ADHD is diagnosed when difficulties with attention, hyperactivity or impulsivity are persistent, appear in more than one setting—home and school—and affect the child’s life. That’s why the evaluation looks at several sources, not just one appointment.
The steps
- Parent interview: developmental history, health, sleep and when the difficulties began.
- Parent and teacher questionnaires: standardized scales comparing with children of the same age.
- Observation: in the office and, ideally, in the classroom.
- Neuropsychological testing: attention, working memory, inhibitory control, processing speed.
- Ruling out other causes: vision, hearing, sleep, language, learning or emotional issues that can look like ADHD.
- Feedback: report and plan.
Who can do it
Neuropsychology or child clinical psychology professionals, and medical specialists (child psychiatrist, pediatric neurologist). If medication is considered, that decision always belongs to a physician.
After the diagnosis
- Behavioral therapy and executive function training.
- Parent training: routines, instructions and reinforcement.
- Classroom accommodations: seating near the teacher, step-by-step instructions, movement breaks.
- Regular progress reviews.
The information on this page is for guidance and does not replace a professional assessment. Every child is different: diagnosis and plan are defined after an evaluation.
