Pediatricians and psychiatrists often rely on parents and teachers to complete self-report questionnaires to aid in ADHD diagnosis; however, these alone cannot accurately diagnose ADHD. A psychological examination is the only way to really know if a child meets criteria. In fact, about 20% of children currently identified as having ADHD likely have been misdiagnosed, leading to use of unnecessary medications while more appropriate interventions are overlooked.
Testing provides information about type of ADHD (hyperactive, inattentive, both), severity, strengths and weaknesses, and recommendations for treatment. This information can be used by medical providers to determine need for medication or other intervention. Additionally, an ADHD evaluation can help educators develop a 504 or individualized education plan (IEP) that meets a child's specific needs so grades and/or behaviors improve.
While local public schools can provide gifted evaluations, teachers must first recommend the child for testing and it may take a long time for the testing to be performed. Private gifted testing reduces wait times and allows the parent or guardian to control what day and time of day the testing occurs so their child can perform their best. It also allows the parent or guardian to decide whether the gifted evaluation becomes part of the child's academic records. In Pennsylvania, schools are required to consider independent evaluations when identifying gifted students, developing individualized education plans, and determining placement in gifted programs.
Learning disability evaluations determine strengths and weaknesses in academic subjects, learning style, visual and auditory attention, processing, concentration, and memory. These evaluations help to determine whether academic difficulty is related to a learning disability or another mental health condition and provides recommendations that can be used to assist in the development of 504 or individualized education plans (IEP)
Learning disability assessments are not only for children. Often, advanced high school students, college and graduate students, and professionals struggle with undiagnosed learning disabilities, which can make taking high stakes standardized exams (e.g., FSAs, EOCs, PSAT, SAT, ACT, AP/IB/Cambridge exams, LSAT, MCAT, GMAT, GRE, professional licensure board examinations) arduous and discouraging. Identifying learning disabilities can help secure extended time on these exams in order for applicants to perform their best.