An evaluation is going to vary to a certain degree depending on the particular issues, presenting problems, and assessment goals. However, there are some key components to a thorough ADHD evaluation.

Clinical Interview

Time will be spent talking with the child, parents, family members and school professionals. The interview is crucial in learning about your child, your family and the environments in which your child interacts. Current concerns, history of those concerns, psychosocial functioning, developmental history, family history, academic history, medical history and psychiatric history will all be explored and discussed.

Behavioral Rating Scales

Behavioral rating scales are checklists and rating scales which help to objectify observations of your child’s behavior across a variety of settings. The Behavioral Rating Scales may be given to the child (depending on your child’s age), parents, teachers, other adults frequently in contact with your child.

Academic and Medical Records

As part of the information gathering steps of the evaluation, it is important to provide your treating professional with relevant academic records, medical records, and results of any previous psychological evaluation or testing.

Psychological and Neuropsychological Testing

Neuropsychological and psychological testing can provide important information regarding how your child (or an adult) processes information. Testing provides information regarding intelligence, academic achievement, learning style, cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and behavioral and emotional functioning. Neuropsychological testing is crucially important in ruling out potential coexisting psychiatric conditions.

Click on Is a Comprehensive Evaluation Important? to learn why comprehensive evaluations are critical in determining an accurate diagnosis.