Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (or ADHD) evaluations offer guidance, clarity, and insight to families and individuals who might be struggling. Mind Grove Psychology offers evaluations with an experienced neuropsychologist. 

What is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity disorder (or ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that interferes with a child's development and an adult’s functioning. ADHD can impact one’s ability to concentrate or control their impulses. Although children can show signs of ADHD as early as 3 years old, many (including adults) are never diagnosed, which can lead to self-blame, anxiety, and other issues.

There are three types of ADHD that a child can be diagnosed with: 

Primarily Inattentive Presentation: 

• Easily distracted, frequent daydreaming, losing homework, forgetting instructions, or consistently misplacing things

Primarily Hyperactive/Impulsive Presentation: 

• Frequently interrupting conversation or shouting things in class, restless or constant fidgeting, difficulty completing tasks, struggles to follow rules, or behaviorally disruptive in school, at home, or in public. 

Combined Presentation: 

• Combination of inattentive and hyperactive symptoms. 
  

Deciding on a Diagnosis

When you or your child is struggling to move through their day, you want to resolve this pain. However, getting a diagnosis can be complex when it comes to brain-based conditions. Numerous psychiatric and developmental disorders share common symptoms, so the best way to target what you or your child is experiencing is through comprehensive assessment services completed by an experienced neuropsychologist. 

Conditions that may appear similar to ADHD include Autism, oppositional defiance disorder, anxiety, depression, language disorders, trauma, OCD, and learning disorders (among others). You or your child can have more than one disorder, which is called a comorbid condition.  

What Causes ADHD?
There isn't one single cause of ADHD. ADHD research is evolving with new brain imaging technology and a wider population of people willing to participate in studies.

What we know is that ADHD is highly heritable, males tend to be diagnosed at a higher rate than females, there are significant differences in brain connectivity and structure in the ADHD brain versus a typical developing brain, and environmental factors can influence an ADHD diagnosis (e.g., smoke exposure during pregnancy or premature birth). 

How is ADHD diagnosed?

There is not one single test for ADHD. Each person will have a unique experience and symptoms, which is why it is important to get tested by a neuropsychologist who understands the varying presentations of ADHD. If there are accommodations needed, Mind Grove Psychology will make every effort to make the testing process seamless for you or your child. 

A typical ADHD evaluation process follows a similar structure: 

1. Initial Clinical Interview

   a. If relevant medical, school, or mental health records are available, please send those to me prior to the appointment. 

   b. To get to know your child, we'll ask questions regarding family history, past medical and mental health treatment, history of developmental milestones, educational and academic background, and current concerns.

2. Testing Process 

   a. Depending on your needs, a battery of standardized tests and questionnaires is chosen to assess executive functioning, learning, memory, attention, IQ, and academic skills.

3. Report and Feedback 

   a. Testing data is scored and interpreted by the psychologist, and a written report provides a comprehensive picture of how you or your child moves within the world and how you/they are functioning. Included will be relevant background information, testing results, a review of core strengths and learning style, as well as a diagnosis and recommendations for support. 

   b. The feedback session is a great time to ask questions and discuss next steps. Any referrals for treatment or supports will be provided.

Scheduling an Evaluation

At Mind Grove Psychology, your time and concerns are taken seriously, and evaluations will always be tailored to meet your needs. Contact Mind Grove Psychology today for a free 15-minute consultation or to schedule your appointment. Mind Grove Psychology can be reached by phone at (201) 477-8279. 

Dr. Choi is an experienced neuropsychologist who is licensed in New York, Connecticut, and is authorized by PSYPACT to provide psychological services remotely through the use of technology to clients residing in the following states and territories: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, & Wyoming.