ADHD

Evaluation

& Testing

Attention problems are common and can affect learning, memory, school/work performance, mood, and social functioning.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder that is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. ADHD can impact children and adults in different ways. Likewise, there are gender differences in the presentation of ADHD.

ADHD testing can pinpoint attention problems and how they might be hindering functioning.

What is ADHD?

ADHD, often referred to as ADD, impacts one’s daily life, including school or work performance, social relationships, achievements, and ability to maintain a daily tasks. While symptoms may improve with age, many adults with ADHD continue to experience a variety of challenges. Symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity can show up in many ways.

There are 3 types of ADHD, based on a person’s specific symptoms:

  1. Inattentive type: primarily symptoms of inattention impact your functioning, without hyperactivity/impulsivity playing a large role

  2. Hyperactive-Impulsive type: primarily symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity impact your functioning, without inattention playing a large role

  3. Combine type: symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity are present and play a large role is the disruption of functioning

Common symptoms

  • Inattention

    -Difficulty staying on one tasks
    -Jumping from task to task without fully completing them
    -Hyper-fixation on enjoyed tasks, seeming to lose track of time
    -Difficulty with organization and time management
    -Losing daily items (e.g., phone, keys, wallet)
    -Indecision/choice paralysis
    -Racing thoughts

  • Hyperactivity

    -Excessive movement/fidgeting
    -Inability to sit for a long period of time
    -Talking quickly and/or jumping from topic to topic
    -Interrupting others or blurting out the answer before the end of the sentence
    -Having a ton of energy followed by periods of burn out
    -Sleep challenges

  • Impulsivity

    -Acting without thinking
    -Difficulty with self-control (can show up in eating, spending, substance use, etc).
    -Desire for instant gratification/immediate rewards
    -Quickly changing moods
    -Challenges with major life events/transitions

How ADHD testing

can be helpful:

ADHD evaluation can identify sources of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The testing will integrate different sources of information to gain insight into one’s cognitive abilities, attention, mood, and behavioral concerns. By analyzing these areas, we can develop an informed understand of the extent to which inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity affect overall functioning. We can additionally look at areas of thinking, learning, memory, and processing speed that often accompany attention challenges.

I am an adult. Can I still

receive ADHD testing?

Great question—YES! Although ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder and needs evidence of challenges present prior to the age of 12, you can be diagnosed later in life (including adulthood!). There is no known cure for ADHD and it requires life-long management of symptoms. Due to this, it is actually quite common for adults to obtain testing and receive support

The adhd
evaluation process:

ADHD testing includes a careful review of concerns through self-report and standardized testing. This includes a comprehensive cognitive assessment and behavioral/mood questionnaires. Through this, we are able to provide objective data and guide treatment recommendations. Testing allows us to provide recommendations for supports, accommodations, and other resources. You’ll receive a written report summarizing all testing findings, supported diagnoses, and recommendations. Regardless of if you are actually diagnosed with ADHD, we can help you understand that cause of these challenges and ways to find support going foward.