ADHD Testing in Simi Valley, Ca
You are ready to get answers and make things better for your child Get Started NowYou are considering ADHD testing for your child. It can be very difficult seeing your child struggle.
Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often find it difficult to stop moving, keep track of what is asked of them, and control impulses. With these challenges, children with ADHD regularly find themselves getting in trouble and having difficulty with peers. Left untreated, these difficulties can start affecting how a child is feeling about themselves.
As children continue to struggle in school, with friends, and at home, they may begin to feel that something is wrong with them. Despite their best efforts, these kids continue to find themselves upsetting others.
At school, they may be labeled as the ‘bad listeners,’ have trouble sitting still and speak out when they are supposed to be quiet. They can have trouble completing their work, remembering to turn in assignments, or staying focused on what is happening in class.
Despite most children with ADHD having average or even above average intelligence, they may find themselves struggling to keep up in school.
With their peers, kids with ADHD often have a hard time controlling their impulses. They may find themselves having frequent arguments with peers and having difficulty slowing themselves down. These kids may get labeled as difficult to play with or “mean.” Too often, kids with ADHD feel different than others and rejected by their peers.
parents of children with ADHD report frequent arguments with their child.
It can truly be overwhelming as a parent trying to help your child with these struggles. You may feel you are doing everything you can, and nothing seems to be working. Likely, your child is having similar thoughts and may be feeling poorly about themselves.
With this information, a clearer picture of your child’s strengths and weaknesses, and resources for support, you can finally feel there is a path forward.
What is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects many children and adults. There are many symptoms related to ADHD, but the most common symptoms are issues with hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.
Children with ADHD may struggle with one of these areas more than others or a combination of symptoms.
There are three types of ADHD diagnoses:
ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive Type:
Children with this diagnosis display various combinations of hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. These include seeming to always be moving, fidgety, or restless. Impulsive behaviors are also common including blurting out comments, snatching things, knocking things over, etc. They may struggle to think ahead or realize potential consequences for their behavior.
ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Type:
Children with this diagnosis display difficulties staying focused, keeping track of tasks, and may be disorganized. Because these children do not display hyperactive or impulsive behaviors, their symptoms are often missed. These children often make simple mistakes on their work (e.g. doing addition for a subtraction problem), forget to turn things in, or appear as they are not listening when someone is talking to them.
ADHD Combined Type:
Children with this diagnosis display both symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity as well as symptoms of inattention.
Who is the right fit for ADHD testing?
When these symptoms are leading to getting in trouble frequently, losing friends, poor school performance, and/or difficulties at home it may be time to have your child evaluated to see if he/she has ADHD.
Learn more about the ADHD testing process:
At Simi Psychological Group, a neuropsychological evaluation for ADHD involves several different areas of evaluation:
Step 1: Comprehensive Developmental Interview
During this interview, parents will also answer questions related to their child’s current functioning and detail difficulties their child may be experiencing. Parents will answer questions related to specific symptoms of ADHD to obtain a better picture of how these symptoms currently interfere for their child.
Part of this portion of the ADHD testing process also includes obtaining a clearer understanding of how symptoms occur at school. With the parents’ permission, the teacher will also be contacted to describe the child’s strengths, as well as any issues that may occur at school.
Step 2: IQ Test
Other areas assessed during the IQ test include verbal intelligence, reasoning abilities, and visual-spatial skills. During this process, a snapshot of a child’s strengths/weaknesses in intellectual functioning emerges, and can help determine if the cognitive profile is indicative of ADHD.
Step 2: IQ Test
Other areas assessed during the IQ test include verbal intelligence, reasoning abilities, and visual-spatial skills. During this process, a snapshot of a child’s strengths/weaknesses in intellectual functioning emerges, and can help determine if the cognitive profile is indicative of ADHD.
Step 3: Academic Testing
Additionally, an academic assessment indicates specific areas of strength/weakness for a child including how issues with impulsivity and distractedness may be affecting their academic performance.
Step 4: Attentional Assessments
By having a better overall picture of how issues such as impulsivity, poor attention, and difficulties responding to multiple rules at once, we can start to put together a plan that is individualized for the child’s unique needs.
Step 4: Attentional Assessments
By having a better overall picture of how issues such as impulsivity, poor attention, and difficulties responding to multiple rules at once, we can start to put together a plan that is individualized for the child’s unique needs.
Step 5: Individualized Recommendations
These recommendations include strategies for support at home, specific recommendations for the school setting, and information for other services that can help address the child’s needs.
An ADHD evaluation can be the first step in feeling more confident in what you can do to help your child.
At Simi Psychological Group, we know this can be a confusing and overwhelming process. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and are here to guide you through the assessment process. Call now to schedule a free consultation (805) 842-1994.
More About Simi Psychological Group
Dr. John Danial
Licensed Psychologist PSY 29170
Our practice works from a systems perspective.
Where and When Can I schedule an ADHD Evaluation in Simi Valley, Ca
Our office is conveniently located at:
3695 Alamo St. Suite 103
Simi Valley, CA 93063.
We also serve Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Northridge, Porter Ranch, and the surrounding communities.
Business hours and availability are dependent on the provider.
Your Next Steps
ADHD testing will help you and your child move forward with dignity and get the answers you need.
And they’ll also bring clarity to the questions you have had for so long. Ultimately, knowing the answers will provide you with a sense of peace that comes from finally having a plan. We can help.