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Writer's pictureDr. Inna Leiter

Cracking the Code: Why Some Kids Need More Than a Standard ADHD Assessment

As a parent, you know your child better than anyone. You've noticed the struggles with focus, the battles over homework, or the challenges with following instructions. Maybe you've wondered if it's ADHD, and you're considering an assessment. But here's the thing: while a standard ADHD assessment can be a good starting point, it might not tell the whole story. Some kids are like complex puzzles, with pieces that don't quite fit the standard ADHD picture. That's where our comprehensive evaluations come in – they're like having a skilled detective investigate your child's unique cognitive landscape, uncovering hidden clues and revealing a fuller, more accurate picture of what's really going on in that beautiful, bustling brain of theirs.


Here are some signs that indicate a comprehensive evaluation at the Center for CBT may be the right next step for your child:


1. It's complicated:

If your child isn't just fidgety or distracted, but also has trouble learning to read, seems to forget things easily, or struggles to make friends.

 

2. School is a rollercoaster:

Maybe your kid aces spelling but bombs math, or their grades are all over the place. This up-and-down performance could mean we need to investigate further.

 

3. More than one issue:

If you're wondering about other concerns than just ADHD - maybe anxiety, OCD, depression,ODD, dyslexia, autism, or mood problems.

 

4. Previous tests left you scratching your head:

Sometimes basic ADHD testing leaves parents with more questions than answers. A comprehensive evaluation can fill in those blanks.

 

5. Your child is super smart, but still struggling:

Gifted kids with attention issues can be tricky to figure out. We want to make sure we're not missing something. (Check out our twice exceptional testing program).

 

6. Life at home or school is extra tough:

If there's a lot of stress or big changes in your child's world, we need to understand how that's affecting them.

 

7. The usual ADHD tricks aren't working:

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, but strategies and maybe medication aren't helping as much as expected, there might be more to the story.


Think of it like this: if a standard ADHD assessment is a snapshot, a comprehensive evaluation is a whole photo album. It includes:

 

- Tests to understand how your child thinks and learns

- Checks on reading, writing, and math skills

- Activities that look at memory, planning, and how fast they process information

- Detailed questionnaires about behavior and emotions

- A deep dive into your child's history and health

- Gathering thoughts from you, teachers, and others who know your child well

 

This bigger picture helps us really understand your child's strengths and where they need support. It's not just about slapping on a label - it's about truly getting your kid and figuring out the best way to help them thrive.


If you would like a comprehensive evaluation to help you figure out how to best support your childl, call the Center for CBT at 267-551-1984 to speak directly with an expert in ADHD testing.



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