Psychological Assessment for ADHD | Cadabams CDC
When a child or adolescent struggles to focus, follow instructions, or sit still, concerned parents often ask, “Could it be ADHD?” The only way to know for sure is through a comprehensive Psychological Assessment for ADHD. At Cadabams CDC, our multi-disciplinary team turns questions into clear answers, empowering parents with an evidence-based roadmap for their child’s future. In this guide, we break down every step of our process, explain the tools we use, and show you exactly what to expect—from your first phone call to the final feedback session.
Understanding Psychological Assessment for ADHD
What is Psychological Testing for ADHD?
A Psychological Assessment for ADHD is a structured evaluation that measures attention span, impulse control, executive functioning, and behavioral patterns. Unlike quick checklists, our assessment blends clinical interviews, standardized rating scales, and neuropsychological tests to paint a complete picture of your child’s strengths and needs.
When to Consider an ADHD Assessment
- Your child’s teacher reports constant fidgeting, blurting out answers, or unfinished work.
- Homework that should take 30 minutes stretches into hours.
- You notice emotional outbursts that seem bigger than the situation.
- Siblings complain about repeated interruptions during play.
- Sleep routines are chaotic and bedtime negotiations last for hours.
If any of these sound familiar, an ADHD assessment can clarify whether ADHD—or another condition—is the root cause.
Benefits of Early Diagnosis
- Targeted School Accommodations: IEPs or 504 plans can be built around verified needs with educational support for ADHD.
- Tailored Therapy Goals: Behavioral interventions become more precise.
- Family Clarity: Parents stop second-guessing their instincts and start using proven strategies with family support for adhd.
- Improved Self-Esteem: Children understand their brain style and feel less “broken.”
Our ADHD Assessment Process
Initial Consultation & Clinical Interview
Your journey begins with a 45-minute parent interview. We map developmental milestones, family history, academic performance, and sleep routines. This conversation sets the stage for selecting the right battery of tests.
Standardized ADHD Screening Tools
We administer age-appropriate checklists—typically the Conners Early Childhood or Conners 3rd Edition—completed by parents, teachers, and (for teens) the child. These tools flag attention and hyperactivity patterns that deviate from same-age peers.
Cognitive & Neuropsychological Testing
Using the WISC-V and NEPSY-II, we examine:
- Working memory
- Processing speed
- Verbal comprehension
- Spatial reasoning
- Inhibitory control
These snapshots confirm whether attention issues stem from ADHD or a learning difference.
Behavioral Observations & Rating Scales
A clinician spends 20–30 minutes interacting with your child in a play or classroom-like setting. We note off-task behaviors, activity level, and social reciprocity. This real-world observation complements the data we collect from rating scales.
Types of ADHD Tests We Use
DSM-5 Criteria Assessment
We apply the latest DSM-5 symptom checklist to ensure your child meets the official diagnostic criteria for one of three ADHD presentations: Inattentive, Hyperactive/Impulsive, or Combined.
Conners Rating Scales (Parent/Teacher/Self)
The Conners suite is the gold standard for ADHD screening. Separate forms for parents, teachers, and adolescents provide multi-informant data, reducing bias and ensuring we capture behaviors across environments.
ADHD Rating Scale-5
This quick yet reliable 18-item scale is completed by parents and teachers. It measures both symptom frequency and impairment, helping us decide whether full neuropsychological testing is warranted.
Neuropsychological Test Battery
The assessment for ADHD includes:
- CPT-3 (Continuous Performance Test): Computerized task that measures sustained attention.
- Stroop Test: Gauges impulse