ADHD Evaluation For Kids & Teens

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that negatively impacts executive functioning. That includes the ability to organize thoughts, prioritize tasks, or manage impulses. There are many misconceptions related to ADHD, especially when diagnosed in children. Many parents think their kids are just being kids, and they don’t need a diagnosis or treatment. Others think that treating ADHD will turn their kids into a zombie. We’ve all seen these portrayals of ADHD in our favorite movies or TV show, or we may have heard these stories from loved ones who think they’re being helpful. While children do have a shorter attention span and more energy compared to adults, that doesn’t mean that all symptoms of ADHD are natural in children, or that they don’t need support to help them achieve personal and academic success. I’m Dr. Daniel Clark, and I offer ADHD testing for children to help them better understand how ADHD effects them and seek appropriate support to enable them to achieve their goal with less difficulty.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts a child’s ability to pay attention, control impulses, and manage energy. These parts of cognition are called executive functions. This is a clinical way of describing the parts of the brain that are in charge of how we think, feel, and behave. Executive functions help us determine what information needs to be converted from short to long-term memory, prioritize tasks, and complete projects. They also structure our thinking and moderate energy levels, so we are able to effectively interact with others. For those with ADHD, these functions are disordered, which can make every aspect of life a bigger challenge. Children may struggle academically, have behavioral issues, and experience pain associated with overwhelming emotions.

Common ADHD Symptoms in Children

The goal of ADHD diagnosis for children is simple – differentiate between actions that are typical kid behaviors and those that may indicate ADHD. Some children are referred to us by pediatricians who notice neurodevelopmental differences, but many children receive ADHD assessment because parents, caregivers, or educators notice some of the common symptoms of ADHD in children, including:

·      Inattentiveness that takes place during school, at home, and with friends.

·      Excessive energy that can lead to fidgeting, talking too much, interrupting other, inability to wait their turn, and other behavioral challenges.

·      Poor impulse control that leads to a range of difficulties, and it can even result in children engaging in risky or dangerous behaviors.

·      Difficulty completing tasks or projects.

·      Struggling to develop or maintain friendships.

·      Mood swings.

The ADHD Assessment Process for Children

You may have noticed that many of these symptoms of ADHD in children do just sound like a kid being a kid. That’s why it’s so important to work with an assessment psychologist to receive an accurate diagnosis. The assessment process begins with an intake session. Depending on the child’s age and developmental level, this session may be conducted with just the parents, parent and child together, or parent and child independently. During the intake session, we’ll discuss family health history, the child’s health history, referral questions from a pediatrician, and specific symptoms that triggered the assessment scheduling. From there, I develop a personalized testing battery that will include assessments of a child’s attentiveness, concentration, memory, intelligence, and other variables. I may also have the child and caregiver complete rating scales that provide information about the severity of certain symptoms associated with ADHD. Once all testing is completed, we’ll meet again to discuss the results, and I’ll provide a final assessment report that offers details about your child’s ADHD diagnosis, strengths, weaknesses, and recommended resources as applicable.

Let’s Get Started

If your child is having difficulty in school, presents behavioral issues at home, or is struggling with symptoms that indicate ADHD, let’s talk about it. If you’re concerned about your child, please reach out to me, Dr. Daniel Clark, for a free consultation. This short call gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you have and learn more about what to expect from the process. Whenever you’re ready to get started, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me over the phone at (562) 314-1999, via email info@parkwestpscyhology.com, or by filling out my online inquiry form. I look forward to hearing from you.