• The need for a comprehensive evaluation
• What you can expect from a thorough evaluation
• ADHD checklists

While our checklists (links below) can help screen for the possibility of ADHD, an accurate diagnosis requires a comprehensive evaluation. This is best done by one or more clinicians who have experience in ADHD and related conditions.

If you’re seeking help with a child, the first step should be an evaluation to see if your child’s struggles are greater than the norm by age and gender.

In both child and adult clients, the examining professional should also explore whether related or similar conditions might account for the learning or behavioral difficulties.

• It should be conducted by a health professional (or a team of professionals) with experience and expertise in ADHD and related conditions.
• It should not be a brief, quick exam; will usually require one to two hours, minimum.
• There will be a clinical interview surveying past and present ADHD symptoms, including developmental and medical history, medicines prescribed, and prior testing results, if available.
• If possible, information may be collected from various sources (e.g., parents and teachers), to determine if behavior is ongoing and consistent.
• The interview should also cover client’s ability to meet the demands of daily life, whether at home, work or school.
• In some cases, the evaluation may include testing to determine any cognitive or learning weaknesses that may contribute to the client’s difficulties.

For child. (Opens printable 1-pg. pdf; 12K.)

For teen. (Opens printable 1-pg. pdf; 13K.)

For adult. (Opens printable 1-pg. pdf; 12K.)

Find out about the many ADHD treatment options.

Contact The Attention Center to make an appointment for an evaluation.