What is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD)?
ADHD describes individuals who have problems due to a short attention span, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity. To be diagnosed with ADHD, children must have difficulties in at least two settings, such as at home and at school. They may also have problems getting along with other children. There is no single test to diagnose ADHD. The best way to find out whether or not your child has ADHD, is to perform an ADHD consultation.
The purpose of an ADHD consultation is a behavioral health assessment to determine whether your child has ADHD. It does not include intellectual or academic/learning testing, as testing is not required to diagnose ADHD.
The evaluation includes:
- A one hour initial visit where developmental and health history will be obtained.
- Review of previous medical, school and assessment records, if applicable
- Evaluation may also include a brief developmental assessment for young children.
- Parents will be given behavioral questionnaires to be completed by parent and teacher and returned at the final visit.
- At the second one hour visit, questionnaires will be reviewed and discussed. If your child meets criteria for ADHD, a medical diagnosis will be given. A plan of care will be developed where parent and provider can discuss treatment options, educational support and therapies. Once plan is finalized, it will be forwarded to primary care physician, who will implement pharmacologic support and ongoing follow up.
The evaluation does not include:
- Academic/learning or neuropsychological testing. Parents interested in these assessments will be given information on local resources that provide these services.
- School visits or observations
- Assessment by a Psychiatrist, Neurologist or Neuropsychologist
