Diagnosing ADHD
key components of a comprehensive assessment for ADHD:
We believe that a thorough evaluation is essential for diagnosing ADHD. With many possible causes of attention and focus challenges, a comprehensive assessment is crucial rather than relying on a single test. Our evaluation considers various skills through formal and informal data to identify any attention deficits and rule out other learning disabilities or processing issues.
Our evaluations typically take 3-4 hours and involve more than just surveys and questionnaires. They include:
- Assessing how the individual learns and processes information.
- Observing the individual's work habits and behavior, such as focusing, planning, organizing, executing tasks, and movement during the evaluation.
- Administering surveys that cover a range of executive functioning skills, as well as signs of depression and anxiety. These surveys also explore the individual's relationships with peers and family, and we may seek input from others like a spouse or roommate to gather additional perspectives on the client's behaviors and skills.
- When necessary, assessing the individual's academic skills to identify potential gaps that might contribute to or result from inattention, particularly important if academic accommodations are being considered.
- Discussing the individual's perspective on their struggles and daily experiences at school, work, and beyond.
Once the evaluation is complete, we assess whether the individual meets the diagnostic criteria for ADHD. Diagnosis requires individuals to exhibit five or six (depending on age) of the nine characteristics in either or both DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) categories listed below.
Predominantly Inattentive Type
- Fails to pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes.
- Struggles with sustaining attention.
- Appears not to listen.
- Has difficulty following through on instructions.
- Faces challenges with organization.
- Dislikes or avoids tasks requiring prolonged mental effort.
- Frequently loses things.
- Easily distracted or forgetful in daily activities.
Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Type
- Fidgets or squirms in a chair / struggles to stay seated.
- Runs or climbs excessively.
- Has difficulty engaging in quiet activities.
- Acts as if driven by a motor.
- Talks excessively.
- Blurts out answers before questions are completed.
- Struggles with waiting or taking turns.
- Interrupts or intrudes on others.
Combined Type
- The individual meets both inattention and hyperactive/impulsive criteria.
Call Now for more information on ADHD Testing (346) 244-3363