ADHD Evaluation

In this evaluation, your child is tested for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). You and your child’s teachers answer questions about your child’s symptoms using standard forms (also called parent and teacher ADHD scales). The provider gives you and the teachers the forms beforehand. You and the teachers fill the forms out and then bring them to the evaluation. The provider then “scores” the forms to figure out whether your child has ADHD.

As part of the evaluation, the provider will also evaluate your child for other mental health illnesses that may have similar symptoms (for example, depression or anxiety). To do this, the provider will talk to you and your child about your child’s behavior. 

Learn more about ADHD

Access

Contact your child’s pediatrician to see if they do ADHD evaluations. If not, get a referral from your child’s pediatrician. You can also get a recommendation from your child’s school, childcare provider, or other parents or friends. In some cases, an evaluation may be done through the school system or Early Intervention.

Providers

• Child and adolescent psychiatrist
• Developmental behavioral pediatrician
• Neurologist
• Pediatrician
• Psychologist

Location

Evaluations are done in a provider’s office at a hospital, community mental health center, or private practice.

Learn more about mental health evaluations