Pediatricians and psychiatrists often ask parents and teachers to fill out questionnaires to help diagnose ADHD, but these forms alone are not enough to make an accurate diagnosis. A full psychological evaluation is the only way to truly determine if a child meets the criteria for ADHD.
In fact, studies suggest that about 20% of children diagnosed with ADHD may actually be misdiagnosed, which can lead to unnecessary medication while missing out on more appropriate support.
A thorough evaluation provides important information about the type of ADHD (whether hyperactive, inattentive, or combined), how severe it is, the child’s strengths and challenges, and specific treatment recommendations. This helps medical providers decide if medication or other interventions are needed. It also helps schools create effective plans—like a 504 or Individualized Education Program (IEP)—tailored to the child’s needs, which can improve their grades and behavior.
Learning disability evaluations assess strengths and challenges in academic skills, learning styles, attention, processing, concentration, and memory. These evaluations help determine whether academic difficulties are due to a learning disability or another mental health concern. They also provide recommendations that can support the creation of 504 plans or Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) to help students succeed.
Learning disability assessments aren’t just for children. Many high school, college, graduate students, and professionals may have undiagnosed learning disabilities that make high-stakes exams—like the SAT, ACT, LSAT, MCAT, GRE, and professional licensing tests—especially challenging. Identifying these disabilities can help individuals qualify for accommodations, such as extended time, so they can perform at their best.
A psychological evaluation for diagnostic clarification is a comprehensive assessment that helps understand the reasons behind a person’s symptoms or difficulties. It involves a variety of tests, interviews, and questionnaires to gather detailed information about emotional, behavioral, and cognitive functioning.
This type of evaluation is especially useful when a diagnosis is unclear or when symptoms overlap across different mental health conditions. It helps identify the correct diagnosis, rule out other possible causes, and guides treatment planning tailored to the individual’s unique needs. By providing a clear picture of what’s going on, this evaluation supports more effective and targeted care, leading to better outcomes.