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ADHD and ADD Evaluations in Georgetown, TX for Children and Adolescents
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What is ADHD and ADD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a pattern of difficulties with self-regulation, or “executive functioning.” In short, ADHD (formerly Attention Deficit Disorder or ADD), is a delay in brain-based self-control leading to problems with self-regulation.
ADHD is more than an attention deficit.
When children have this self-control delay, it is difficult for them to control their attention. Their attention will swing wildly from one thing to another. Their attention may get stuck on one task or pattern of thought, and they may be unable to shift out of it. Consequently, they may exhibit problems with:
Poor attention
Poor sustained attention
Being easily distracted
Making careless mistakes
Appearing forgetful and losing track of things
Difficulties with sticking through tasks and following through
Difficulties with organization and planning
“Kids do well when they can.”
— Ross Greene, PhD
ADHD does not always involve hyperactivity.
This self-control delay also drives problems with behavioral control leading to hyperactivity and impulsivity. However, not all ADHDers exhibit hyperactivity. Sometimes, the hyperactivity is internal. Some ADHDers have hyper-creative minds that come up with many ideas, stories, and things to do. Other ADHDers can exhibit even low activity because they are enjoying a daydream in their head. Common hyperactive/impulsive symptoms include:
Difficulties sitting still, especially in calm and quiet settings.
Constantly fidgeting.
Excessive physical movement and talking.
Difficulties waiting their turn.
Interrupting conversations
Little to no sense of danger
ADHD is caused by a brain difference.
ADHD is classified as a “neurodevelopmental disorder” due to neural imaging findings showing smaller, less active, and less mature parts of the brain in people with ADHD. This delay in maturation of the frontal lobes causes a delay in executive functioning. Consequently, ADHDers have problems with stopping-and-thinking, self-restraint, emotion regulation, self-motivation, planning, organization, and problem solving.
ADHD is not caused by upbringing, lack of intelligence, diets, or laziness.
ADHD is real and painful.
Over 90 percent of ADHDers do poorly in school due to their symptoms.
ADHDers have about a 10-year shorter life expectancy than non-ADHDers.
About 80% of ADHDers have one or more additional disorders or delays. Complex ADHD is the rule, not the exception.
In particular, ADHD increases the risk of other impulse disorders, such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, crime, and substance use.
But there is hope!
Did you know ADHD is among the most treatable psychiatric conditions? There are numerous treatments (medication and non-medication) that produce significant improvement in reducing symptoms and reducing the risk of all those bad things.
The “treatment package” for ADHD includes:
An evaluation for complex ADHD (because 80% of ADHDers have more than one problem)
ADHD education for the child and family
Medication
Behavioral interventions for the child and/or parents
Educational support
How can I help?
A comprehensive neuropsychologival evaluation (“ADHD testing”) is a helpful first step starting ADHD treatment package because it:
Identifies ADHD as well as common co-occurring conditions, such as dyslexia, fine motor delays, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. (School and pediatrician evaluations will often miss these conditions).
Equips you and your child with knowledge about your child’s specific ADHD profile.
Supports informed decision-making around medication (Is medication nice-to-have or must-have?)
Provides information on the type of behavioral therapy a child might need. Do they need executive functioning training or anger management? Do they need behavior therapy focused on themselves or their parents?
Identifies specific educational supports based on your child’s ADHD profile, strengths, and weaknesses. The evaluation also supports (not guarantees) qualifying for formal educational support, such as a 504 Plan or IEP.
A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation is an investment in your child’s future.
I understand that the cost of an evaluation is significant. Just like braces are a one-time investment for oral health, my comprehensive assessments aim to be a one-time investment that delivers a clear and thorough understanding of your or your loved one’s strengths, difficulties, and needs. This reduces potential future time and money costs on less effective efforts. My evaluation services include:
Minimal waitlist and wait (for now). Can’t wait 12-18 months for an evaluation? I am transitioning from my role at a large, academic children’s hospital. I have a minimal wait time for an assessment, but my caseload is growing and I plan to complete only about 50 evaluations per year. Most clients complete the evaluation process in about a month (from intake to receiving the report).
Comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. Gain clarity and confidence. My evaluations can include assessments of intelligence, academic, language, motor skills, executive functioning, personality, attention, motivation, emotions, behaviors, social skills, and career interests - far more comprehensive than what you get at an insurance-based psychologist, school, or pediatrician’s office.
A streamlined process. You already have a lot on your plate. Schedule an appointment and complete the online paperwork emailed directly to you. From there, I will walk you through the process step-by-step. Contacting me throughout the process will be as easy as texting.
A prioritized plan. I will give you a focused list of what services to get, who to contact, and an order of priority, limiting the guesswork and stress of finding the right doctors and professionals for your child.
Continued support. Clients who receive evaluation services will receive three free support sessions (a $525 value). Parenting a child with challenges is hard enough. You don’t have to do it alone. I’ll walk with you. Together, we can handle the anxiety and stress of the diagnosis and securing additional services. Some clients even elect to use the sessions for brief, focused counseling to evoke their teenager’s motivation for change or to implement the recommended strategies successfully. Most children (aged 8+) will receive their own affirming results session to move toward self-acceptance and boost motivation to engage in treatment.
How It Works
Step 1.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation or contact me using the form below.
Step 2.
We will briefly discuss your challenges and goals and my services during our 15-minute conversation.
Step 3.
If you decide to proceed, my friendly staff will contact you to schedule an intake appointment and complete the initial paperwork.
Step 4.
Our intake appointment we will develop a counseling treatment plan (or evaluation plan) based on an in-depth interview with a parent (or yourself for adults) covering topics such as challenges, developmental history, medical history, and educational history.
Are you ready to get started?
Click this link to schedule a free consultation, or fill out the form below to contact me today. Please note I only complete about 50 evaluations per year. While there may be a brief waitlist, I encourage you to reach out to try and catch an opening.