If you suspect that you or your child suffers from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, often referred to as ADHD, there are options for tests. ADHD testing is necessary to receive the most accurate treatment options. As you research diagnosis and treatment options, review what works best for your situation:
Comprehensive Testing
Before you or your child can have a treatment plan for ADHD, you’ll need to undergo some type of testing. A comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation often includes ADHD testing along with other tests to cover multiple areas. This includes overall learning, the ability to pay attention, emotional and behavioral challenges, and other disorders. These tests may offer personality and intelligence evaluations.
Intelligence testing includes reasoning, decision-making, planning, and the ability to make judgments. It often includes memory testing and achievement evaluations in all academic areas. Evaluators may also perform assessments on behavior, emotional, and social skills.
The full assessment examines how cognitive and attention abilities affect school performance and learning in general. It also examines emotional and behavioral issues that hinder success in an academic, social, or functional setting. The test results can be used to obtain an IEP/504 for students who need accommodations. Adults who take the test can qualify for work accommodations if they have ADHD or another condition.
ADHD Testing
It’s more practical to undergo ADHD testing without other evaluations. Evaluators use this test with adults and children to diagnose severe issues with concentration and difficulties with impulse control. Once a diagnosis is made, the therapist can recommend treatment options.
The evaluation is composed of several tests, including intelligence testing. It performs a basic achievement screening to determine the current learning level. Memory and comprehension screenings allow the evaluator to see how well the person understands information and retains it, which can show their ability to do well on tests or perform tasks.
The evaluator makes a direct assessment of the person’s ability to pay attention and performs a behavior analysis. They accomplish this task by talking directly with the person being evaluated and monitoring their behaviors along with their verbal responses. They may also utilize parent and teacher surveys to determine how the child behaves in different environments and if they exhibit symptoms of ADHD in their daily routines.
Some symptoms of ADHD in children include:
- Difficulty paying attention
- Restlessness
- Excessive fidgeting
- Forgetfulness
- Losing things
- Difficulty taking turns
- Easily distracted
- Excessive talking
- Interrupting people
- Constant movement
Teenagers often exhibit symptoms of ADHD by forgetting things, experiencing difficulty with schoolwork, not finishing tasks or projects, avoiding tasks that require concentration or are mentally challenging, and emotional sensitivity. Adults with ADHD may struggle in their jobs and find it difficult to complete tasks. They may suffer from low self-esteem or have issues with relationships. An ADHD diagnosis helps people understand why they have these particular challenges.
ADHD Treatments
Once testing is completed, the evaluator develops a list of treatment options based on the results and the person’s needs. Schools can use this information to create an IEP/504 to provide accommodations to assist with learning.
While many doctors prescribe medications to treat ADHD, other treatments are available without them. Mindfulness therapy is one such treatment. This program teaches methods for concentration, which can help them pay attention in class or while working on detailed projects.
Studies show that children diagnosed with ADHD often suffer from anxiety and/or depression. Treating these conditions can help them function better in the classroom. Different types of behavioral therapy teach patients how to handle stress, anxiety, and the emotions that lead to depression.
Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, focuses on helping the person recognize how their thoughts affect their behavior. For people with ADHD, they may use this treatment to help them cope with some of their symptoms.
Seek a Professional Evaluation for ADHD
The first step in diagnosing and treating ADHD is getting a professional evaluation. This evaluation can tell you whether the person has ADHD and which treatment options may provide the best results. You can work with the therapist to develop a treatment plan that will help you or your child thrive in an educational or work setting. Contact a professional counseling organization to schedule an ADHD evaluation and learn more bout treatment options.