ADD/ADHD EVALUATIONS
WHY DO PEOPLE GET ADD/ADHD TESTING?
To understand whether their symptoms warrant a diagnosis and treatment.
To guide treatment planning for their current therapist or psychiatrist.
To gather information for making educational and vocational decisions.
To obtain documentation of their diagnosis that is written in a format to meet requirements for educational systems and medical purposes
To obtain recommendations for specific academic accommodations within their school system.
To obtain practical recommendations for the management of symptoms.
To obtain treatment recommendations.
Testing Services are offered by the following Practices:
Lisa Ahern, Ph.D., PLLC
Kelly Anthony, Ph.D., PLLC
Robyn Claar, Ph.D., PLLC
Rebecca Dingfelder, Ph.D., PLLC
Eve Fontaine, Ph.D., PLLC
These providers offer comprehensive testing for ADD/ADHD in children, adolescents, and adults. Evaluations are approached with a high level of expertise in ADHD, ADD, and anxiety/mood difficulties that allow accurate diagnosis and formulation of how symptoms are impacting overall functioning. Evaluations are completed with multiple goals: determining if there is an ADD/ADHD diagnosis or other co-existing conditions; educating the client (and families) about a diagnosis; making specific recommendations for interventions, such as academic support and test-taking accommodations (e.g., extended time on tests/exams).
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Step 1—Clinical Interview/ Information Gathering:
A diagnostic interview to gather information regarding the client’s developmental, health, school/work, and family history will be completed. This step involves a comprehensive review of the presenting concerns and a review of any relevant records (previous evaluation reports, report cards, and/or work samples). Based on interview findings, semi-structured interviews will be completed with clients (and families) with a specific focus on differentiating between the many psychological disorders that share similar symptoms with ADHD. For children and adolescents, our clinicians may also speak directly with school staff and/or observe the child in his/her classroom.
Step 2-Behavioral Rating Scales:
Clients (and parents) will complete various behavior rating scales used to assess symptoms associated with ADHD and other emotional/behavioral concerns. Since best practice in assessment involves gathering information about a client's functioning across settings, we will also attempt to obtain a teacher report with applicable.
Step 3- Report Feedback/Recommendations:
We will review the results of the evaluation with the client (and parents). We explain the diagnosis(es) completely and provide recommendations for intervention that will include: practical recommendations for managing symptoms and discussing recommendations for academic accommodations. Clients (and parents) will be encouraged to ask questions and voice concerns to ensure a full understanding of the findings. We will also provide a detailed, comprehensive written report that summarizes all of this information.