Can high IQ mask ADHD symptoms?

Yes. Gifted children often compensate early, making ADHD less obvious until workload increases. Testing clarifies the picture.

Does ADHD medication skew IQ test results?

Medication typically *improves* performance consistency. We test at the child’s usual dose; if medication is new, we note the timeline.

How long does the assessment take?

2-3 hours on-site, plus intake forms completed at home. Total parent time: ~30 minutes pre-test, 45 minutes feedback.

Will my child’s school accept the report?

Absolutely. Our reports follow national special-education guidelines and include DSM-5 coding. Most schools adopt recommendations without extra testing.

At what age can IQ testing for ADHD begin?

Reliable results start at **6 years** using WISC-V. Younger profiles are possible but interpreted cautiously.

What if my child is uncooperative during testing?

We use play-based rapport, choice of seating, and sensory tools. If cooperation remains low, we reschedule a second short session at no extra cost.

IQ Assessment for ADHD | Cadabam’s Child Development Center

If your child has ADHD—or you suspect they might—you’ve probably asked, “Is it ADHD slowing them down, or is there hidden giftedness we’re missing?” A precise iq-assessment-for-adhd answers that question. At Cadabams CDC, we help parents see past attention struggles to discover their child’s true intellectual strengths and design a roadmap for school, therapy, and home success.

Why IQ Assessment for ADHD Matters

Uncovering True Cognitive Potential vs. ADHD Symptoms

Attention difficulties can hide high ability. A child who rushes through a worksheet might still grasp college-level concepts. Standard classroom tests often measure speed, not depth of thinking. An ADHD-sensitive IQ test separates:

Gaps in working memory (an ADHD hallmark)
Raw problem-solving talent (untapped when focus is shaky)
Processing speed dips (often medication- or anxiety-related) By pinpointing these layers, parents stop guessing and start supporting the right skills.

Supporting Twice-Exceptional (2e) Identification

“Twice-exceptional” (2e) learners are both gifted and challenged by ADHD. Early iq-assessment-for-adhd flags:

Exceptional verbal reasoning paired with weak executive functions
High fluid intelligence masked by impulsivity
Creative thinking that stalls under timed conditions Recognizing 2e status unlocks specialized school placements, enrichment programs, and therapeutic goals that nurture strengths while scaffolding weaknesses.

How IQ is Measured Accurately in ADHD Persons

Static vs Dynamic Intelligence Testing

Static tests (e.g., WISC-V Full Scale IQ) give a snapshot of current performance.
Dynamic tests add brief teaching moments during the task to see how quickly a child learns new strategies—crucial when ADHD impairs initial focus. Cadabams CDC blends both approaches to avoid underestimating ability.

ADHD-Sensitive Test Batteries (WISC-V, WAIS-IV)

We choose sub-tests least affected by inattention and most predictive of real-world success:

Sub-test	Why It Matters for ADHD
WISC-V Verbal Comprehension	Less speed-dependent, highlights vocabulary strength
WISC-V Fluid Reasoning	Catches novel problem-solving despite distractibility
WAIS-IV Working Memory	Directly tracks executive function gaps

Accommodations: Timing, Environment, Breaks

Small changes yield big accuracy gains:

Extended time to reduce clock pressure
Low-distraction room with noise-blocking headphones
Movement breaks every 20-30 minutes
Fidget tools approved by the examiner in advance

Our Evidence-Based Assessment Process

Step 1: Intake & Developmental History

Parents complete a secure online form covering pregnancy, early milestones, school reports, and past evaluations. This shapes which tests and accommodations we select.

Step 2: Multi-Source Rating Scales (Conners, BRIEF-2)

We gather teacher and parent views on attention, hyperactivity, and executive skills. Consistent patterns across settings strengthen diagnostic clarity.

Step 3: IQ & Neuropsych Testing Session

On test day, a licensed psychologist spends 2-3 hours with your child. Tests are paced to fatigue signals; if attention dips, we pause and resume later.

Step 4: Comprehensive Report & Parent Feedback

Within 7 business days you’ll receive:

Detailed IQ scatter analysis (each index score explained)
Visual graphs comparing ability vs achievement
Personalized recommendations for IEP/504 plans, therapy goals, and home strategies A 45-minute parent meeting (in-center or secure video) walks you through every page.

What Parents Receive After Testing

Detailed IQ Profile with Scatter Analysis – See which cognitive domains soar and which need support.
Tailored School Accommodation Recommendations – From extra test time to preferential seating, written in language schools accept.
Therapy & Skill-Building Plan – Links assessment findings to executive-function coaching, CBT, or social-skills groups available at Cadabams CDC.

Pros & Cons of IQ Testing for ADHD Children

Benefits

Accurate grade placement: Prevents both under-challenging and overwhelm.
IEP/504 evidence: Objective data speeds school approvals.
Strength spotting: Fuels confidence and career direction.

Limitations

Test anxiety: Can temporarily lower scores; we use rapport-building to minimize it.
Day-to-day variability: Sleep or medication changes may shift results; we note contextual factors in the report.