ADHD Testing & Assessments For Children

In Champaign, Illinois

ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Children are naturally curious, bouncing balls of energy, that sometimes forget to listen. These are typical kid behaviors, but what if those behaviors were amplified and on repeat? It might make school, hobbies, family time, and socializing tough. At Champaign Counseling, we can guide families that have concerns about ADHD and offer testing, recommendations, and treatment options.

Schedule Your child's assessment

What Is ADHD? 

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (or ADHD) is a brain-based and chronic condition that presents itself typically in early childhood (6 years and up). ADHD is diagnosed as one of three types: predominately inattentive, hyperactive, or a combined type.

INATTENTIVE

Focus: Homework is late or incomplete, chores only partly done, easily distracted by others, frequently daydreaming or “zoning out”

Organization: Loses or misplaces items constantly, room and backpack are cluttered or messy

Attention Span: Forgets instructions, loses track of tasks, a lot of incomplete projects

HYPERACTIVE

Movement: Body is constantly in motion, fidgeting with hands and feet, often likes to be in motion

Energy: High energy, restless, difficult to sit for any length of time, overly talkative or unable to maintain conversations without interrupting

Impulsiveness: Quick to action without thinking, struggles to wait their turn, shouts out answers during classroom instruction

ADHD Assessment Process

Our approach to ADHD testing is compassionate, collaborative, and comprehensive. Assessments are formatted to gather information about how your child is functioning, developing, and behaving. Early detection and intervention is shown to reduce the negative outcomes associated with untreated ADHD.

There is not one single test we use to diagnose ADHD. Rather, we use a multi-faceted approach in order to gather the most comprehensive understanding of your child's functioning.

Will be- A thorough gathering of your child’s history;

Contain- In-depth interviews with you and your child;

To Include- A review of their past medical or psychiatric records.

Using- Multiple assessment tools to not only assess for ADHD symptoms but also possible co-occurring concerns;

ADHD Testing For Kids

ADHD can impact every aspect of a child's life.

However, this diagnosis does not have to be the determining factor in their destiny. Bringing out the best in children involves gaining a deeper understanding of how they function, learn, and interact with the world.

Our assessment for ADHD can offer insight as to how your child is feeling, what they may find difficult, and how they are managing their struggles. With this knowledge and our guidance, the outcomes for your child are bright. Contact us today for a consultation.

What ADHD Testing Sessions Look Like

Most of your child’s sessions will focus on building rapport, clinical observations, information-gathering, and assessments. While they are in session, you will be asked to provide information for the clinician as well. Once we gather all we need to understand their functioning comprehensively, we will have you and your child back for their results. We empower clients with detailed information on their diagnosis (if applicable), potential treatment options, and guide you towards support resources within your community.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, there are costs outside of what insurance will cover. Most in-network insurances will cover session costs but not the other aspects of the assessments. To get an idea of what is covered by your insurance and what is not, please reach out and we can help you understand your benefits and the costs to get an ADHD assessment for your child.

  • Before starting with your child, we want to gather as much relevant information as we can. If you have any documentation from a provider or school that’s related, we would love to see that. Our initial paperwork will gather your child’s history from you and we will ask you to complete the regular documents needed to become a new client at our practice. We ask that all documentation be completed at least 24 hours prior to your first visit.

  • We know that life happens and we will work with your family to find a time to reschedule. It’s important for your child to be seen for all 5 of the sessions in order to determine a diagnosis. If the assessment process is incomplete, the diagnosis result will be inconclusive.

  • Everyone’s therapeutic needs are unique to them. It’s common for individuals with ADHD to find the skills and strategies taught in therapy help alleviate their stress, empower their capabilities, and help them shift their mindset to acceptance and even celebration of their uniqueness. Whether your child is diagnosed with ADHD or not, therapy can help them traverse their stressors and learn to better manage what life throws at them.

  • If you would like that to happen and we have a clinician who has availability to work with your child, we would love that. If we don’t have an opening that works, we can offer referrals for you to consider.

  • In addition to getting the validation of their experiences, your child will be able to learn about their unique brain and what they need to best approach their world. If your child does in fact have ADHD, this will be important for them and you to understand as they grow. Your child’s specific needs related to how their brain works will matter and they will benefit from those needs being communicated with your child’s stakeholders, such as school personnel.

Schedule Your child's assessment