A comprehensive ADHD evaluation helps determine whether difficulties with attention, impulsivity, activity level, or organization are consistent with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It also examines whether learning difficulties, anxiety, sleep problems, or other identified concerns are affecting the child’s attention and behavior.
ADHD does not always involve noticeable hyperactivity. Some children with ADHD do not appear unusually active or disruptive and may seem to be listening, even when their attention has drifted. They may miss instructions, leave work unfinished, forget responsibilities, or lose track of assignments.
Understanding ADHD
There is no single test that independently diagnoses ADHD. An evaluation considers the child’s developmental history, symptoms across settings, and the extent to which those symptoms interfere with everyday functioning.
A child may have ADHD alongside a learning disability or emotional difficulty. Identifying these concerns is important because recommendations need to address the reasons the child is struggling.
The Evaluation
Dr. Elman begins by meeting with parents to discuss their concerns and gather a detailed developmental, educational, and medical history. She also reviews relevant school records and any previous evaluations to learn about the child’s academic progress, earlier findings, and support received.
She gathers information from parents and teachers through interviews and rating scales and, as appropriate, obtains input from physicians, mental health counselors, and tutors. She also conducts an in-school observation when authorized by the parent and permitted by the school. Information from different settings is particularly important because a child may remain focused during individual testing but struggle with distractions, group instruction, or independent work in the classroom.
Testing takes place over multiple days, with sessions scheduled in the morning so children can participate when they are rested and alert. Testing before a full day of school helps reduce the effects of fatigue on concentration and stamina, allowing children to perform at their best.
Dr. Elman takes time to develop rapport, offers encouragement, and monitors attention and fatigue, providing breaks as needed.
The assessment examines intellectual abilities and academic skills, including reading, writing, mathematics, and oral language. It also addresses memory, language-related processing, attention, executive functioning, visual-spatial skills, and social-emotional functioning. Executive functioning includes skills such as planning, organizing, holding information in mind, and monitoring work.
Dr. Elman will also administer a computerized measure of sustained attention and impulsive responding. Its results are interpreted alongside the child’s history, behavioral observations, rating scales, and information from parents and teachers.
Results and Recommendations
Parents receive a comprehensive written report explaining the findings and recommendations tailored to their child’s strengths and needs. After parents have reviewed the report, Dr. Elman meets with them to explain the results, answer questions, and discuss how to put the recommendations into practice.
Recommendations may address treatment, classroom instruction, organizational strategies, and accommodations. Dr. Elman meets with school personnel to explain comprehensive evaluation findings and assist with educational planning, including IEP or Section 504 meetings when the school permits her participation. The school team makes formal decisions about eligibility for school-based services and accommodations.
To discuss an evaluation or schedule an appointment, call Dr. Elman at 561-470-8660.