ADHD Testing for Teens
Our Approach
Our goal is not just to answer “Is this ADHD?” but to understand how your child’s brain works and what supports will help them thrive. Our assessments combine a thorough clinical interview, symptom questionnaires, and pen-and-paper tests to determine whether neurodivergence, such as ADHD, may be present.
You deserve clear answers and practical guidance — helping you understand what’s going on, why it’s happening, and what to do next.
What an ADHD Test Can Do for Your Child
An ADHD evaluation can provide clarity, relief, and direction for both teens and parents.
Clarify the diagnosis
Differentiate ADHD from learning differences, anxiety, mood challenges, or situational stressors, ensuring your child receives the most accurate and helpful understanding.
Validate your child’s experience
Many children struggle silently, feeling “different,” frustrated, or misunderstood. An assessment helps put words to their experience and can reduce shame by explaining why certain things feel harder.
Highlight strengths and challenges
Measure domains like attention, processing speed, impulsivity, and social cognition to create a clear profile of how your child learns and functions best—and where extra support could help.
Support accommodations at school
Offer personalized recommendations for IEPs, 504 plans, classroom strategies, and testing accommodations tailored to your child’s needs.
Inform treatment and support
Offer concrete recommendations for next steps, which may include behavioral strategies, executive functioning support, therapy, parent guidance, school collaboration, or medication consultation when appropriate.
ADHD testing might be helpful if:
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Your teen has difficulty sustaining attention, staying organized, or following through on tasks
Teachers have raised concerns about focus, behavior, or academic performance
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Your teen seems impulsive, emotionally reactive, or easily overwhelmed
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Homework and school routines feel disproportionately stressful for your family
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Your teen is struggling with motivation, time management, or academic independence
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You suspect ADHD but want a careful, accurate evaluation before moving forward
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You want documentation to support school-based services or accommodations
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What to Expect From the Process
We understand that pursuing testing for your child can feel like a big decision. Our process is designed to be clear, supportive, and family-centered, so you always know what’s coming next and feel confident in the care you’re receiving.
1 | Complimentary Consultation
We begin with a 15-minute consultation call with a parent or caregiver. This is a chance to share your concerns, ask questions, and determine whether an ADHD evaluation is the right next step for your child.
2 | Testing Day
Your child or teen will attend a two separate in-person testing sessions, lasting 6 to 7 hours in total. The day includes:
Developmentally appropriate conversation and rapport-building
Cognitive and attentional testing
Questionnaires assessing attention, emotions, and behavior
We move at a pace that feels supportive and respectful of your teen’s needs.
3 | Analysis & Report Writing
Following testing, we spend approximately two weeks analyzing results and writing a comprehensive, personalized report. This includes diagnoses (if applicable), a clear explanation of findings, and specific recommendations for home, school, and treatment.
4 | Feedback Session
We meet with parents for a 45-minute feedback session to review results, explain our findings, answer questions, and discuss next steps. Our goal is for you to leave feeling informed, empowered, and confident about how to support your teen moving forward.
FAQs
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Plan to spend about 4 to 5 hours in person. We’ll take breaks as needed and move at a pace that feels appropriate for your child’s age and attention needs.
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Your child should come well-rested, well-fed, and ready to focus. Bring anything they rely on to feel comfortable—like glasses, hearing aids, or mobility aids. Speak carefully with your child’s clinician about caffeine and prescription stimulant medication ahead of your assessment, as these substances can alter results.
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Slate Psychology is an “out-of-network” provider. However, many insurance plans reimburse for evaluations related to ADHD when they’re considered medically necessary. You’ll receive a detailed superbill with all the codes and documentation you’ll need to submit for reimbursement.
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While some practices offer virtual ADHD assessments, at Slate Psychology, we feel strongly that assessment data is most accurate when collected in person. In-person ADHD testing allows for fewer distractions, facilitates better observation of nonverbal cues, and provides access to specialized testing materials essential for accurate diagnosis.
