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 an individual to receive a comprehensive evaluation to receive an accurate diagnosis that will then help to provide proper treatment and and access to supports.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING THE EVALUATION?
Parents and/or client will attend a 1 hour intake session which is typically conducted via telehealth. The purpose of the intake session is to review consent forms, to discuss history and presenting concerns, to determine the type of evaluation that is recommended, and to schedule the evaluation. Depending on the age of the client, the intake session will include the client and/or the parent(s). During the ADHD evaluation, parents, client, and/or teachers will fill out several surveys to report history and present information. During the in-office appointment, the client will be given a cognitive test that includes questions and tasks to complete. In addition, the client will complete standardized executive functioning assessments and/or self-report surveys.
Instruments or measures utilized include:
- Cognitive measures
- Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV)
- Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Fifth Edition (WISC-V)
- Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Adults Fifth Edition (WAIS-5)
- Executive Functioning Measures
- NEPSY-2, Attention and Executive Functioning Subtests (Nepsy-II)
- Conners Continuous Performance Test Third Edition (CPT-3)
- Connors Continuous Auditory Test of Attention (CATA)
- Connors Rating Scale Fourth Edition (Connors-4)
- Behavioral & Emotional Measures
- Behavior Assessment System for Children Fourth Edition, Parent-Report, Teacher-Report, and Self-Report (BASC-4)
Please bring snacks and water for yourself and/or the client. Once all appointments (in-office and telehealth) have been completed, and once all report measures have been submitted, a telehealth feedback session will scheduled. Typically feedback sessions are completed one-to-two weeks following the last date of testing, as long as all report measures are completed. During the feedback session, the provider will review the results, diagnoses, and recommendations for treatment.