Child ADHD Testing In White Bear Lake, MN

Not Knowing If Your Child Has ADHD Is Stressful

As a parent, watching your child struggle with focus, impulsivity, or restlessness can be overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure of the cause. You may have tried countless strategies—reward charts, structured routines, and parenting techniques—but still find yourself puzzled by their behaviors. If you’re wondering whether your child’s challenges are just part of growing up or signs of something like ADHD, an evaluation can provide the answers and guidance you need.

Do you relate to any of the following?

If so, you’re not alone—and We’re here to help.

  • You find yourself repeating directions multiple times.

  • Getting out the door can feel like a race against time, as managing transitions can often be difficult.

  • It can be frustrating when your child starts tasks with enthusiasm but has difficulty following through to completion.

  • Impulsive behaviors, like acting before thinking, touching things that aren’t theirs, or entering others' personal space, are common struggles.

  • Losing or misplacing belongings can feel like an endless cycle.

Imagine Having ANswers That Help You Know What To Do Next

An ADHD assessment offers a deeper understanding of your child’s unique way of experiencing and engaging with the world, helping to identify the most effective supports and strategies. With the right approach, behaviors that may seem challenging can be recognized as strengths, such as boundless energy, creative problem-solving, and the ability to hyper-focus, allowing your child to thrive in their own authentic way.

Want to Learn More?

Interested in learning more about what steps to take if you suspect your child has ADHD or what the evaluation process looks like? Check out my blog posts I THINK MY CHILD MIGHT HAVE ADHD (PART 1) - FIRST STEPS and I THINK MY CHILD MIGHT HAVE ADHD (PART 2) - ADHD EVALUATIONS.

HOW IT WORKS

What Happens During ADHD Testing?

Step 1: Intake (1 to 2 hours)

We will meet virtually so your psychologist can learn background information and current concerns. There is nothing you need to do to prepare for the intake, just come as you are! We will use the information from the intake session to develop an individualized testing plan.

Step 2: Testing (3 to 5 hours)

An in-person testing appointment will occur about 1 week after the intake. Your child will engage in a variety of tasks to help us learn more specific information about them. The testing appointment is sometimes broken into multiple days.

Step 3: Feedback (1 to 2 hours)

The feedback appointment occurs about 2 weeks after the testing appointment. You will have a copy of the evaluation report and your psycholgist will go over the results of the testing, including any potential diagnosis, discuss specific recommendations and next steps, and answer any questions you have. You will leave this appointment with clarity and confidence about what do to next.

FAQs About ADHD Testing

  • If your child navigates challenges with inattention, disorganization, hyperactivity, or impulse control, a comprehensive ADHD evaluation can provide clarity and guidance in understanding their unique needs. Despite its name, ADHD is not a deficit but rather a different way of thinking and experiencing the world. Without support, children with ADHD may face difficulties such as low self-esteem, trouble maintaining friendships, and academic struggles. However, with an accurate diagnosis and the right accommodations, they can thrive in ways that honor their strengths. At White Bear Psychological Services, our evaluations recognize both the challenges and the many strengths that come with ADHD, including creativity, resilience, passion, compassion, and the ability to hyper-focus, among many others.

  • Although medication is a common approach to managing ADHD, many other effective strategies focus on self-regulation skills and adapting the environment to better support an individual’s needs. For some, these approaches may be more appropriate than medication. Research suggests that a combination of medication and individualized supports is often the most effective approach for many people. Every person is unique, and ADHD presents differently in each individual. Additionally, ADHD often coexists with other conditions, and many psychological disorders or life experiences can resemble ADHD symptoms. This is why a comprehensive, personalized ADHD assessment is essential—not only to provide an accurate diagnosis but also to identify underlying factors and develop tailored strategies that foster success and well-being.

  • Attention deficit disorder or ADD was the term listed in the third edition of the DSM, or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders that was published in 1980. DSM-III used the terms attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity or attention deficit disorder without hyperactivity. In subsequent revisions and editions of the DSM, the terminology was changed from attention deficit disorder to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. The current DSM-5-TR lists three subtypes of ADHD: predominantly inattentive presentation, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation, and combined presentation. Although ADHD is the official diagnostic term used in the United States, many professionals and others continue to use the term attention deficit disorder (ADD) when referring to the inattentive presentation.

  • There is no single test for ADHD, as each individual’s experiences and needs are unique. A comprehensive ADHD evaluation provides a holistic understanding of a person's strengths and challenges, helping to identify the factors contributing to their experiences and determine whether an ADHD diagnosis is appropriate. Every ADHD assessment is tailored to the individual, but it typically includes clinical interviews, standardized rating scales, assessments of cognitive and executive functioning, attention measures, observations, and a review of relevant history, such as previous assessments, educational records, and medical information. This thorough approach ensures that each person receives the insights and support they need to thrive.

  • Once the ADHD evaluation is complete, the results will be compiled into a comprehensive written report that provides a detailed understanding of your child’s unique strengths, challenges, and ways of thinking. This report will include assessment findings, diagnostic impressions (if applicable), and personalized recommendations to support success in daily life, whether at home, school, or in the community. During the feedback session, your psychologist will walk you through the report, highlighting key insights and answering any questions you may have. The ADHD assessment report will offer valuable perspectives on your child’s executive functioning, cognitive processes, and ways of engaging with the world. This information serves as a meaningful resource to help you, your child’s school, and other support providers create an affirming and accommodating environment where your child can thrive as their full, authentic self.