ADHD Assessment for Children, Teenagers, and Adults

Do you notice a lack of concentration, chronic restlessness, constant talking and interrupting others or a general inability to sit still, in either you or your child? If you suspect that you or your child might have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), it would be beneficial to receive a professional ADHD assessment. An assessment gives someone with ADHD the opportunity to access academic support, appropriate psychological care and additional resources to help improve functioning and quality of life. 

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, commonly referred to as ADHD, is one of the most common neuro-developmental disorders in children. ADHD is characterized by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that interferes with day to day activities such as studying, working, relaxing and sleeping. Although most children have moments of poor focus or hyperactivity, the symptoms of children who live with ADHD tend to be more severe and pervasive. Children as young as 3 years old can show signs of ADHD and the symptoms often persist throughout their childhood, and even into adulthood, although often less severe.

The awareness surrounding ADHD is quite new; there are many adults today who find themselves wondering if they may have been struggling with ADHD all along but have never been formally diagnosed as a child. Obtaining a professional assessment has considerable benefits for adults with ADHD, including a sense of relief and validation, a better understanding of themselves, and the ability to seek out the appropriate psychological and psychiatric care.

Signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be categorized into three subgroups: (1) combined inattentive and hyperactive, (2) primarily inattentive, (3) primarily hyperactive. Most people will have a combination of the following symptoms, but not necessarily all of them. 

  • Easily Distracted

    People with ADHD may be easily distracted by sounds, visuals, movement, and conversations happening around them.

  • Inattention to Details

    Paying attention to details is difficult for someone with ADHD, potentially causing them to miss important details and make mistakes.

  • Poor Time Managment

    Poor Time Management

    People with ADHD tend to procrastinate, miss important deadlines, forget to study, or finish a school project.

  • Talking & Interrupting

    Interrupting Others

    People with ADHD may impulsively interrupt others, blurt out answers, and finish other people’s sentences.

  • Talking & Mumbling

    Constant talking, singing, mumbling, and whispering is often observed in people with ADHD.

  • Emotional Outbursts

    Most commonly noticed in children, people with ADHD can struggle to achieve what they have set out to do leaving them feeling frustrated.

  • Inability to Sit Still

    Constantly moving around, fidgeting, climbing objects, squirming, tapping, and difficulty sitting still are all signs of hyperactivity.

  • Forgetful

    People with ADHD may frequently misplace or lose items, lose their train of thought, or forget important deadlines.

  • Gets in Trouble

    Children and adults may be perceived by teachers, coworkers and supervisors as easily distracted, unproductive, or disruptive.

When Should You Get an ADHD Assessment?

Consider an ADHD assessment if any of the following situations apply:

  • You check off many of the symptoms.

  • A close relative was diagnosed with ADHD.

  • Your child completed a psycho-educational assessment and it indicated a learning disability.

  • A general feeling that ADHD explains your situation.

  • Previous diagnosis of anxiety or depression.

How Is ADHD Assessed and Diagnosed?

An ADHD Assessment typically involves gathering information on the patient across multiple sources, which include: an ADHD questionnaire, as well as, a detailed interview with the individual, and a person who was close to the individual as a child, and a person close to the individual in the present. Information is collected from anyone who knows the individual well including parents/caretakers, family members, teachers, close friends, partners/spouses, or colleagues depending on the age of the individual.

Multiple qualified healthcare professionals may be involved in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), such as psychiatrists, psychologists, doctors, or nurses, who have training and expertise in the diagnosis of ADHD in children, adolescents and/or adults.

 Parenting Tips for Helping a Child with ADHD

  • Create a Routine

    Routines and schedules set expectations from morning to night, helping to keep kids focused on tasks or activities while limiting their distractions.

  • Keep Things Organized

    Keeping a structured day and an organized environment helps reduce distractions and makes it easier for the child to find their belongings.

  • Make Lists

    Use both written and illustrated lists to create a fun way for children to keep track of their tasks, build good habits and limit unnecessary choices.

  • Limit Choices

    Help make your child’s life more manageable by reducing the number of choices they need to make by limiting their options.

  • Stay Positive

    Keep in perspective that having ADHD is hard for your child. Staying patient, positive and encouraging is the best way to help them thrive.

  • Compromise

    If your child completed two chores, but refuses to do the last one, don’t sweat it. Picking your battles and compromising makes everyones life easier.