Child ADHD Evaluation

Children who have ADHD often show symptoms while they are very young, before the age of 12. Parents may notice their child is more active, talkative, impulsive, or has more trouble listening or following directions than siblings or playmates.

A child can be evaluated for ADHD beginning at age four. Some children will have an evaluation in kindergarten or first grade. Many parents wait until symptoms are causing difficulties at home and in school before seeking an evaluation.

To understand whether the child has ADHD symptoms, the healthcare provider or ADHD specialist will ask about symptoms of:

• inattention
• impulsivity
• hyperactivity

Evaluating ADHD symptoms can be enough to get an ADHD diagnosis, but it is often not enough to help a child get the right treatment. A complete evaluation will consider all possible causes for problem behaviors.

The complete evaluation will ask about the child’s behavior at home, at school, and in activities like sports or scouting. It will include information from parents or guardians, childcare providers, teachers, other school personnel, or other mental health clinicians who are involved in the child’s care. Sometimes a child will have ADHD symptoms in one place but not another.

Information from these other adults can show where and why the child has some of the behaviors. The information can help rule in or rule out some additional reasons for the behaviors that might need different treatment.

Diagnosing ADHD in children involves a thorough and multi-faceted approach to ensure accuracy and comprehensive understanding of the child's condition. Here are the key components of the diagnostic process:

1. Clinical Interview: Begin with a detailed interview with the parents or guardians to gather a comprehensive history of the child's behavior, development, and family background. Discuss the specific concerns and symptoms observed.

2. Behavioral Assessment: Use standardized behavior rating scales and checklists, such as the Conners' Rating Scales or the Vanderbilt Assessment Scales, completed by parents, teachers, and sometimes the child, to evaluate the presence and severity of ADHD symptoms.

3. Clinical Observation: Observe the child in different settings, such as at home and school, to assess behavior and attention span in varied environments. This might involve direct observation or gathering reports from teachers and caregivers.

4. Developmental and Medical History Review: Examine the child's developmental milestones and medical history to identify any factors that may contribute to symptoms, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities, or other medical conditions.

5. Standardized Testing: Conduct cognitive and academic achievement tests to rule out learning disabilities and assess cognitive strengths and weaknesses.

6. Review of past school and medical records for developmental and academic context.

6. Evaluation of Coexisting Conditions: Screen for other psychiatric or developmental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or autism spectrum disorder, which may coexist with or mimic ADHD symptoms.

7. Family and Social Dynamics Assessment: Consider the impact of family dynamics, social situations, and environmental factors on the child's behavior.

8. Feedback and Diagnostic Conclusion: Compile the gathered information to form a comprehensive understanding of the child's condition. Provide feedback to the parents or guardians, discussing the diagnosis, if applicable, and outlining a tailored treatment and management plan.

9. Development of a Treatment Plan: If ADHD is diagnosed, collaborate with the family to develop an individualized treatment plan, which may include behavioral therapy, parent training, educational support, and, if appropriate, medication.

• Behavioral Assessment: Use standardized behavior rating scales and checklists, such as the Conners' Rating Scales or the Vanderbilt Assessment Scales, completed by parents, teachers, and sometimes the child, to evaluate the presence and severity of ADHD symptoms.
• Clinical Observation: Observe the child in different settings, such as at home and school, to assess behavior and attention span in varied environments. This might involve direct observation or gathering reports from teachers and caregivers.
• Developmental and Medical History Review: Examine the child's developmental milestones and medical history to identify any factors that may contribute to symptoms, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities, or other medical conditions.
• Standardized Testing: Conduct cognitive and academic achievement tests to rule out learning disabilities and assess cognitive strengths and weaknesses.
• Evaluation of Coexisting Conditions: Screen for other psychiatric or developmental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or autism spectrum disorder, which may coexist with or mimic ADHD symptoms.
• Family and Social Dynamics Assessment: Consider the impact of family dynamics, social situations, and environmental factors on the child's behavior.
• Feedback and Diagnostic Conclusion: Compile the gathered information to form a comprehensive understanding of the child's condition. Provide feedback to the parents or guardians, discussing the diagnosis, if applicable, and outlining a tailored treatment and management plan.

This thorough evaluation process ensures that any diagnosis of ADHD in children is accurate and considers all aspects of the child's life and development.

 Diagnosing ADHD in children involves a thorough and multi-faceted approach to ensure accuracy and comprehensive understanding of the child's condition.  
Diagnosing ADHD in children involves a thorough and multi-faceted approach to ensure accuracy and comprehensive understanding of the child's condition. Here are the key components of the diagnostic process:  We also screen for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but we do not provide a formal diagnosis for Autism. 

Our ADHD evaluation process includes:

• Interviewing the parent and child to gather insights into behavior and experiences.
• Reviewing family medical history for ADHD, Autism, or related conditions.
• Behavior rating scales completed by parents and teachers to provide a full picture of the child’s behavior across different settings.
• Parent self-reports to understand the parenting style and its influence on the child's behavior.
• Behavioral observations in various settings such as home, school, or the medical office.
• Neuropsychological assessments to measure cognitive and emotional functioning.
• Review of past school and medical records for developmental and academic context.

1. Initial Consultation and History Taking: Begin with a detailed interview with the parents or guardians to gather a comprehensive history of the child's behavior, development, and family background. Discuss the specific concerns and symptoms observed.

2. Behavioral Assessment: Use standardized behavior rating scales and checklists, such as the Conners' Rating Scales or the Vanderbilt Assessment Scales, completed by parents, teachers, and sometimes the child, to evaluate the presence and severity of ADHD symptoms.

3. Clinical Observation: Observe the child in different settings, such as at home and school, to assess behavior and attention span in varied environments. This might involve direct observation or gathering reports from teachers and caregivers.

4. Developmental and Medical History Review: Examine the child's developmental milestones and medical history to identify any factors that may contribute to symptoms, such as sleep disorders, learning disabilities, or other medical conditions.

5. Standardized Testing: Conduct cognitive and academic achievement tests to rule out learning disabilities and assess cognitive strengths and weaknesses.

6. Evaluation of Coexisting Conditions: Screen for other psychiatric or developmental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or autism spectrum disorder, which may coexist with or mimic ADHD symptoms.

7. Family and Social Dynamics Assessment: Consider the impact of family dynamics, social situations, and environmental factors on the child's behavior.

8. Feedback and Diagnostic Conclusion: Compile the gathered information to form a comprehensive understanding of the child's condition. Provide feedback to the parents or guardians, discussing the diagnosis, if applicable, and outlining a tailored treatment and management plan.

9. Development of a Treatment Plan: If ADHD is diagnosed, collaborate with the family to develop an individualized treatment plan, which may include behavioral therapy, parent training, educational support, and, if appropriate, medication.

This thorough evaluation process ensures that any diagnosis of ADHD in children is accurate and considers all aspects of the child's life and development.

Please note that while we screen for Autism, we do not provide a formal diagnosis. Additionally, conditions like Dyslexia, Communication Disorders, and other developmental challenges may produce symptoms similar to ADHD or Autism. Unless these other conditions are ruled out, it is important to seek a full neuropsychological evaluation. This in-depth assessment provides a comprehensive understanding of your child’s cognitive profile and ensures that the right interventions are in place.

•  Connect with us by using the chat box on the lower right hand corner. 
• Call us at (781) 996-0046
• Email us at contact@aspireadhd.com to schedule an appointment for ADD ADHD testing or ADD ADHD treatment if you have an pre-existing ADD ADHD diagnosis.