ADHD Evaluation
As of 2019, the CDC estimated that 5% of children in California were diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). That’s more than 475,000 kids in our state.
You don’t want anything to hold your child back from achieving the things they want in life. ADHD doesn’t have to make life hard. With the right support, your child will thrive.
It’s important to get your child tested for ADHD as soon as they begin showing symptoms. The sooner your teen receives the support they need, the easier it will be for them to cope with their symptoms successfully.
At SoCal Youth Center, we know that your child will live up to their full potential with the right resources. That’s why we offer comprehensive ADHD evaluation and testing.
What We Treat: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Kids usually begin to show signs of ADHD before the age of 12. Sometimes, symptoms don’t become obvious until their teenage years or even into adulthood. ADHD is broken down into three subtypes: hyperactive, inattentive, and combined.
In teens, hyperactive ADHD causes extreme restlessness, constant fidgeting, and trouble sitting still for extended periods. It can also look like impulsive actions, including a disregard for personal safety. With inattentive ADHD, teens may be able to sit still but can’t stay on topic. They regularly find themselves daydreaming, making careless mistakes, and tuning in and out of conversations. Combined ADHD occurs when they have symptoms of both types of ADHD.
Untreated ADHD leads to difficulty at school and strained interpersonal relationships. The condition can leave teens feeling behind their peers. Their brains work differently than their neurotypical peers, but that doesn’t mean they can’t accomplish just as much. Getting your child evaluated for ADHD is the first step towards finding a treatment that is right for them.
How We Treat: ADHD Evaluation and Testing
Our clinical director, Dr. Lauren Armstrong, does ADHD testing for SoCal Youth Center. This test will evaluate and compare their symptoms to those in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
To diagnose your child with ADHD, we will look for the following 5 signs:
- Demonstrates 6 or more symptoms of hyperactive, inattentive, or combined ADHD over the last 6 months.
- Demonstrates symptoms in at least 2 settings (i.e., at school and home).
- Symptoms cause significant difficulty in their ability to complete daily tasks.
- Began showing symptoms before the age of 12.
- Symptoms aren’t caused by another condition, like anxiety or depression.
At SoCal Youth Center, we test for ADHD using TOVA, which stands for “Test of Variables of Attention.” The test provides visual or auditory stimuli, which the test taker responds to. By analyzing their response, we can evaluate the symptoms of ADHD. We will also test for other mental health conditions. We do this to rule out other potential causes of their symptoms.
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Signs Your Child May Need to Be Evaluated for ADHD
It’s important to recognize the signs of ADHD so you can get your child tested. Let’s explore some of those signs now.
A few common signs of ADHD in children include:
- Excessive forgetfulness
- Difficulty waiting their turn
- A hard time regulating their emotions
- Constantly losing important items
- Trouble staying organized
- Lack of attention to detail
- Starts new tasks without finishing other ones
You might also notice that they have some periods of intense focus on specific activities that they enjoy, known as hyperfocus. When teens hyperfocus, they don’t want to do anything other than that specific activity. They will go without food, sleep, or other necessities while concentrating on this. This can frustrate parents because it looks like their child can focus when they want to. However, hyperfocus isn’t a choice; it’s another symptom of ADHD. Children and teens with ADHD cannot choose when hyper-focus occurs.
Understanding the difference between a kid with lots of energy and a kid with ADHD can be difficult, especially for someone without a frame of reference. If you’re just recognizing signs in your child that have been there for a while, don’t beat yourself up. Now that you know the warning signs, your child can move forward with an evaluation.
How to Prepare for Your Child’s ADHD Evaluation
Both you and your child must be prepared for their ADHD evaluation. You should come prepared with a list of medications they take. We also need to know about any other diagnoses they have. This will help us understand whether or not their symptoms could be caused by something other than ADHD. We’ll ask questions about family medical history for the same reason.
We also need to know about their history at school, home, and in other environments where they spend time. This will help us understand more about the factors that play into their behaviors. For example, if they struggle with focus at school but show no signs at home, other environmental factors might be at play.
This test can be tiring for kids. Make sure they’re hydrated and well-rested on the day of their evaluation. Having a snack before their test can also help your child focus to the best of their abilities.
What Your Child Can Expect From an ADHD Evaluation and Testing
As stated above, we use TOVA to evaluate for ADHD. This test takes just over 21 minutes to complete. During the exam, two images will alternate on the screen. The test taker must press a button whenever they see the “target” image. During the auditory test, they press a button every time they hear the higher-pitched of two tones.
The subject’s score will be evaluated for consistency, speed, impulsivity, and focus. Their score will be compared to those of their peers with and without ADHD. Our clinician will use this as a tool to determine whether or not your child has ADHD. TOVA is not the only tool we use to diagnose ADHD. We use it as one piece of the puzzle, in addition to the critical information you provided during your interview.
At SoCal Youth Center, we also administer a biopsychosocial evaluation for bullying, anxiety disorders, depression, suicidal ideation, and a multitude of other harmful disorders. This will help us identify other mental health conditions your child is living with. These could be the root of the issue, or they could be occurring in addition to ADHD.
Your Child’s ADHD Evaluation in Orange County
Living with undiagnosed ADHD can be incredibly difficult for you and your child. The world can be an exhausting and demanding place for people whose brains work differently. You want what’s best for your child, and so do we. We’ll support your family through the diagnosis and treatment process. Getting your teen evaluated for ADHD is the first step towards empowering them with the tools they need for a bright future.
We’re passionate about working with California teens and their families. At SoCal Youth Center, we empower teens with ADHD to develop into thriving young adults. We want your child to have that experience. Every client at our facility has an entire team of clinical professionals working to find the best treatment option for them. We also provide group therapy sessions run by a trained therapist. To start with an ADHD evaluation and testing today, contact us at (714) 716-5044. We’d love to meet you and your teen.
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