From Signs to Support: ADHD Testing and Help for School-Age Kids

Are you hearing that your kid is not paying attention in class?

It can be common for young children to have difficulty paying attention in class, waiting their turn to speak, or sitting still for story time. However, some children seem to exhibit these behaviors much more than their peers. This may be the result of symptoms that align with ADHD. Research suggests that 1 in 11 school aged kids are diagnosed with ADHD which has become the most common mental health diagnosis in pre-school years.

Recognizing the Signs:

Recognizing the difference between regular childhood behaviors and ADHD can prove to be difficult for both parents and teachers alike. So, what should you be looking for? The first step to recognition is understanding that symptoms for ADHD typically fit into two categories: inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive.

Inattentive behaviors you might find in a classroom: 

• Difficulty following instructions
• Consistently missing details/due dates on assignments
• Being easily distracted or sidetracked
• Easily losing possessions or school assignments

Hyperactive/Impulsive behaviors you might find in a classroom:

• Constant fidgeting or squirming
• Doing activities like climbing, running, or swinging  when it is inappropriate
• Extreme impatience/cannot wait their turn 
• Having trouble playing quietly like other kids
• Blurts out answers without raising their hand or excessive talking at inappropriate times

Teachers may say that your child lacks focus or seems to have their head in the clouds during lessons. You may also hear that your child is overly energetic, loud, and doesn’t consider the consequences of their actions. These attitudes and actions align closely with ADHD and can begin to form a road block when it comes to a child’s learning in school. 

Behaviors to Look for:

ADHD can have substantial effects on learning even at a young age. Performance in school depends on factors like ability to focus, task completion, organization, self-control, memory, time-management, and ability to be still which are all impaired by ADHD. 

Inability to maintain consistent focus: 

Inability to maintain focus for a period of time means that a child with ADHD may miss key details and main concepts in the subject they are learning. They may begin to feel like they are constantly missing information or falling behind in classes. A child may also experience hyperfocus, becoming intensely focused on an activity or experience to the exclusion of anything else. This derails their learning by putting their school work on the back burner to make room for the current intensive interest. 

Task completion and follow-through:

A child may start a project or assignment, get halfway through, and then decide that they want to explore something else. School assignments are generally expected to be completed sequentially as opposed to simultaneously, going against the preference of children with ADHD. 

Starting tasks in the first place may also be difficult if they are particularly boring, tedious, or mentally taxing assignments. Oftentimes, people with ADHD have trouble using common study and motivation techniques so, these scenarios may call for unique methods to spur productivity in your child. 

Impulsivity: 

Impulsivity is another hallmark of this diagnosis and often shows up in the classroom. Teachers may report disruptive behavior such as talking out of turn or when it is quiet work time. This may also extend to peer relationships when a child plays too rough with their friends or interrupts conversations frequently. Subsequently, this child may be seen as a trouble maker or be left out of social activities by peers. 

Hyperactivity: 

This is similar to impulsivity and creates a constant desire for stimulation and movement. It becomes especially difficult to manage when it comes to testing, presentations, or storytime for younger children. Each of these situations requires a child to be still and focus for a longer period of time. Any fidgeting or movement may also catch the attention of classmates and may distract them from the task as well. 

Organization/Time Management:

Individuals with ADHD often have difficulties with organizational skills and time management. Small details on assignments are hard to keep track of and often slip through the cracks. Frequent distractions and interruptions when working can cause a project to take much longer than anticipated, making due dates feel frustrating and impossible. 

What Does the Testing Process Look Like?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that can be diagnosed through testing. Testing for ADHD is a process that generally goes like this: 

1. Evaluation and gathering information: The provider will gather medical, developmental, and family history, including childhood milestones and current functioning. Interviews may also be carried out with the parents/guardians and others who know the child. Standardized behavior scales and questionnaires are usually completed by the child and/or the people they are familiar with.  At MVP we also do an IQ test to help tailor recommendations to the person’s profile.  For example, those who live with ADHD typically have working memory and/or processing speed that is not as well developed as their other skills.  We complete a thorough evaluation to ensure we are evaluating any common co-occurring diagnoses to ensure you have the answers you need.
2. Feedback and/or diagnosis: After gathering all of the data, the provider will find their results and share them with the individual/s child’s parents. This diagnosis will be made following specific guidelines and criteria. A thorough report will be provided detailing the results, any relevant diagnoses, and recommendations for moving forward.  

Benefits of Testing for ADHD

Getting your child tested for ADHD can be an extremely beneficial decision. Going undiagnosed increases your child’s chance of doing poorly in school, finances, and social situations. ADHD can be an underlying factor in other problems such as gambling, substance misuse, anxiety, etc. However if your child is diagnosed, they will receive more understanding about how their brain functions and what it needs. This extends to parents, teachers, and others who are involved in their learning and growth. Understanding the reasoning behind actions allows both the child and their caregivers to give more grace and compassion when these behaviors arise.

At times, an official diagnosis can spur others outside of regular caregivers to make changes and adjustments to support your child. It will become much easier to identify certain behaviors and decide whether they require unique approaches for success. Coping strategies and plans for achievement can be tailored and designed to work with your child’s brain. A parent may even decide that medication or neurofeedback would be a beneficial option for their child to try.  In addition, children and teens may be eligible for additional support at school.  

Start ADHD Testing in Denver, CO, Englewood, Littleton, and Across the State

If you are interested in obtaining a thorough assessment for your child or your teen please reach out to Mountain Vista Psychology today.  Our team of caring therapists would love to hear from you and support you and your child! You can start your therapy journey by following these simple steps: 

• Contact us today to schedule a consultation
• Meet with a trained therapist
• Start your journey toward balance, clarity, and connection!

Other Services Offered by Mountain Vista Psychology

ADHD testing isn’t the only service that our team offers from Littleton, Englewood, Hampden, and Greenwood Village in addition to online counseling. We offer a variety of mental health services including ADHD therapy for children, teens, and adults. Other services offered via in-person and online counseling include child counseling, teen counseling, adult counseling, family therapy, grief counseling, and therapeutic yoga. Additionally, we provide neurofeedback therapy, including targeted neurofeedback for ADHD, autism, anxiety, concussion/TBI recovery, and sports or performance enhancement. We also conduct evaluations for learning disabilities and Autism. Read through the Mountain Vista blog for helpful information and insights!