Understanding ADHD Testing: What Each Evaluation Measures

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood neurodevelopmental disorders, characterised by symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that interfere with functioning and development. When symptoms are noticed in a child, a professional assessment can determine if ADHD is present and enable access to support.

Various tests and evaluations may be used as part of an ADHD assessment to gather information about the child’s symptoms, development, family history, and how these are impacting the child’s life across different settings. Common assessments include:  

Interviews

Structured and semi-structured interviews with parents, teachers and the child can provide details about the child’s behaviour and symptoms during an ADHD assessment for child. Information is gathered about developmental history, medical history, family history, school performance and more to get a well-rounded perspective.

Rating Scales

Parents, teachers and the child if old enough may fill out standardised rating scales during the ADHD assessment about behaviours like inattention, hyperactivity and learning skills. Examples include the Conners 3, Vanderbilt, and SNAP-IV rating scales. Rating scale responses help determine symptom severity in different domains.

Cognitive Assessments

Cognitive tests evaluate thinking abilities through tasks measuring verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory and processing speed. They indicate if the child has intellectual giftedness, learning disorders or other cognitive weaknesses impacting the symptoms.

Academic Assessments

Academic tests evaluate reading, writing, spelling and maths abilities. Poor performance can reflect impacts of ADHD symptoms on learning. Academic assessments as part of a private ADHD assessment for child also indicate if learning disorders like dyslexia are present alongside ADHD.  

Executive Functioning Tests

Formal executive functioning tests examine cognitive skills like working memory, organisation, self-control and flexibility, which are often weak in ADHD. Informal executive function observations may also be made through interviews and testing sessions. Together, these provide insight on how ADHD symptoms specifically impact real-world functioning.

Behavioural Observations

Child psychologists may formally or informally observe the child’s behaviour during the evaluation. Hyperactivity, impulsivity, attention span and hyperfocus may be noted through one-on-one interactions or observation of independent work.

Determining the Presence of ADHD

Information from all sources is synthesised to determine if the child meets the standard diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This includes assessing behaviours against developmental norms, ruling out alternative explanations, and confirming chronic, cross-setting impairment from symptoms. Feedback sessions explain the outcomes and recommendations to parents and the child.

Ongoing Support Post-Assessment

If an ADHD diagnosis is given, additional testing may be recommended to inform treatment plans. This could include evaluations by occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, paediatricians and psychoeducational specialists. Follow-up appointments to monitor progress are also typical.  

Even without a diagnosis, support at school and home can be improved through using assessment insights about the child’s strengths and weaknesses. Each test provides clues into how the child’s neurocognitive profile impacts functioning. Understanding what assessments measure allows parents to advocate for appropriate help.

Evaluations Tailored to the Individual

There is no one-size-fits-all ADHD evaluation. Assessments are personalised depending on the child’s age, symptoms, situation and reason for referral. While standardised tests are commonly used, experienced clinicians draw upon various tools needed for the individual case. Thorough assessments lead to accurate outcomes and effective treatment plans.

ADHD evaluations equip parents and children with knowledge, support access and inform better care. Ongoing assessment and support from family, clinicians and teachers can help children reach their full potential.