ADHD Evaluation

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurological condition and requires neuropsychological testing to be diagnosed. ADHD can cause behavioral changes, mainly affecting a person’s ability to pay attention and focus. Those suffering from ADHD experience symptoms like

• sitting still for long periods of time

• difficulty maintaining concentration

• difficulty learning

• memory problems

• anxiety

• depression

• poor impulse control

• ADHD tests are made up of self-report measures, informant report measures, cognitive tests, and psychological tests.

• These tests help the provider determine whether a person has ADHD and can identify other mental health problems that cause similar symptoms.

• We look at a myriad of symptoms including attention, memory, processing speed, and executive functioning.

• We utilize a variety of tests, some on the computer and some paper and pencil.

• Those with active drug abuse problems

• Those with severe alcohol abuse problems

• Those with uncontrolled psychosis

• Those with severe mental health conditions that are not stable

• Those with severe cognitive deficits (ex. A person with dementia). Click here for information about dementia evaluations

• To make an appointment, please complete our online intake form here. Once received, our team will process your insurance information to get an estimate of the cost of the evaluation. They will then email you with that estimate. If you are ready, you can reply to that email that you would like to put on the scheduling list. Please note, it can take up to one week to process your information and get you an estimate. You are welcome to call if you would like an update on the process at 360-588-2500.

• You can also ask your provider to fax us a referral at 360-785-2016. For some insurances, we may have to have a provider referral.

• About 1 week prior to your testing date, you will be sent several forms and self-report measures to complete. These generally take 1.5-2 hours to complete.

• In person testing consists of a clinical interview process. This will be in our office, although the provider may or may not be remote (not all our neuropsychologists are local).

• After your clinical interview, you will test with the psychometrist (this takes place on the same day as your interview).

The first step is a clinical interview with your provider. You will be asked a series of questions to determine any challenges, stressors, and or triggers. If necessary and with permission, the provider may also interview family members, such as a spouse or siblings to gain a full clinical picture.

There is no one answer to this question. The reason depends on what type of insurance you have, deductibles, copays, or self-pay. When you submit a request for an evaluation, our team will provide you with an estimate of the cost (depending on the factors noted above).

• We can do an ADHD only, autism only, or ADHD/Autism combined assessment.  An ADHD only assessment does not assess for autism. We do screen for autistic traits if indicated.

• There are differences in how we schedule (an ADHD/autism assessment requires more time) so please indicate what you are wanting at the time of scheduling.

Yes. An ADHD assessment also includes a psychological assessment. However, the purpose is to help understand your cognitive concerns and does not provide a comprehensive treatment plan for mental health concerns (ex. anxiety disorder).

• If you take a stimulant medication already (ex. Adderall) please refrain for 48 hours prior to the date of testing.

• Do not use cannabis or alcohol 48 hours prior to the evaluation. Please note if you are a heavy cannabis user or alcohol user, that may affect the results, and it would be best for you to get help for that first.

• If you are an illicit drug user, we cannot assess you. Please seek help for that first.

• Get a good night’s rest the night before.

• Eat a good breakfast that morning.

• If you are doing the assessment online, please make sure you have all the links and are able to access them before your scheduled appointment time.

• Complete all preliminary paperwork prior to your first scheduled appointment.

• Think about why you may have ADHD. Over the course of a week, jot down situations or instances where you believe ADHD is affecting your life.

• Talk to those who raised you (if available to you) and ask them how you were as a child.

  • Do they recall teacher comments about your behavior, academic achievement, or motor activity

  • Do they recall you being especially chatty as a child?

  • Were you an especially active child?

  • Were you a perfectionist?

  • Were you shy?

  • Did you struggle to regulate your emotions?

  • Were you ever assessed through the school or other ways for ADHD?

• If you have had a prior neuropsychological evaluation and still have that report, please bring it to the assessment. It is very helpful for your provider to integrate those results.