Have you suspected that you may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? Have others told you that you may have ADHD? Do you frequently find that your mind races with ideas or you see connections that others miss? Do you find it difficult to stay focused on tasks? Do you find time management to be challenging? Have you found that these symptoms impact your school or work performance?
Or are you a parent who suspects that your child may have ADHD? Has a teacher or pediatrician expressed concerns about your child’s focus or memory? Do you find that your child frequently loses items, has difficulty staying on track, or is easily distracted? Do you feel like your child is not reaching their full potential in school? We at Capitol Psychological Assessment, Inc. are here to help!
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder- or ADHD, isn’t just a diagnosis- it’s a unique way that some brains are wired. ADHD is a natural variation in how brains focus, process, and respond to life, often resulting in extraordinary strengths alongside some real frustrations. Many adults and adolescents with ADHD have spent years feeling misunderstood or “too much,” with difficulty focusing their attention and controlling their actions. Think of your attention like a laser beam—it’s supposed to stay focused on one thing at a time. But for individuals with ADHD, their attention is more like a flashlight that moves around all over the place, making it hard for them to focus on what’s important. This can make it difficult to do things like sit still in class, follow directions, or remember what you’re supposed to do. In choosing to complete an evaluation, we aim to provide you with a refreshing sense of clarity in diagnosis, and beyond this, an opportunity to understand your unique mind, celebrate your strengths, and discover personalized support that empowers you to thrive.
Why is ADHD testing important and what does it consist of?
A comprehensive ADHD evaluation is a powerful step toward understanding yourself or your child on a deeper level. Instead of simply checking boxes, our process is designed to honor your lived experiences and unique strengths, helping you make sense of challenges that may have felt confusing or overwhelming. Through compassionate, neuroaffirmative assessment, we help you connect the dots and in turn, gain relief and self-acceptance. Clarity in diagnosis can help validate your experiences, inform treatment decisions, and jumpstart a path for growth. Whether you’re seeking answers for yourself or your child, our evaluations provide the insight and support you deserve, empowering you to move forward with confidence. Reach out today to discover how understanding ADHD can open doors to new possibilities.
ADHD testing at Capitol Psychological Assessment, Inc. involves a comprehensive evaluation completed by one of our trained psychologists. The evaluation consists of 3-4 sessions and includes the following components:
1. Initial Consultation: The evaluating psychologist will review the testing process with you and gather information about what you hope to gain from the evaluation, as well as questions you may have. Expectations, fees, and potential outcomes will all be addressed in this initial free 15-minute consultation.
2. Clinical Interview: The evaluating psychologist will then conduct a detailed clinical interview with you and/or your child to gather information about current symptoms, developmental history, and family medical history. As part of this interview, your psychologist will also assess for other conditions- such as depression, anxiety, or autism spectrum disorder- to help rule out other diagnoses that may look like ADHD.
3. Psychological testing: Next, you will be administered standardized tests, such as rating scales, intelligence tests, tests of learning and achievement, tasks that measure attention and memory, and measures of mood/personality. Testing will be tailored to your referral questions, you or your child’s individual symptoms and needed areas of exploration, and will be used to rule in and rule out possible diagnoses. Testing will take place over the course of 1-3 sessions.
4. Review of academic or treatment records: If authorized, the psychologist may review academic or treatment records to gather more information about you or your child’s functioning in a school setting and consider prior diagnoses and treatment efficacy.
5. Collateral information: If authorized, the psychologist may gather information from family members, friends, teachers, providers, or other relevant sources to gain a more complete understanding of you or your child’s symptoms and functioning.
6. Feedback session: You and/or your child will participate in a meeting with the evaluating psychologist to discuss the results and findings of the evaluation. During the feedback session, the psychologist will review the psychological test findings, what those results mean, and share their observations and interpretations. The psychologist will provide a diagnosis, along with recommendations and next steps. You will be provided with a detailed report that outlines you or your child’s story, diagnosis, and recommendations for moving forward in treatment, day-to-day life, work/school, and relationships. As warranted, you can request letters of accommodation to assist you or your child in reaching full potential in work and/or school.
Differential Diagnosis
It is important to note that ADHD testing is not a single test or procedure, but rather a comprehensive evaluation that may involve several components. Full psychological testing is important, because symptoms of ADHD can oftentimes be confused with other psychological disorders. For example, ADHD and anxiety can sometimes present with similar symptoms, which can make it difficult to distinguish between the two conditions. Some common symptoms of both ADHD and anxiety include:
1. Difficulty concentrating: Individuals with ADHD often have trouble paying attention and may difficulty following through on tasks, while individuals with anxiety may have trouble focusing due to worries and fears.
2. Impulsiveness: Individuals with ADHD may act impulsively and make decisions without thinking, while individuals with anxiety may act impulsively in an attempt to alleviate their worries.
3. Restlessness: Individuals with ADHD may have trouble sitting still and may be physically restless, while individuals with anxiety may experience restlessness and fidgeting due to feelings of unease and worry.
4. Difficulty sleeping: Individuals with ADHD may have trouble sleeping due to difficulty calming their body, while individuals with anxiety may have trouble sleeping due to worries and fears.
It is important to note that some individuals meet criteria for both ADHD and anxiety, and a comprehensive evaluation by a psychologist is necessary to determine an accurate diagnosis and the right therapeutic recommendations and accommodations.
How do I book my initial consultation?
If you suspect that you or your child may be presenting with symptoms of ADHD, Capitol Psychological Assessment, Inc. can offer comprehensive testing and solutions for how to make your life and schooling more manageable. To book your initial consultation and learn more about this process, please click the button below or call us at 916-407-4943. We have psychologists with open availability who can get you or your child in for testing today!
