ADHD Assessments

How Assessments are Conducted

Assessment for ADHD is conducted over a 1 hour appointment, to explore and inventory all symptoms, following rapport formation. While evaluating children the therapist may meet with parents after completing the assessment to gather their observations, concerns, and expectations. Details are collected around each question in the tools that are being used and a final score/ outcome on the tool quantifies the degree and severity of symptoms that are being experienced.

ADHD is assessed through the administration of the tools listed below.

For ages 13-17 – ADHD Adolescent Self Report Form + Clinical Interview
For ages 3-17 – Conners Parent Rating Scale + Clinical Interview
For Adults – CAARS Self Report + Clinical Interview/ DIVA Diagnostic Interview

In addition to these tools, we also obtain school collateral from the teachers through a standardized form + Conners Teacher Rating Scale.

Assessments are conducted in person (preferred) or online. In case the child is below 12 years, one parent is usually present in the sessions along with the child to aid the assessment.

How Are The Results Used

A combination of inventory of symptoms and tool outcomes is used to curate a customized plan of management for the client, while keeping in mind the expectations/ goals of the child, parent and/ or school. These could include the following –

Starting therapy for the client or parents (or both)
Discussing the need for medications (if indicated)
Engaging with school authorities to support the child
Identifying the need for a cognitive assessment
Referral for OT for Dysgraphia or sensory sensitivities

Assessments in particular situations also aid in determining the necessity of applying for accommodations, if appropriate and subject to client’s needs.