As a parent, noticing that your child struggles to focus, follow instructions, or sit still can be concerning. Questions like “How do I get my son tested for ADHD?” are common, especially when behaviors interfere with school, friendships, or daily routines. Getting a proper assessment is an important step in understanding your child’s needs and ensuring they receive the right support.
ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting a child’s ability to regulate attention, impulses, and activity levels. While some children are naturally energetic or easily distracted, ADHD symptoms are persistent, occur across multiple settings, and interfere with daily life. Early identification and evaluation can help create strategies that improve learning, social interactions, and overall well-being.
Understanding your child’s behaviors begins with awareness. Parents who recognize patterns and take action early often help their children avoid prolonged frustration or academic struggles. ADHD does not indicate poor parenting; it is a condition that requires professional evaluation and support.
Understanding ADHD in Children
ADHD is more than occasional restlessness or daydreaming. Children with ADHD may exhibit a wide range of behaviors that can affect their performance at school, relationships with peers, and family dynamics.
Key Symptoms of ADHD Include:
- Inattention: Children may struggle to stay focused on tasks, forget instructions, make careless mistakes, or lose items frequently. For example, your child might start homework but repeatedly get distracted, leaving multiple tasks incomplete.
- Hyperactivity: Some children may fidget constantly, talk excessively, or have difficulty staying seated. Hyperactive behavior can make classroom learning challenging and may be misinterpreted as defiance.
- Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, interrupting conversations, or being unable to wait their turn are common signs. Impulsive behavior can affect friendships and safety.
ADHD is typically classified into three types:
- Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: Difficulty with focus, organization, and following instructions.
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: Constant movement, impulsivity, and difficulty staying still.
- Combined Presentation: Symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity are present.
It is important to remember that ADHD manifests differently in each child. Some children may appear quiet but struggle internally to focus, while others may be overtly restless and impulsive. Recognizing these patterns is essential for a proper evaluation.
When to Consider Testing
It can be challenging to distinguish normal childhood behavior from ADHD symptoms. All children are sometimes inattentive or energetic, but persistent patterns that interfere with learning and social functioning may indicate a need for testing.
Parents should consider an evaluation if:
- Behavioral issues persist over time: Symptoms lasting six months or more are more indicative of ADHD than occasional restlessness.
- Academic struggles continue despite effort: If your child struggles to complete homework or follow classroom instructions despite consistent support, testing may be warranted.
- Feedback from teachers or caregivers: Educators may notice behaviors at school that you might not see at home, providing valuable insight.
- Challenges with social interactions: Difficulty maintaining friendships, managing conflict, or following social rules can signal ADHD-related issues.
Early testing can prevent prolonged frustration and help children develop strategies that support academic success and social-emotional growth. Parents who pursue evaluation early are also better equipped to collaborate with schools and clinicians on accommodations and interventions.
How is ADHD Diagnosed?
Diagnosing ADHD is a multi-step process. No single test can confirm ADHD; instead, clinicians gather information from multiple sources to ensure an accurate evaluation.
Steps in Diagnosis:
- Medical and Developmental History: A clinician reviews your child’s medical background, prenatal and birth history, and family history of ADHD or other mental health conditions. This step helps rule out other conditions that can mimic ADHD, such as thyroid disorders or hearing problems.
- Behavioral Questionnaires: Standardized tools like the Conners Rating Scales or Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale are used by parents, teachers, and sometimes the child. These assessments identify specific patterns of attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
- Clinical Interviews: Parents and children participate in structured interviews with a psychologist, psychiatrist, or psychiatric nurse practitioner to explore behaviors, emotions, and challenges in daily life.
- Observation and Cognitive Testing: These assessments measure attention span, memory, executive function, and problem-solving skills. Observations of behavior in a controlled setting may supplement information from parents and teachers.
This multi-faceted approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of your child’s functioning. ADHD must be distinguished from other issues such as anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, or sleep disorders, all of which can influence behavior and attention.
