- Poor listener
- Failure to follow through on tasks
- Poor organization
- Avoids tasks requiring sustained mental effort
- Losing things
- Easily distracted
- Forgetful in daily activities
- Fidgeting/squirming
- Leaving seat
- Excessive running/climbing
- Difficulty with quiet activities
- On the go
- Excessive talking
Often times a pediatrician can begin the process of ruling out ADHD. However, it is helpful for a child to receive a comprehensive evaluation to receive an accurate diagnosis that will then help to provide proper treatment and help.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT (AS A PARENT) DURING THE EVALUATION?
Parents will attend a 1 hour intake session that will provide the doctor with all relevant past and current information. During the ADHD evaluation, parents will fill out several surveys to report history and present information about your child. It may be helpful to bring snacks for your child.
WHAT CAN MY CHILD EXPECT?
During an ADHD evaluation, your child will be given a cognitive test that includes questions and tasks to complete. In addition, they will have to complete a computer test and self-report surveys. The process of testing may take up to 4-6 hours.
Instruments or measures utilized include:
- Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Fifth Edition (WISC-V)
- Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV)
- NEPSY-2, Attention and Executive Functioning Subtests
- Conners Continuous Performance Test Second Edition (CPT-II)
- Brief Rating Form of Executive Functioning (BRIEF) Parent Version and School Version
- Attention Deficit Disorder Evaluation Scale (ADDES) Home Version, Self-Report, or School Version
- Behavior Assessment System for Children Second Edition, Parent-Report, Teacher-Report, and Self-Report