ADHD Test for Kids: How to Get an Accurate Diagnosis

Supporting Your Child Through Diagnosis

Are you noticing your child struggling with focus, fidgeting constantly, or having a hard time following instructions? It’s natural to wonder what’s going on. Many parents find themselves asking if these behaviours might be signs of ADHD.

So, if you’re considering ADHD tests for kids, you’re in the right place.

We’re here to help you understand the process and what to expect. Knowing what is involved can help make the experience more positive for you and your child.

What are the Signs of ADHD in a Child?

Kids with ADHD often show signs related to inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity.¹

• Inattention manifests as difficulty focusing, making careless mistakes, or seeming not to listen.
• Hyperactivity and impulsivity include fidgeting, excessive talking, interrupting others, and having trouble waiting their turn.

It’s important to remember that some kids with ADHD are primarily inattentive, while others are more hyperactive/impulsive. However, most children show signs of both.

Why Consider ADHD Tests for Kids?

Getting your child tested for ADHD isn’t about labelling them. It’s to help you understand and support them better.

If your child consistently struggles with focus, impulsivity, or hyperactivity to a degree that impacts their daily life, an assessment can provide valuable answers.

An accurate diagnosis helps you identify and access the right support. Support can include educational accommodations, like extra time on tests or a quieter workspace. This can make a significant difference in their academic success.

It can also open the door to therapies that teach coping strategies, improve social skills, and boost self-esteem.

For some children, medication might be a helpful part of the plan. However, medication is not the only solution.

Ultimately, early diagnosis and intervention can help prevent the development of secondary challenges, like anxiety or low self-worth, that can arise from unmanaged ADHD.

Getting an accurate ADHD diagnosis for your child is about empowering them to reach their full potential and live a happier, more fulfilling life.

Who Can Do ADHD Tests for Kids?

In Canada, several trained professionals can test your child for ADHD.

• Family Doctors. Your family doctor can be a good first point of contact. Some have special training in ADHD.
• Pediatricians. These doctors specialize in children’s health and can diagnose ADHD.
• Child Psychiatrists. These are medical doctors with expertise in mental health conditions in children. They can also prescribe medication if it’s needed.
• Psychologists. Psychologists, like at Positive Kids, can conduct assessments and provide a diagnosis, but they don’t prescribe medication. They may do psychoeducational assessments, which help understand learning challenges.

At Positive Kids, we have a team of experienced child therapists and professionals who are experts in diagnosing and treating ADHD.

Contact us for an ADHD test for kids today!

What Happens During an ADHD Test for Kids?

ADHD tests for kids aren’t simple quizzes; they are not a one-and-done process.

Instead, it’s a comprehensive assessment. Professionals gather information from different sources to get the complete picture of your child’s behaviour and needs.

This helps us see if your child has ADHD or if something else might be causing the challenges.

The assessment process usually includes:

• Talking to You (The Parents). We’ll ask about your child’s history, development, and what you’ve observed at home.
• Getting Input from Teachers. Teachers spend a lot of time with your child, so their observations are also very important. They’ll often complete questionnaires about your child’s behaviour in the classroom.
• Observing Your Child. Sometimes, a professional will observe your child directly, either in a clinical setting or at school.
• Using Checklists and Rating Scales. These are standardized forms. You and the teachers might complete checklists, like the SNAP-IV-26, that help measure the frequency and severity of ADHD symptoms.²
• Ruling Out Other Possibilities. The assessment will check for other conditions that can sometimes look like ADHD, such as learning disabilities, anxiety, or even sleep problems.³ This step is significant for getting the right support.

How Psychoeducational Assessments Help

A psychoeducational assessment offered by a registered psychologist is a valuable tool for understanding a child’s learning strengths and weaknesses. 

This in-depth evaluation goes beyond a basic ADHD screening. It determines if any other learning or emotional challenges should be addressed.

It looks at things like:

• Thinking Skills (Cognitive Abilities). How your child learns, remembers, and solves problems.
• Academic Skills. Reading, writing, and math abilities.
• Attention and Executive Functioning. Skills like planning, organizing, and staying focused. These are often areas where kids with ADHD struggle.
• Social-Emotional Functioning. How your child manages their emotions and interacts with others.

Supporting Your Child Through Diagnosis

Talking about testing your child for ADHD, let alone receiving a diagnosis, can feel overwhelming. We understand.

But it’s the first step towards accessing support for your child and yourself.

So, how can you stay supportive and positive?

Open communication. Be open with your child, family, the school, and the professionals helping you.

Ask questions, share your concerns, and actively participate in the process.

Explain to your child that the tests will determine how they learn and think.

Be very clear that having ADHD does not mean that they are broken or that something is wrong with them. And they didn’t do anything wrong. It only means that their brain works a little differently than other kids.

(It’s crucial that you also understand this – you didn’t do anything wrong, and there’s nothing wrong with them. Getting your child tested for ADHD is doing something right.)

An ADHD test will help us find ways to help your child thrive.

We can help with this process. Our Positive Kids team offers counselling and tutoring to support children with ADHD.

We focus on building skills and confidence. Our programs use social-emotional learning to help children thrive.

What Happens After the Tests?

After the tests, professionals will talk about the results. If your child has ADHD, they will discuss treatment options. These may include therapy, medication, or both.⁴ 

• Therapy helps children learn coping strategies.
• Medication can help manage symptoms.

Positive Kids: Supporting Families Through ADHD

We understand that an ADHD diagnosis for your child is a big deal. But know that we’re here to help.

Our team at Positive Kids provides comprehensive assessments and support. We use a holistic, collaborative approach, working with you and your child to create a plan that meets their needs.

Our services include counselling, tutoring, and parenting classes.

We focus on your child’s strengths and help them build skills so that they will feel confident and successful.  

If you’re looking for an ADHD test for kids, book a Positive Kids appointment today.

Let’s Help Your Child Thrive!

Sources:

1. https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder 
2. https://www.caddra.ca/public-information/children/forms/
3. https://www.cfp.ca/content/cfp/66/10/732.full.pdf 
4. https://bc.cmha.ca/documents/attention-deficithyperactivity-disorder-in-children-and-youth/ 

Disclaimer: Positive Kids is here to support your family’s journey with tools and strategies that nurture growth. The information in this blog is meant to inspire and guide; it is not a substitute for professional advice tailored to your child’s unique needs. If you have questions about what’s best for your little one, we’d love to connect. Reach out to our team today!