The Need for ADHD Testing and Evaluation
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common neurobiological condition that impacts over six million people in the United States alone. In fact, according to the National Survey of Children’s Health it is estimated that more than 10% of all school-aged children have been diagnosed with ADHD. Yet because ADHD shares many symptoms with other conditions (like giftedness), diagnosis can be complex. All too often, children are misdiagnosed and prescribed treatments that don’t address the real problems.
To complicate things further, a recent study reported that two-thirds of those diagnosed with ADHD also have a coexisting condition such as a learning disability, anxiety, depression, or Tourette’s Syndrome.
The good news is that ADHD is very treatable, and early diagnosis leads to more successful outcomes. So if your child is struggling to pay attention, control impulsive behavior, or maintain appropriate activity levels – especially when it impacts life at home, in school or with friends – you may want to look into ADHD testing.
SIGNS YOUR CHILD MAY HAVE ADHD
If you’re wondering what ADHD looks like, below is a list of some of common symptoms.
INATTENTION IN CHILDREN
- Does not pay close attention to details, or makes careless mistakes in homework, work, or other activities
- Has trouble sustaining attention in tasks or activities
- Doesn’t seem to listen when spoken to directly by others
- Has trouble following through on instructions and/or does not finish chores or work
- Dislikes, avoids, or does not like tasks that require sustained mental effort
- Often loses things necessary for school, tasks, or activities (school assignments, pencils, books, keys, etc)
- Is forgetful in daily activities
- Is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli (sounds, activity, etc)
- Daydreams
- Has trouble getting organized
HYPERACTIVITY IN CHILDREN
- Moves about, climbs, or runs excessively
- Fidgets or squirms
- Has trouble remaining in seat, when doing so is expected
- Has trouble waiting in line, taking turns
- Acts as if “driven by a motor”
- Trouble playing in quiet leisure activitieS
IMPULSIVITY IN CHILDREN
- Blurts out answers to questions
- Often interrupts and intrudes upon others
If these symptoms look familiar or you suspect ADHD, PEAK can help.
HOW ADHD TESTING FROM PEAK CAN HELP
Many parents who suspect ADHD will first consult with their pediatricians. Yet, two out of three kids with ADHD also have co-existing struggles such as learning disabilities, anxiety or depression. There are also other conditions that present with similar symptoms.
So while consulting your pediatrician offers a good place to start, the evaluation done in your doctor’s office does not go into enough detail to rule out other conditions or capture coexisting ones. In addition, a majority of physicians will offer medications, but do not suggest or refer families to other interventions for symptoms that won’t be helped by medication. That’s where a comprehensive assessment comes in.
A comprehensive assessment can put all the pieces together so you can see the big picture, and make sure you’re not missing anything. Ensuring an accurate diagnosis also leads to more effective treatment planning. Because ADHD often interferes with academic performance, a detailed assessment can provide evidence needed to support an IEP or 504 Plan.
So whether you’re wondering if your child has ADHD or you’ve already received a previous ADHD diagnosis, but suspect something else may be going on, PEAK can help you get answers.
WE SPECIALIZE IN ADHD AND LEARNING DIFFERENCES
We specialize in comprehensive ADHD assessments and are known for digging in deep to get to the bottom of even the most complex cases. Our ADHD testing will bring your child’s strengths and challenges into clear focus. We’ll also provide the recommendation and plans to help you move forward.
OUR COMPREHENSIVE ADHD ASSESSMENTS INCLUDE:
- A detailed interview reviewing developmental history, social and emotional issues, medical history, and academic performance.
- Behavioral observations in the office and, when feasible, in the school setting.
- Formal cognitive and neuropsychological testing to assess cognitive abilities, learning style, and objective measures of attention, concentration, and processing speed.
- Academic testing to assess the impact of ADHD on school performance/learning and to determine if underlying learning disabilities are present.
- Social, emotional, and behavioral assessments.
- Self, parent/observer, and teacher questionnaires and/or interviews.
When the ADHD testing has been completed, we’ll meet with you for a detailed feedback session to discuss results and recommendations and create a plan for moving forward. These results may also provide the evidence needed for IEP or 504 Plan eligibility, as well as inform future goals and accommodations.
Isn’t it Time For Answers?
Whether you’re ready to schedule an assessment or have questions about the process, we’re here to help. Simply contact us by phone or email today.
To get started with an ADHD evaluation, call us at 720-377-3250, email us at [email protected]. **Please visit our Scheduling page for some important information on how the scheduling process works at PEAK.**