Understanding this evaluation
A quality ADHD evaluation looks beyond a checklist. It considers development, behavior across settings, learning, sleep, mood, medical history, and other explanations for attention difficulties.
What it may look at
What the process often includes
- 1
Clinical interview
The clinician gathers developmental, medical, family, school, and behavioral history.
- 2
Multiple perspectives
Parents, teachers, and sometimes the child complete validated rating measures.
- 3
Targeted testing
Depending on the question, testing may examine learning, memory, attention, or executive skills.
- 4
Diagnosis and recommendations
Results explain whether criteria are met and what supports may help at home and school.
Questions families ask
Is there one test for ADHD?+
No. ADHD is diagnosed by integrating history, symptoms, impairment, and information from more than one setting. Computer attention tasks cannot diagnose ADHD by themselves.
Should testing include learning?+
It may be useful when school performance, reading, writing, math, memory, or processing speed are also concerns.
Can a pediatrician diagnose ADHD?+
Many pediatricians evaluate and treat straightforward ADHD presentations. Complex learning, developmental, emotional, or diagnostic questions may call for a psychologist or specialist.