CHILD ADHD ASSESSMENT IN CALGARY
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ADHD Assessment for Children in Calgary Alberta
At Calgary Mind & Wellness Clinic in Calgary, we provide comprehensive ADHD assessments tailored specifically for children to identify symptoms, understand their impact, and create effective intervention strategies.
Symptoms of ADHD in Children:
The main features of ADHD include not paying attention and being hyperactive and impulsive. ADHD symptoms usually start before age 12. In some children, they can be seen as early as 3 years of age. ADHD symptoms can be mild, moderate or severe. Symptoms need to be seen in two or more settings, such as at home and at school. The symptoms cause problems with development and daily life and may continue into adulthood.
ADHD occurs more often in boys than in girls. Behaviours can be different in boys and girls. For example, boys may be more hyperactive and girls may tend to quietly not pay attention.
There are three types of ADHD:
- Predominately inattentive. In this type, most symptoms fall under inattention. This means having trouble focusing and staying on a task. It also includes trouble getting and staying organized.
- Predominately hyperactive and impulsive. In this type, most symptoms involve being hyperactive and impulsive. Hyperactive means being too active and having too much energy. It may include disruptive behavior. Being impulsive means acting without thinking ahead about the results or effects of behavior.
- Combined. This type is a mix of inattentive symptoms and hyperactive and impulsive symptoms. The person meets the criteria for both predominately inattentive and predominately hyperactive and impulsive types of ADHD.
Inattentive symptoms
A child who shows a pattern of inattention may often:
- Fail to pay close attention to details or make careless mistakes in schoolwork.
- Have trouble staying focused in tasks or play.
- Seem not to listen, even when spoken to directly.
- Have a hard time following through on instructions and not finish schoolwork or chores.
- Have trouble organizing tasks and activities.
- Stay away from or not like tasks that need focused mental effort, such as homework.
- Lose items needed for tasks or activities, for example, toys, school assignments, pencils.
- Be easily distracted by other things, thoughts or activities rather than finishing a task.
- Forget to do some daily activities, such as forgetting to do chores.
Hyperactive and impulsive symptoms
A child who shows a pattern of hyperactive and impulsive symptoms may often:
- Fidget with or tap hands or feet, or squirm in the seat.
- Have a hard time staying seated in the classroom or in other situations.
- Be on the go, in constant motion.
- Run around or climb in situations when it’s not proper.
- Have trouble playing or doing an activity quietly.
- Talk too much.
- Blurt out answers, interrupting the questioner.
- Have trouble waiting for a turn.
- Interrupt others’ conversations, games or activities.
Our experienced psychologists in Calgary are dedicated to providing thorough and supportive assessments, ensuring you receive actionable insights to help your child thrive. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and support your child’s development.
What does a Comprehensive ADHD Assessment Include?
- An interview with parents to gather insights into the child’s developmental and medical background, along with their current capabilities.
- A child-friendly dialogue aimed at understanding the child’s personal experiences.
- Additional clinical interviews as deemed necessary.
- Rating scales filled out by parents and teachers to assess the child’s social, emotional, and behavioral functioning.
- Self-report questionnaires from the child.
- A review of past educational and medical records.
- Individual testing to evaluate the child’s problem-solving abilities, learning styles, and cognitive processing.
- Academic performance assessments.
- An analysis of executive functioning to identify strengths and potential areas for improvement.
- Identifying barriers to learning and proposing effective strategies for support.
- An evaluation of the child’s social, emotional, and behavioral functioning for a comprehensive view.
- A standard pediatric exam or neurodevelopmental screening to rule out any underlying medical issues that could mimic ADHD symptoms.
- Observations of the child in everyday environments (like home or school) for high-frequency behaviors.
- Depending on individual needs, additional assessments may cover memory, motor skills, and visual-spatial abilities.
- Other assessment options may be suggested, such as screenings for vision and hearing, along with formal evaluations of speech and language.
- A detailed report summarizing assessment findings and recommending any necessary school accommodations and home support strategies.
- A feedback session to review the assessment results, discuss recommendations, and answer any questions from parents.
- Meetings with schools and reviews of Individualized Program Plans (IPP) are also encouraged, available for an additional hourly fee.
Benefits of ADHD Assessmwent
An ADHD assessment for your child provides accurate diagnosis, tailored intervention strategies, improved academic performance, and enhanced family support to foster their overall growth and development.
- Accurate Diagnosis: A thorough assessment provides an accurate diagnosis, helping to differentiate ADHD from other behavioral or learning issues, ensuring your child receives the appropriate support and interventions.
- Tailored Intervention Strategies: The assessment identifies specific strengths and challenges, allowing for personalized intervention strategies that cater to your child’s unique needs and enhance their learning and social skills.
- Improved Academic Performance: Early identification and intervention can lead to improved academic performance by addressing attention and focus challenges, helping your child achieve their full potential in school.
- Enhanced Family Support: Understanding your child’s ADHD can foster better communication and collaboration among family members, allowing everyone to work together effectively to support your child’s growth and development.
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