To effectively “rule out” or diagnose Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which includes its three subtypes, I recommend a comprehensive assessment as the best practice.
The first step in this assessment involves testing cognition, commonly referred to as “IQ”. This is followed by an assessment of attention, executive functions, and in some cases, other processing areas or academics, as necessary.
The use of rating scales and input from a parent, teacher, or therapist is crucial to understand how skills and challenges manifest in various settings.
Typically, I suggest a Psycho-Educational Assessment for this purpose. However, if there's a need to “rule out” multiple educationally-related conditions, a Pediatric Neuro-Cognitive Assessment might be more suitable.
What Are The Warning Signs Of ADHD?
Warning signs of ADHD include an inability to focus or concentrate compared to others of the same age or developmental level, and varying attention difficulties unique to each individual. Executive function challenges are also common, with symptoms differing from person to person.
Negative self-thoughts like “I am not smart” or “I’m stupid” are prevalent, often leading to learned helplessness as these individuals might find that their efforts do not translate into success, particularly in academic settings.
Additionally, some students with ADHD may start a new school year strongly but gradually find it challenging to keep up and fall behind.
When/Why Is This Evaluation Performed?
This evaluation is vital to obtain needed services and supports, understand the individual’s learning profile and related needs, and acquire specific recommendations for growth. Attention skills and executive functions play a significant role in this context.
The latter, referring to the brain’s frontal lobe functioning in harmony with learning processes, is crucial for consistent task completion. Executive function deficits, which can be identified through assessment, can be a major hindrance, despite the individual having the necessary skills.
It’s essential to remember that each person is unique, and no two people with ADHD, or any other disability, are exactly alike. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment is pivotal to determine if the person has a learning-related need or diagnosis.
“Neuroplasticity”, the brain's ability to form and strengthen neuronal connections, implies that people with ADHD/ADD can make significant gains with appropriate interventions. A comprehensive assessment can be instrumental in identifying the types of interventions required.
How Does the Evaluation Take Place? What Should I Expect? What Should I Expect After the Assessment?
The individual or parent can choose between a Psycho-Educational Assessment or a Pediatric Neuro-Cognitive (aka “School Neuro-Psych”) Evaluation. In my role, I guide the decision-making process regarding the recommended type of evaluation.
If the examinee is a child, I adhere to standard practices focusing on child safety, detailed in the section of this blog page dedicated to child safety.
I offer these assessments and other related services out of my professional office located in Roseville, California. As a Licensed Educational Psychologist in the State of California, my practice is dedicated to providing insightful and comprehensive assessments and services to support the educational and developmental needs of my clients.