If you’re looking for ADHD testing in New York, you’ve come to the right place. Let us discuss everything you need to know about ADHD tests and how to find a qualified professional to administer them. We’ll also provide a few tips on what to expect during the testing process. So whether you’re a parent who suspects your child has ADHD or an adult who is considering ADHD testing, read on for more information.
At its core, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects executive function. This means that people with ADHD have difficulty with things like planning and organizing, sustaining attention, and controlling impulses. ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood, but it can continue into adulthood as well.
One of the most commonly used ADHD tests is called the Conners’ Rating Scales-Revised (CRS-R). This test has been designed to screen for ADHD symptoms in children between ages 6 and 18. The CRS-R contains both parent and teacher ratings scales, which are completed by an adult who knows the child well. To be diagnosed with ADHD using this test, your child must score above a certain threshold on each subscale (e.g. hyperactivity, inattention) and on the ADHD index scale as a whole.
Other ADHD tests that are commonly used include:
- ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS-IV): This test is similar to the CRS-R, but has been designed specifically for use with adults rather than children. It contains 18 questions about ADHD symptoms and takes about 5 minutes to complete. Like the CRS-R, ADHD rating scale scores above a certain threshold indicate that ADHD may be present. Scores can also be compared to non-ADHD adult control groups to get an idea of how severe ADHD symptoms are relative to those without ADHD.
- Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS): The ADHD Self-Report Scale is another commonly used ADHD test for adults. This test contains 18 questions about ADHD symptoms and takes only a few minutes to complete, making it an ideal screening tool for ADHD in busy clinical settings. Like the ADHD-RS-IV, scores above a certain threshold can indicate the presence of ADHD, and scores can be compared to non-ADHD adult control groups to get an idea of symptom severity.
Because ADHD symptoms vary widely between individuals and across different age groups, there is no single “gold standard” ADHD test that will reliably diagnose or rule out ADHD in everyone. The best approach is therefore to use a combination of different ADHD tests as well as clinician judgment to make a diagnosis of ADHD.
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