Types of ADHD Tests and Assessments
A thorough evaluation often uses multiple tools to provide a complete picture of your child’s cognitive and behavioral functioning:
- Parent and Teacher Rating Scales: Questionnaires provide structured feedback from adults who observe your child daily. These ratings identify patterns and frequency of symptoms in different settings.
- Neuropsychological Assessments: These tests evaluate memory, attention, executive functioning, and problem-solving. They help determine how ADHD affects learning and cognitive skills.
- Behavioral Observations: Clinicians may observe children during structured activities to assess focus, impulse control, and task completion.
- Medical Examinations: Physical exams or lab tests may rule out conditions that mimic ADHD symptoms, such as sleep apnea, thyroid problems, or neurological issues.
By combining these assessments, clinicians can make an informed diagnosis and tailor treatment strategies to your child’s unique needs.
What Happens During an ADHD Evaluation
During an ADHD evaluation, parents and children participate actively in gathering information. Evaluations often last between one and two hours but may extend over multiple sessions depending on complexity.
Typical Steps Include:
- Parent and Child Interview: The clinician discusses concerns, family history, and developmental milestones. Parents may share observations of behaviors at home and school.
- Behavioral Questionnaires: Standardized surveys completed by parents and teachers help measure frequency and severity of ADHD symptoms.
- Observation and Cognitive Tasks: Children may engage in structured tasks to assess attention, memory, and problem-solving. Clinicians observe focus, impulse control, and task completion.
- Teacher Collaboration: Teachers’ input is crucial, as ADHD symptoms often present differently in school settings. Feedback may highlight attention struggles, hyperactivity, or organizational challenges.
The goal of this evaluation is to identify whether ADHD is present, its type, severity, and the best strategies for support.
Understanding the Results
After the evaluation, parents receive a detailed report explaining the findings. This includes:
- Diagnosis: Whether ADHD is present and which type (inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or combined).
- Summary of Findings: Cognitive strengths, areas of challenge, and behavioral observations.
- Recommendations: A care plan may include therapy, behavioral strategies, academic accommodations, or medication management.
Understanding results empowers parents to implement interventions at home and school. Collaborative planning between clinicians, educators, and families ensures strategies are effective and supportive of the child’s overall development.
Schedule an ADHD Evaluation
If you are asking, “how do i get my son tested for adhd?”, the next step is to schedule a comprehensive evaluation with a qualified professional. At Mighty Mental Health, we provide personalized care plans in Las Vegas and Summerlin, NV, through both Telehealth and in-office consultations.
Our Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Barbra Scheirer, conducts thorough ADHD assessments, offering treatment recommendations that may include therapy, behavioral interventions, and medication management. Mighty Mental Health accepts Nevada Medicaid, Silver Summit, Health Plan of Nevada, Molina, and Anthem, ensuring families have access to quality mental health services.
By scheduling an evaluation, parents gain clarity on their child’s needs and access to a structured care plan. Early intervention allows children to develop coping strategies, improve academic performance, and strengthen social-emotional skills.
Take the first step by contacting Mighty Mental Health today at 702-479-1600 or through our [contact form] to schedule your child’s ADHD evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child should be tested for ADHD?
If your child exhibits persistent inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity that affects learning, social interactions, or daily routines, an evaluation may be necessary. Early testing helps provide support before academic or social difficulties escalate.
At what age can a child be tested for ADHD?
ADHD can be evaluated as early as age 4–5, though it is often diagnosed in school-aged children when behaviors become more noticeable in structured settings. Early evaluation is key to effective intervention.
Who can conduct an ADHD evaluation for my child?
Qualified professionals such as pediatricians, child psychologists, psychiatrists, or psychiatric nurse practitioners can conduct ADHD evaluations. Choosing a provider experienced in neurodevelopmental disorders ensures a thorough assessment and accurate diagnosis.