Child ADHD Assessments
ADHD can look very different from how it is portrayed in the media. Sometimes we think of it as hyperactive kids, who can’t sit still, but ADHD is a clinically significant lag in Executive Functions. Executive Functions are essentially the CEO of the brain and involve time management, planning, organizing your physical spaces and mental thoughts, emotional regulation, attention, task initiation, self-monitoring, impulse control, working memory, and cognitive flexibility.
Previously, we used to have the diagnoses of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) or ADHD The current edition of the DSM has moved to a more inclusive model involving different subcategories of ADHD, so this means no more ADD. The current model involves three subsets of ADHD:
- ADHD Inattentive (ADHD-I)
- ADHD Hyperactive (ADHD)
- ADHD Combined (ADHD)
Section 1: Main Concerns In ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a brain disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity.
The three main areas of concern with ADHD include:
Inattention: getting distracted, having poor concentration and organizational skills
Hyperactivity: never seeming to slow down, talking and fidgeting, difficulties staying on task
Impulsivity: interrupting, taking risks
Section 2: What is ADHD?
The presentation of this disorder varies widely based on age and gender. As you might imagine, the presentation of a child who has ADHD-I might look very different from a child who has ADHD Hyperactive. You can ask yourself – does my child have a hard time controlling his/her impulses compared to same age peers? Can my child control their emotions in the majority of situations? When our routines or schedules can they adapt or do they struggle? Does ADHD run in our family?
If you wonder if your child has ADHD the best course of action is to have them evaluated by a Registered Psychologist. This will provide you with an Executive Function profile of their abilities compared to same age peers to identify their areas of strengths and weaknesses. An ADHD assessment comes with a full report including background information, current functioning, clinical summary, and data points of your child’s Executive Functioning, and a clinical summary. This report is yours to keep and share with whomever your family deems appropriate. This might include your family doctor, your child’s school, or other professionals in your child’s life.
If you would like your child to be tested, but don’t need a full Psycho-educational assessment, this may be the best option for your family.
Section 3: What Happens If My Child Gets An ADHD Diagnosis?
Our belief at Calgary Psychological Services is that every problem has a solution. If your child receives an ADHD diagnosis, it is simply a way to identify what’s happening in their brain. This diagnosis is given with the intent that it leads to increased understanding and the ability to best meet your child where they are. Our goal is always to provide the best support for your child to help them succeed.
What might change in the school environment: With an ADHD report, schools may “code” a child which makes them eligible for increased support and accommodation. This might change the resources available to them both in the classroom and in the school overall. Teachers will have a better understanding of how your child’s brain is functioning and what approaches might work best to aid in their learning.
What might change in the home environment: This is a chance for parents to understand how their child is functioning compared to same age peers. We can help you with recommendations for home routines, schedules, and building in independence while keeping your child on track.
Section 4: What Is Included In An ADHD Assessment?
Our Psychologist will ask you to fill out a Developmental History form so that we can learn about your primary concern for your child. We will discuss clinical criteria for childhood ADHD and the symptoms your child is showing.
Building rapport with your child is our Psychologist’s first step. While engaging in an activity (playing, games, or drawing) they will ask your child questions and listen to their experiences
We will send out rating scales to your family and your child’s school. We also may complete a questionnaire with your child. Rating scales can hone in on certain concerns and quantify levels for children, compared to same age peers. This way we can tell how significant their problematic behaviours are.
Our goal is to ensure you understand your child’s results and any diagnostic conclusions. We take time to go over everything in language you can understand and we leave time for questions and follow up on any areas that you would like to discuss further. It’s so important to us that we help you build a support network for your child. Every report comes with recommendations for your child’s school to help them be successful.
You will leave the office with a hard copy assessment of your ADHD report.
Total Cost of a Child ADHD Assessment:
All inclusive fee for testing and report: $1800
