Neurodevelopmental Assessment
ADHD Testing for Children & Teens in Seattle and Portland
Understand how your child’s brain works and get practical guidance for home, school, and everyday life.
Attention & Focus
Emotional Regulation
Hyperactivity & Impulsivity
Working Memory
A comprehensive ADHD evaluation looks at the whole picture, not just the symptoms.
Sometimes it feels like your child is trying their best, but staying focused, starting tasks, or finishing projects is a daily challenge. Homework can drag on for hours, everyday tasks may require constant reminders, and emotions around schoolwork or social events can run high. Teachers might describe them as bright but inconsistent, motivated but easily distracted, or capable yet underperforming, creating a gap between potential and performance.
A comprehensive ADHD assessment looks deeper than a brief screening. It explores how your child regulates attention, manages impulses, organizes tasks, and navigates big emotions, while also uncovering their unique strengths and ways of thinking. These insights can guide practical strategies at home and help shape supports at school, giving your child the tools, understanding, and confidence they need to thrive.
You may be wondering…
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You might consider an comprehensive, clinical ADHD assessment if you notice:
A consistent "performance gap" where your child is clearly bright, yet struggles to translate that potential into action.
A child's natural high energy or impulsivity leads to frequent friction at school or home.
Intense "hyper-focus" on hobbies but significant distractibility with routine tasks.
Frequent emotional outbursts or "meltdowns" caused by sensory or mental overwhelm.
Your child is exhausted by the mental energy required to mask their traits or sit still in class.
Your child’s worry and deep-thinking traits are causing them to "get by" rather than thrive.
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While signs of hyperactivity can appear in toddlers, ADHD is most reliably diagnosed once a child is in a structured academic environment (typically ages 5 and up). This is because we need to observe how a child responds to sustained mental effort and social expectations compared to their same-age peers. If you are noticing significant disruptions in learning or social relationships, it is likely the right time to schedule a consultation.
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While many pediatricians can provide a high-level screening, a clinical evaluation by a pediatric psychologist offers a deeper look at the "why" behind a child's struggles. ADHD often co-occurs with (or can be masked by) anxiety, learning disabilities, autism, or other processing issues. My specialized testing goes beyond a 15-minute observation to ensure an accurate diagnosis, preventing "misdiagnosis" and ensuring your child receives the correct type of support.
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Yes. My clinical evaluations meet the rigorous diagnostic standards required by school districts to determine eligibility for specialized instruction (IEP) or classroom accommodations (504 Plan).
Following the assessment, you will receive a comprehensive written report. This document doesn't just provide a label; it includes specific, evidence-based recommendations tailored to your child’s unique cognitive profile that you can take directly to your school's child study team.
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It’s a common point of confusion: "The school offers testing for free, so why should I see a specialist?" The short answer is that they are looking at two different things.
A school evaluation is an excellent tool for getting classroom support, but a clinical assessment is a roadmap for your child's life. It gives you the diagnostic clarity needed for medical treatment, outside therapy, and a deeper understanding of how your child’s unique brain works.
In my clinical assessments we can also rule out “mimics” of ADHD like anxiety, processing disorders, or undiagnosed learning disabilities that a school-based screening might miss.
HOW IT WORKS
Reaching out for an ADHD evaluation can be a big step.
I aim to make the process feel clear, supportive, and as low-stress as possible. Below is a simple overview of what to expect, so you know how we’ll move forward together — step by step, with plenty of room for questions, collaboration, and care along the way.
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We start with a brief call to get to know each other, talk about your concerns, and see if my approach is a good fit for your family. This is also a chance to answer your questions and clarify next steps.
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If you decide to move forward, we complete a detailed intake to gather your child’s history, routines, and patterns. Together, we design a personalized test battery that fits your child’s needs.
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I’ll meet with your child individually and conduct observations and activities to assess attention, focus, regulation, and other areas.
In many cases, I wil also speak with people who know your child well — family members, teachers, doctors, and others — and review any other relevant documents to get a full, well-rounded picture.
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Once testing is complete, we review a detailed report together. I explain the results in clear, everyday language and provide practical recommendations you can use to support your child at home and at school.
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