There is hope for your child…
Testing for ADHD in Irvine, CA
How can I help my child be more focused, organized, timely, and effective?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and executive functioning.
Think of the brain as an orchestra. Think of the frontal lobe as the conductor of the orchestra. Research indicates that dysfunction in the frontal lobe as well as anomalies in neurotransmitters such as dopamine impact our ability to focus/sustain attention, organize ideas/behavior, modulate emotions, plan and engage with others in an adaptive manner. Even if the orchestra is above average, we will not see the awesomeness of the orchestra if the conductor is below average or impaired. This is ADHD.
How do you now if your child has ADHD or difficulties in executive functioning? Psychological testing.
Psychological testing is necessary to diagnose ADHD
Why is it important to diagnose ADHD?
ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopment disorders of childhood, affecting almost 10% of kids. Frequent symptoms include inattention, distractibility, poor motivation, disorganization, restlessness and impulsivity. Kids with ADHD often procrastinate because it is too boring to complete mundane tasks. They know what to do but do not do it. This can be maddening to parents and teachers, provoking frustration and conflict.
Without diagnosis and treatment, kids with ADHD are much more likely to experience anxiety and depression. About half of kids with ADHD also have behavior problems and are at risk for substance abuse. However, with prompt diagnoses and treatment, these comorbid disorders can be minimized. Kids can embrace their unique abilities and work through difficulties with grace and hope.
Psychological testing for ADHD is the first step. Diagnosing the disorder provides clarity for treatment planning. With prompt treatment and interventions at school, kids with ADHD learn their own uniqueness and can embrace their ADHD as an asset.
Many kids with ADHD benefit from accommodations for school such as: extended time on tests, a private testing, copies of notes, etc. Teens may also qualify for accommodations on standardized testins such as the SAT and ACT.
Testing for ADHD can help your child…
explore their unique abilities and challenges
tease out other disorders such as depression that can also affect concentration and overall functioning
obtain a specific plan for growth and development
attain accommodations for school and standardized tests
receive appropriate interventions in the school environment
Frequently asked questions about ADHD testing
FAQs
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The quickest and easiest way to get started is to set up the initial parent interview by clicking the Schedule Now button located here as well as on the home page. You will be directed to a client portal and have access to my schedule. Forms will be designated to your account including a child intake form. It is very helpful if you are able to fill this out prior to the initial parent interview as it will allow me to make best use of our time.
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We will figure this out together in the initial parent interview.
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A typical battery for ADHD may include:
Parent and child clinical interviews
Objective rating scales given to parents, teachers, and the child
WISC-V (Intelligence Test)
TOVA (Continuous Performance Test)
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IQ testing explores 5 main domains of the brain: verbal comprehension, visual spatial skills, fluid reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. The later two domains tend to be especially affected with ADHD. Understanding the relation between these 5 domains can offer specific interventions related to treating ADHD as well as problems with learning and overall functioning. Knowing your child’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses is an important part of helping them be successful in life. Additionally, for a diagnosis of ADHD it is not sufficient to document an attention problem. We must show that symptoms are not accounted for by another psychiatric or cognitive disorder.
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The Test of Variables of Attention is a 21 minute test on a computer that helps us understand sustained attention, cognitive flexibility, ability to inhibit impulses. It is an important part of diagnosing issues related to attention and overall executive functioning. While checklists can help us rate observed behaviors, the TOVA test is the gold standard in live observation of sustained attention on a dull, monotonous task over time. It can measure both visual and auditory attention.
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Psychological testing is billed at $270 per hour. The initial parent interview is $450.
Testing for ADHD that includes a parent/child interview, 3 rating scales, a TOVA, and an IQ test typically takes 8 hours including the time for scoring, interpreting, and report writing. This is billed as follows: Parent interview $450 + 7 hours billed at $270=$2340.
During the initial parent interview, we will determine the number and type of tests to best meet your child’s needs.
Please note it takes additional time to do extra rating scales, longer interviews, and additional tests.
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The initial parent interview (diagnostic interview) is 60 minutes. The child interview is typically 20-30 minutes. Rating scales take approximately 15-30 minutes to fill out. Parent and teacher rating scales are sent to your email and are completed virtually. The child rating scale is filled out with the clinician. The TOVA takes 25 minutes. IQ testing takes 60-90 minutes.