When you suspect your child might have ADHD, it’s common to feel overwhelmed. One teacher says they’re distracted, a pediatrician tells you to “keep an eye on it,” and meanwhile Google leaves you scrolling through endless lists of symptoms. It’s no wonder parents feel lost when they’re just trying to get clarity. The truth is, there isn’t one straight path. But there are clear steps you can take to move forward with confidence and avoid unnecessary stress or unnecessary costs when you think your child has ADHD. Here’s a walkthrough:
The First Step to Take When You Think You Or Your Child Have ADHD
The very first step when you think your child has ADHD is to say it out loud to a trusted professional: someone who knows your child and has professional training. This might be:
- Their teacher
- A pediatrician
- A school counselor
By naming your concern, you begin a process of feedback and documentation. Sometimes a professional will affirm your suspicion, while other times they might suggest looking at anxiety, learning challenges, or other factors. Either way, you’ve started building a support team and you’ve taken the first step out of the Google rabbit hole.
ADHD Assessments: Not All Are the Same
Many parents hear the phrase “ADHD assessment” and wonder what that actually means. The truth is, there are a few different kinds:
- Behavioral Surveys — Short questionnaires about impulsivity, attention, and forgetfulness. These are often filled out by both parents and teachers to see how behaviors show up across settings.
- Psychiatric Evaluations — A comprehensive interview (about two hours) conducted by a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse. These professionals are trained diagnosticians and can often provide clarity without requiring a full psychological evaluation. Bonus: many accept insurance.
- Full Psychological Evaluations — Considered the “gold standard,” these assessments include IQ testing, behavioral measures, and social-emotional questionnaires. The result is a 10–25 page report you can use for school accommodations or standardized testing. However, they are expensive (typically $4,000–$6,000 out of pocket) and not always necessary.
When Is a Full Psychological Evaluation Worth It?
A full psychological evaluation is especially helpful if:
- You need official documentation for school accommodations (like an IEP or 504 plan)
- You want detailed information for standardized test accommodations (such as the SAT)
- When other conditions (like anxiety, depression, or learning disabilities) may be present and need to be ruled out
But if your situation is more straightforward, a psychiatric evaluation may be faster, more affordable, and just as effective in helping you move forward.
Let’s be honest: money matters here. While a psychological evaluation can provide incredible depth, it isn’t always the most practical option. Psychiatric evaluations and assessments conducted by psychiatric nurses are often covered by insurance or available for the cost of a copay, making them accessible to more families.
What to Do Next
If you think your child has ADHD, the key is to take the first step, not to find the perfect solution immediately. Start with a trusted professional, gather feedback, and then consider the type of assessment that best fits your child’s needs and your family’s circumstances.
Remember: you don’t have to figure it out alone. There are compassionate professionals who can help guide the process, clarify the diagnosis, and support your child in thriving at school and at home.
At Active & Connected Family Therapy, we have psychologists and psychiatrists available to take psychological assessments. Fill out our contact form to get connected.