ADHD Evaluations For Children

Understanding your child is the first step toward helping them thrive.

ADHD Doesn't Look the Same in Every Child

ADHD is not always a child who is constantly running around or unable to sit still. Some children may primarily struggle with attention, organization, forgetfulness, or completing tasks. Others may experience impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, difficulty with transitions, or challenges with friendships.

ADHD can also present differently depending on a child's age, developmental stage, and environment.

An evaluation can help provide clarity when you're unsure whether your child's struggles may be related to ADHD or something else.

  • You may want to consider an evaluation if your child is experiencing ongoing difficulties such as:

    • Difficulty paying attention or staying focused

    • Frequently losing or forgetting things

    • Difficulty following directions

    • Trouble completing or organizing tasks

    • Impulsivity or acting without thinking

    • Excessive activity or difficulty sitting still

    • Frequent emotional outbursts or difficulty regulating emotions

    • Difficulty transitioning between activities

    • School or homework struggles

    • Social difficulties related to attention or impulsivity

    • A noticeable difference between your child's abilities and their day-to-day functioning

    • Concerns raised by a parent, teacher, or other caregiver

    An evaluation may also be helpful when you're simply wondering, “Could this be ADHD?”

    You don't have to wait until your child's struggles become overwhelming before seeking answers.

  • At Moonbeam Therapy, the evaluation process is designed to gather information from multiple sources and consider your child's functioning as a whole.

    Depending on your child's individual needs, the evaluation may include:

    Parent/Caregiver Interview
    A conversation about your child's development, behavior, strengths, challenges, and functioning across different settings.

    Developmental & Behavioral History
    Review of relevant developmental, behavioral, educational, and family history.

    Rating Scales & Questionnaires
    Standardized questionnaires may be used to better understand your child's attention, behavior, executive functioning, and emotional regulation.

    Clinical Assessment
    Information from the evaluation is considered alongside your child's individual presentation and functioning.

    Feedback & Recommendations
    You'll receive an opportunity to discuss the findings, ask questions, and review recommended next steps and supports.

  • An evaluation is not simply about putting a label on your child.

    It's about understanding why your child may be struggling and what can help.

    Following the evaluation, we can discuss appropriate recommendations and next steps based on your child's individual needs. When appropriate, recommendations may include behavioral strategies, therapeutic support, communication with schools or other providers, and resources for home and school.

Let's talk about what you're seeing and determine whether an evaluation may be a good fit for your child.