ADHD assessment in children and teens
What Is ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a condition that makes it unusually difficult for children to concentrate, pay attention, sit still, follow directions, and control impulsive behavior. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder While all young children are at times distractible, restless, and oblivious to parents’ and teachers’ instructions, kids with ADHD behave this way much more often than other children their age. And their inability to settle down, focus, and follow through on tasks in age-appropriate ways makes it very hard for them to do what is expected of them at school. It can also lead to conflict at home and difficulty getting along with peers.
ADHD Symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD are divided into two groups: inattentive behaviors and hyperactive and impulsive behaviors.
Inattentive symptoms of ADHD:
Makes careless mistakes
Is easily distracted
Does not seem to be listening when spoken to directly
Has difficulty following instructions
Has trouble organizing
Avoids or dislikes sustained effort
Is forgetful, always losing things
Hyperactive or impulsive symptoms of ADHD:
Fidgeting or squirming, trouble staying in one place or waiting his turn
Excessive running and climbing
Trouble playing quietly
Extreme impatience
Always seems to be “on the go” or “driven by a motor”
Excessive talking or interrupting, blurting out answers
Some children exhibit only the first group ADHD of symptoms, and some exhibit only the latter. But the majority of those with an ADHD diagnosis have a combination of both, which can make it very difficult for them to function in school and other activities and can create a lot of conflict at home.
How are ADD and ADHD Different?
ADD, or attention-deficit disorder, is an older term for the disorder we now call ADHD or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. It was called ADD until 1987 when the word “hyperactivity” was added. Some people still use the old term, ADD, out of habit or because it’s a more familiar term than ADHD. Some use it to refer to kids with ADHD who aren’t hyperactive.
Why do an ADHD assessment at Manor Clinic?
We recognize that finally being tested for ADHD can be a big step. Unlike most other clinics in Edmonton, we offer ADHD diagnostic services by our highly experienced multidisciplinary ADHD assessment team, including a consultant psychiatrist and a registered psychologist. Our team has helped hundreds of clients with attention deficits get their lives back on track. Our team uses internationally recognized gold standard assessment tools for diagnosing ADHD. This improves the diagnostic accuracy of the ADHD assessment. Our psychiatrist can prescribe ADHD medications and instruct your child’s family doctor/pediatrician to continue prescribing ADHD medications on an ongoing basis. We provide accommodations in school.
When is ADHD diagnosed?
Since the symptoms of ADHD can also be the result of other issues, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma, a professional diagnosing your child should carefully rule out other possible reasons for his behavior. A child should receive an ADHD diagnosis only if he/she exhibits a variety of inattentive or impulsive behaviors:
At a level that is abnormal for children of their age
Over an extended period
In more than one setting—both at home and at school, for instance.
These behaviors must also be interfering significantly with schoolwork or social interaction.
The assessment process at Manor Clinic
Our ADHD specialists will collect information from several people who have observed your child, including you, other caregivers, and teachers, to make an accurate diagnosis. Parents and/or teachers will be asked to fill out rating scales before your appointment.
Your child’s assessment will be scheduled over two appointments. In the first appointment, you and your child will meet with the registered psychologist, and the second appointment will be with the consultant psychiatrist. Each appointment could last for about 60-120 minutes.
An ADHD assessment can include:
Questionnaires looking at how your child’s symptoms affect the different areas of their life, including how they behave and socialize and their everyday coping.
The child may be given tests like the Continuous Performance Test, which rates their ability to complete a repetitive task over a period of time and can provide a more complex picture of their ADHD symptoms.
Taking a complete history of your child’s psychiatric health and development (learning and challenges in school, home etc.)
Talking about your child’s current life, such as family structure, school functioning etc.
Observing how your child interacts with the clinicians.
Looking at coexisting mental health issues and conditions and also your child’s physical health
Recommended treatment for adult ADHD
Manor Clinic ADHD specialists will create a multidisciplinary treatment plan to address your child’s psychological, behavioral, and educational needs.
Medication is offered in severe cases and should be combined with psychological treatments and support, such as psychotherapy or ADHD coaching. Our psychiatrist will instruct your child’s family doctor/pediatrician on initiating ADHD medications like Adderall, Vyvanse and Concerta.