ADHD Testing
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ADHD Testing
Do You Suspect That You Or Your Child Might Have ADHD?
Have you always had difficulty concentrating, completing tasks on time, or putting consistent effort into relationships? Are you concerned that your child is having behavioral problems in school, and you don’t know how to address their impulsive outbursts? Do you worry about maintaining a job or paying your bills due to a lack of organization?
Perhaps your difficulties with emotional regulation, procrastination, and restlessness lead to conflicts and tension with your friends, significant other, or family members. Maybe your symptoms have caused you emotional distress, mainly because you don’t know why you’re having trouble in your personal and professional life while so many of your peers seem to be thriving.
If you’re a parent, you might be trying to figure out what’s causing your child to act out in class or underperform on assignments. For some people, these issues are actually linked to undiagnosed ADHD.
Struggles With Time Management And Executive Functioning Can Hold You Back
You might feel like an underachiever because you have difficulty focusing on tasks you don’t find interesting or end up quitting projects or hobbies that you genuinely enjoy. If your child is dealing with these problems, you might have faith that they’re capable of more, yet you don’t know how to help them reach their full potential. Pursuing ADHD testing might be the key to finding clarity.
ADHD testing can help you accurately determine the roots of your symptoms and access appropriate treatment options for your specific diagnosis. Through ADHD tests, children, teens, and adults can qualify for essential accommodations in academic or professional settings, develop coping strategies for challenges related to executive functioning, and build up their self-esteem.
ADHD Symptoms Persist From Childhood To Adulthood
ADHD diagnoses have increased in recent years, with 11.4% of children between the ages of 3 and 17 in the US receiving a diagnosis (1). While many people with ADHD are diagnosed as children, others don’t realize that their challenges with concentration, task completion, and related skills are ADHD symptoms until well into adulthood.
People might hope that they’ll simply “grow out” of these symptoms, and when this doesn’t happen, they may wonder if they’re lazy or unmotivated. As a result, an adult with undiagnosed ADHD might develop a negative self-perception.
Getting An Accurate Diagnosis Can Be Complicated
Why do so many people spend years dealing with ADHD symptoms without any answers? While there is a growing awareness around the prevalence of ADHD, particularly in adults, this disorder is still often misunderstood.
People often assume that ADHD exclusively affects highly energetic children who misbehave in the classroom. Yet, they don’t realize that adults who struggle to maintain friendships, meet deadlines, manage their time, and make sound decisions might also be suffering from ADHD.
There are a few additional factors that can complicate the process of receiving an ADHD diagnosis. For example, ADHD can often co-occur with other mental health conditions, and symptoms like relationship troubles, impulsivity, and difficulty concentrating might be attributed to anxiety or depression.
By completing an ADHD assessment, you can gain much-needed clarity around the roots of your symptoms. In addition to learning more about your personal strengths and specific challenges, you’ll be able to move forward with personalized treatment and interventions and request reasonable accommodations at work or in school.
ADHD Testing Can Help You Determine Your Next Steps
We provide ADHD evaluations centered around the needs of different demographics. Adult ADHD assessments are intended for adults struggling with work, relationships, or daily functioning due to possible ADHD symptoms. We also offer child and adolescent ADHD evaluations for individuals between the ages of 12 to 17, which helps parents and educators understand and support the child’s needs, as well as college student ADHD assessments to assist students struggling with life transitions and academic challenges in securing university accommodations.
We facilitate ADHD in the Workplace evaluations, tailored to employed adults. These evaluations lead to insights for career development and job accommodations. Additionally, clients might be interested in a differential diagnosis assessment to distinguish ADHD from other conditions, such as anxiety or learning disorders, or an executive function evaluation to assess key life skills like planning, organization, and time management.
What To Expect Throughout The ADHD Testing Process
We request that clients bring their ID, insurance information, relevant medical records, academic and professional performance reports, completed pre-assessment forms, and a list of current medications to their first testing session. If you’ve previously been tested for ADHD or other conditions, you can send your prior test results to our practice electronically before you begin the testing process.
ADHD assessments typically last for about two to three hours and may be split into multiple sessions if necessary. While parents are usually present for part of children’s assessments, children complete most of the evaluation on their own. Our assessments go beyond identifying challenges associated with ADHD. The evaluation will also help you identify your strengths.
Overall, the initial consultation, testing process, and feedback generally takes anywhere from two to three weeks, and results are usually discussed in a follow up appointment scheduled one or two weeks after testing.
Resources And Support During ADHD Testing For Children, Teens, And Adults
After you receive your evaluation results, we offer follow-up consultations and ADHD therapy for ongoing support. We can also refer you to ADHD coaches, other therapists, or specialists and coordinate with your other healthcare providers, educators, or employers to help you request accommodations.
For children and teens, we provide guidance for parents and siblings so that the family can create a supportive home environment. Additionally, we will equip you with up-to-date information on ADHD research and management strategies.
ADHD symptoms can change over time, and we’ll guide you in understanding how your condition might evolve as you navigate different stages of life. Overall, ADHD testing can represent the first step towards improving your productivity, time management, emotional regulation skills, and relationships.
But You May Still Have Questions About ADHD Testing…
I’m worried that the testing process will be expensive and time-consuming.
Our evaluation process typically involves 2 to 3 hours of testing, generally split up into manageable sessions. Including feedback, testing usually takes one to two weeks. Assessments cost $400—your insurance plan might cover this fee depending on your specific benefits. ADHD testing is an investment in your wellbeing that can lead to significant improvements in your quality of life.
Will an ADHD diagnosis lead to prejudice at work or in school?
An ADHD diagnosis is not a negative label. It’s a tool to understand your strengths and weaknesses. Legally, employers cannot discriminate against people with ADHD, and an official diagnosis can help you secure the accommodations and support you need to succeed. This new knowledge can actually be empowering rather than limiting.
If I’m diagnosed with ADHD, will I have to take medication?
If you’re diagnosed with ADHD after your evaluation, you will not necessarily be prescribed medication. The results of your assessment will help your counselor determine the best treatment protocol, and many people successfully manage ADHD through therapy and lifestyle changes. Even if medication is recommended, you are not required to try it. Ultimately, we aim to provide you with information and options so that you can make the best decisions for your health and wellbeing.
ADHD Testing Is The First Step To Getting The Support You Need
If you’re wondering why you’re finding it hard to keep up with your responsibilities at work, school, or home, ADHD testing can help you find the answers. To schedule a free 15-minute consultation or book your first testing appointment, we encourage you to call our office at 408-634-6506 or fill out the contact form on our website.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15374416.2024.2335625#d1e3629
