ADHD/ASD Assessment (6+)
Evaluations are conducted in person at our Assessment Center in Palo Alto, CA or Pleasanton, CA, or via telehealth.
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What Are ADHD/ASD Assessments (Ages 6+)?
The main purpose of an ADHD or ASD assessment for children or adults is trying to give you a better understanding of your or your child’s capabilities. These are sometimes called “neurodiversity” assessments because both ADHD and ASD are conditions that fall into that category.
What this means is our brains sometimes work differently than others. Some aspects of neurodiversity can have an impact on learning and educational styles in children. Some aspects of neurodiversity may have an impact on adult lives, including challenges with social communication in the workplace, relationships, and friendships.
ADHD or ASD assessments give you or your child a “snapshot” of capabilities using standardized assessment. There are formal and informal modes of ADHD and ASD assessment. At Merit Psychology Group we pride ourselves in standardized and research-driven assessment. Contact us to find out more!
ADHD Evaluation
What is ADHD?
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition (i.e., develops in childhood) and can cause symptoms of inattention (pervasive trouble focusing visually and aurally), hyperactivity (feeling restless, on the go, or driven by a motor), and impulsivity (not being able to stop yourself from acting despite consequences).
- ADHD starts in childhood (and usually families start to see concerns when children are school-aged or sometimes younger. It is a condition that continues through adolescence and adulthood.
- ADHD can be diagnosed later in adulthood but there are sometimes overlapping reasons for inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that also have to be evaluated as an adult.
- ADHD in children can cause trouble in school performance but it can also lower a child's self-esteem and can have a significant impact on social interactions.
- When children don't have the coping skills to manage the symptoms of ADHD, they sometimes experience school avoidance, and behavioral acting out.
- For teens and young adults, ADHD which is not identified until later in life can also have an emotional and psychological impact.
- Often by the time children age into teens, they have anxiety and depression around school performance which can manifest as defiance, anger, intolerance to challenging situations, and avoidance of things they normally enjoy.
- It is important to assess children as early as possible for these concerns. That is why Merit Psychology Group, A Professional Psychology Corporation believes in comprehensive assessment to tailor interventions and support growth and learning.
What Are the Steps of an ADHD Evaluation?
Step #1: Initial Interview
- ADHD evaluations take a hybrid approach.
- There will be a 60-90 minute parent and child/teen interview or if you are an adult a 60-90 minute interview by telehealth with you about your developmental history.
Step #2: In-Person Assessment*
- You will then come in person for a 4.5-5 hour session. During this session, you will be asked to do challenges and brain teasers that look at all areas of brain function. This includes intelligence, memory, attention, executive function, processing speed, visual abilities, hearing, and achievement.
- These sessions can be broken up into 2 sessions or one long session.
Step #3: Review and Feedback
- Once the assessment is complete, results are reviewed and a feedback session is scheduled for 60 minutes by telehealth. Feedback sessions provide your diagnosis, recommendations for additional services or treatment, and a treatment plan.
Step #4: Detailed Report
- Following feedback, you will receive a detailed report about your performances and abilities to help you get moving toward getting the care you need.
- *It is important to note that assessments can be done via telehealth fully but Merit Psychology Group, A Professional Psychology Corporation prides itself in being able to support in-person patient care quickly and efficiently.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Evaluation
What is ASD?
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) Evaluation is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain.
- People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests.
- People diagnosed with autism may face challenges in their daily lives, but with the right support and resources, they can lead fulfilling and meaningful lives. That is why diagnosis and early intervention are important.
- One of the biggest misconceptions about autism is that people with this disorder cannot lead "normal" lives. This is far from the truth.
What Are the Steps of an ASD Evaluation?
Step #1: Initial Interview
- ASD evaluations take a hybrid approach.
- There will be a 60-90 minute parent and child/teen interview or if you are an adult a 60-90 minute interview by telehealth with you about your developmental history.
Step #2: In-Person Assessment*
- You will then come in person for a 1-2 hour session. During this session, your child will be asked to play games, be observed, and engage in some measures of language functioning and verbal abilities.
Step #3: Online Surveys
- There are also online surveys sent to parents, and teachers to complete.
- And depending on the age of the child, young adult, or adult, there are also surveys they will need to complete. These can be done from a secure link at home.
Step #4: Review and Feedback Session
- Once the assessment is complete, results are reviewed and a feedback session is scheduled for 60 minutes by telehealth. Feedback sessions provide your diagnosis, recommendations for additional services or treatment, and a treatment plan.
Step #5: Detailed Report
- Following feedback, you will receive a detailed report about your performances and abilities to help you move toward getting the care you need.
- *It is important to note that assessments can be done via telehealth fully but Merit Psychology Group, A Professional Psychology Corporation prides itself in being able to support in-person patient care quickly and efficiently.