ADHD TESTING

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Testing in McKinney, TX

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is one of the conditions most people are already familiar with. While the majority of people have heard about it, there are many misconceptions about Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder that our McKinney, TX team works to dispel. You can learn more about Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder as well as testing and assessment for these conditions on this page or by contacting the PEARS, PLLC team.

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What Is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which you may also hear referred to as ADD, is a common developmental condition that impacts executive functioning, attentiveness, focus, impulsivity, and energy. ADHD is classified into one of three main types: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or combined. Some individuals with ADHD struggle with executive functioning, and their difficulties may manifest as poor health, emotional and mental health concerns, faltering job performance, difficulty in personal relationships, and struggles in academic settings.

How Is ADHD Diagnosed?

Diagnosis for ADHD begins with screenings for the common symptoms of this condition. For children, a physician or teacher may be the first to notice these warning signs and recommend assessment. For adults and older children with ADHD, the symptoms may become more obvious over time as they find daily tasks more challenging or exhausting.

What Happens During
an ADHD Assessment?

The goal of assessment includes collecting a wide variety of information to determine if the behaviors you are seeing meets the diagnostic criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD. However, Dr. Arduengo and the PEARS, PLLC team always emphasizes that the real goal of assessment is to see the big picture. We want to answer the specific referral question, “Do I have ADHD?” However, we also want to answer a broader, underlying question: “How does ADHD impact my life?” For this reason, assessments for adults and children are comprehensive. They gather information to give us a clearer understanding of an individual’s strengths, weaknesses, and areas where they may benefit from support. Additionally, assessment will also rule out any other disorders that may have similar presenting symptoms and uncover any co-occurring disorders.

Assessment for Children

When it comes to ADHD assessment for children, the continuous performance test (CPT) is one of the tools we utilize. CPTs gauge the child’s ability to understand, organize, and respond to relevant information as well as their capacity to focus on a specific task. This computerized test helps assessment professionals to understand a young person’s patience and task management skills. Evaluations will not rely solely on one assessment or measurement technique. ADHD assessment often includes:

· Interviewing parents, caregivers, and educators about the child's behavior

· Gathering developmental history and other background information about the child

· Observing social, educational, and home behavior (information may be gathered through rating scales completed by individuals other than the clinician)

· Reviewing past educational, therapeutic, or medical reports or results of previous testing and assessment

Assessment for Adults

Like children and teens, diagnosis for ADHD in adults involves a range of testing approaches, and it also includes the results of an individual’s CPT. In addition to the CPT, Dr. Arduengo may administer neuropsychological, cognitive, and achievement testing batteries. Assessment psychologists may also use interviews, rating scales, and observations.

How Do I Schedule Assessments at PEARS, PLLC?

At PEARS, PLLC, we do our best to make the scheduling process quick and easy. Simply take a few minutes to complete our online scheduling and information request form by clicking the Contact Us icon below. You can also call or text our McKinney office at (817) 826-9572. We look forward to hearing from you soon!