Assessment for ADHD

Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Testing

ADHD testing and diagnosis allows individuals to develop healthy strategies for managing the adverse effects while maximizing their own strengths.

ADHD testing and diagnosis allows individuals to develop healthy strategies for managing the adverse effects while maximizing their own strengths.

You’ve likely heard attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder referred to simply as ADHD or ADD. This common form of neurodivergency may be diagnosed in children, adolescents, or adults.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other developmental concerns often impact memory, attention, concentration, organization of thought, and other executive functions. Often referred to simply as ADHD or ADD, this common form of neurodiversity can be diagnosed in children, adolescents, or adults. Assessment helps determine whether a child has executive function disorders and the extent of their struggles, as well as offering recommendations for resources and support to help them achieve success academically, in their personal lives, and in their future careers.

You May Be Wondering

  • ADHD is a disorder that impacts an individual’s executive functions. That’s a clinical way of saying that ADHD makes certain tasks more difficult. Specifically, the neurodevelopmental pathways that allow people to prioritize tasks, remember small details, focus for extended periods, or control movement and impulses may not be functioning as expected at the individual’s developmental age. Some young people present both as hyperactive and inattentive. Others may have more signs of one or the other set of symptoms. Diagnosis helps the child, parents, educators, and other caregivers understand what a child needs to be successful in all aspects of their lives. 

  • Parents often hesitate to bring their children in for ADHD testing because they think inattentiveness or hyperactivity are just signs that their child is being a child. In some cases, this is true, but ADHD diagnostic testing is designed to ensure a thorough and accurate analysis of a child’s ability to maintain attention and control impulses. These assessments are performed by trained professionals who really understand the difference between a child having fun versus a child who is genuinely struggling. Individualized assessments are designed to understand how the child is functioning rather than just providing a diagnosis.  

  • Inattentiveness or struggling to concentrate for long periods 

    Being easily distracted

    Failing to complete tasks

    Academic difficulties

    Behavioral issues

    Excessive energy or seeming unable to sit still

    Not taking turns at play

    Interrupting others who are talking 

    Not listening

    Forgetting what they’re doing 

    Seeming disorganized or cluttered 

    Struggling to manage impulses

    Unable to prioritize tasks effectively 

    Poor time management skills

How Is ADHD Diagnosed?

At Webb Psychological Services, Dr. Webb tries to make the assessment process as clear and straightforward as possible. She wants parents to feel comfortable, so they can be my partners in preparing their children for the testing process. We’ve outlined the basic steps below: 

  • Parents provide answers to an inquiry form and a phone consultation is scheduled.

  • After reviewing the inquiry form, Dr. Webb consults with parents during a 15-minute phone call to ensure ADHD testing with me is the right option. From there, we schedule an intake interview session.

  • This 60 to 90-minute initial appointment allows Dr. Webb to dive a little deeper into your child’s current situation, history, concerns, referral questions, and goals for the ADHD testing process.

  • In almost all cases, Dr. Webb schedules assessments over the course of two days. Because each person receives a completely individualized testing battery and they take varying amounts of time to complete assessments, Dr. Webb won’t be able to give you an exact time, but most evaluations take between 5 and 7 hours split between the two sessions. In addition to providing testing to the child, she will also provide questionnaires for caregivers and educators to complete. 

  • All the assessments, questionnaires, medical details, academic records, and other information gathered will be carefully reviewed. If needed, Dr. Webb may reach out to parents or educators to gain further insight.  

  • About 4 weeks after the assessment sessions are completed, Dr. Webb will meet with parents to review findings and diagnoses as well as answering questions. Within 48 hours of this final session, she provides a complete written report. For adolescents and teens, she may also provide an individual 30-minute feedback session to answer any questions they have.

Easily Schedule Testing

Coordinating appointments in a family's busy schedule is no easy task. With this in mind, Dr. Webb does her utmost to make scheduling ADHD assessment services quick and stress-free. Simply take a moment to call at (360) 328-7880, email hello@webbpsychological.com, or fill out our online contact form. Be aware that email and online contact forms are not secure forms of communication, so please don’t include any private or confidential information.