By Hongmarie Martinez, PsyD, Licensed Psychologist | Behavior Therapy Associates | Somerset, New Jersey Do you notice that you or your child has challenges with some or all of the following areas: sustaining attention, staying on task, task initiation, planning, follow-through, time management, organization, restlessness, and/or impulse control? If so, it may be helpful to pursue an Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) evaluation to rule in or out an ADHD diagnosis along with other mental health conditions. An ADHD evaluation will determine if a child’s/adult’s difficulties meet criteria for one of the three subtypes of ADHD: predominantly inattentive presentation, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation, or combined presentation (an individual experiences challenges with both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity). A comprehensive ADHD evaluation often consists of the following assessment tools:
- A clinical interview with the individual (child/adult)
- A clinical interview with a parent/guardian, partner, or other individuals who can provide background information about the individual’s past/current functioning
- Observation as appropriate in the school and/or home, typically completed for preschool through elementary age
- Collateral information from medical/mental health providers (e.g., physician, therapist)
- Collateral information from school personnel along with an observation of the individual in the school setting (typically if the individual is in elementary school)
- Self-report questionnaires from the individual, family members, and school personnel if applicable to assess for ADHD symptoms along with various cognitive, emotional, physical, and behavioral difficulties
- A Continuous Performance Test (an objective computerized assessment designed to measure the triad of ADHD symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity)
- A record review (e.g., prior educational records, medical/psychiatric evaluations)
Once the evaluation phase is completed, a report of the assessment findings is provided, including a diagnosis if appropriate, and recommendations for the individual/family based on the results of the evaluation. This may be helpful for treatment planning, 504 Accommodation Plans, accommodations for tests and/or the workplace, etc. You might be thinking, “I’ve been diagnosed or my child has been diagnosed with ADHD. Where exactly do I go from here?” Treatment for ADHD can be multifaceted. If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, it is often advised that the results of the evaluation be shared with your child’s school personnel to determine if they qualify for educational services and supports in the school setting (e.g., consideration of a 504 Accommodation Plan or an Individualized Education Program/Plan). If you are an adult who is in college, it is recommended that you seek out the Office of Disability Services on your school’s campus to obtain academic accommodations if needed. Recommendations for parents also include providing accommodations at home to help manage the child’s ADHD symptoms and receiving parent training from a private therapist to learn how to effectively implement the appropriate supports. An individual can also learn various ADHD management strategies that can strengthen their executive functioning skills (i.e., the skills needed to engage in goal-directed behavior). If you or your child continues to exhibit significant difficulties in the future after implementation of therapeutic interventions, it is suggested that the results of the evaluation be shared with a psychiatrist or medical professional to explore the anticipated benefits and risks of medication treatment for the ADHD symptoms. For many, a combination of both therapeutic strategies and medication may be most impactful in managing one’s ADHD symptoms long-term.
Hongmarie Martinez, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist in New Jersey and New York and a certified school psychologist in New Jersey. She works at Behavior Therapy Associates in Somerset, New Jersey. Dr. Martinez has the authority to practice interjurisdictional telepsychology (APIT) from the PSYPACT commission, allowing her to provide telepsychology to clients in many states. She can be reached at hmartinez@BehaviorTherapyAssociates.com and at www.BehaviorTherapyAssociates.com.
