ADHD can share symptoms with other conditions such as anxiety, depression, learning differences, and auditory processing challenges. It also often occurs alongside conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder, Tourette’s Syndrome, and a history of prematurity. Because of this overlap, a comprehensive evaluation that looks at attention and concentration across multiple areas is important to understand what’s really going on.
Rating scales and checklists can be helpful tools, but they work best when used alongside a full evaluation rather than on their own. Psychologists have specialized training in cognitive and psychological testing, allowing them to provide thorough assessments and accurate diagnoses.
As part of our ADHD evaluations, we use TOVA along with other well-established neuropsychological measures. Read more about TOVA here:
ADHD can often times share common traits with other disorders, including anxiety, depression, auditory processing disorders, or learning disorders. Additionally, it is highly comorbid with multiple conditions seen in children and adolescents, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Tourette’s Syndrome, and prematurity. A comprehensive evaluation that examines an individual’s performance across different domains of attention and concentration can help to identify if there is a true issue with attention, or if another condition or factor is occurring.
Rating scales and checklists can be helpful screeners or adjunctive sources of information for clinicians to diagnose ADHD but caution should be used in relying solely upon their use for diagnosis and treatment planning. As the only professionals who receive extensive training in psychological and cognitive testing, psychologists are in a unique position to provide a proper and thorough evaluation and ensure an accurate diagnosis.
We utilize TOVA as part of our ADHD evaluations, in addition to other common neuropsychological instruments and measures. Read more about TOVA here:
Our neurodiversity-affirming psychological evaluations support children, adolescents, and adults across Southern California in gaining meaningful insight into Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). We offer in-person, comprehensive assessments that extend well beyond brief screenings, providing a thorough understanding of how ADHD may be influencing day-to-day functioning.
Our assessment methods are grounded in current scientific research and best-practice standards, and are regularly updated to reflect the evolving knowledge of ADHD across the lifespan.
We take a comprehensive approach, evaluating cognitive, academic, emotional, and
psychological factors that may contribute to attention-related concerns.
In addition to identifying challenges, our evaluations highlight individual strengths that can
inform meaningful and effective treatment planning.
Our clinicians are trained in culturally responsive testing practices and thoughtfully consider how
cultural context may influence the presentation and interpretation of symptoms.
We approach the evaluation process as a collaborative partnership with clients, and families
when appropriate, ensuring transparency and ample opportunity for questions at every stage.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects approximately 8–10% of children and 4–5% of adults. It commonly impacts attention, organization, impulse regulation, and executive functioning skills, including planning, task initiation, follow-through, and managing multiple demands.
Many individuals with ADHD go unrecognized for years, often interpreting persistent challenges as personal shortcomings rather than signs of a well-understood and treatable condition. A comprehensive psychological evaluation can help clarify the presence of ADHD, guide appropriate treatment planning, and determine eligibility for academic or workplace accommodations.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects approximately 8–10% of children and 4–5% of adults. It commonly impacts attention, organization, impulse regulation, and executive functioning skills, including planning, task initiation, follow-through, and managing multiple demands.
Many individuals with ADHD go unrecognized for years, often interpreting persistent challenges as personal shortcomings rather than signs of a well-understood and treatable condition. A comprehensive psychological evaluation can help clarify the presence of ADHD, guide appropriate treatment planning, and determine eligibility for academic or workplace accommodations.
Academic performance below potential
Ongoing disorganization or forgetfulness
Teacher concerns about attention or activity level
Difficulty following instructions
Social or emotional regulation challenges
Underachievement despite ability
Time management and deadline difficulties
Chronic forgetfulness
Executive functioning challenges
Sleep issues or racing thoughts
Workplace organization and follow-through difficulties
Financial or daily life management challenges
Relationship strain linked to inattention
Career inconsistency
Exhaustion from constant compensation
Our child ADHD assessments are engaging and developmentally appropriate, creating a supportive environment that allows their true capabilities to shine. The evaluation includes:
Parent and teacher input
Age-appropriate cognitive and attention testing
Observation during assessment
Screening for co-occurring conditions
School accommodation recommendations
For adolescents and teenagers, our assessments acknowledge their growing independence while gathering crucial input from multiple sources. The evaluation includes:
Separate teen and parent interviews
Input from multiple teachers across subjects, if available
Age-appropriate executive functioning measures
Academic skills assessment
Collaborative strategy development
Our adult ADHD assessments are thorough yet efficient, respecting busy schedules while providing comprehensive evaluation. The process includes:
Detailed history of lifelong attention-related challenges
Educational, occupational, and relationship pattern analysis
Self-report measures and cognitive testing
Identification of developed strengths and coping strategies