ADHD: Diagnosis & Treatment

Early diagnosis and treatment of ADHD can help minimize symptoms.

We can help minimize your symptoms

Difficulty with Focus

Children and adults with ADHD often have a hard time regulating their emotions and behavior. Common symptoms include challenges with organization, impulsivity, and lack of follow through on activities.

You or your child may fidget constantly and need to move around all the time, even when others are able to stay still. Self-control is a challenge, and you or your child may talk excessively, interrupting conversation and being constantly ‘on the go’.

There are Multiple Types of ADHD

A child with ADHD does not always act the same way. Some children are primarily inattentive, but able to sit still, which can often delay diagnosis. Others will be primarily of the hyperactive-impulsive variety, which brings them to clinical attention earlier because of disruption in the classroom or at home. Some children present with both types of symptoms. Although treatment is similar with each type of ADHD, we’ll work with your child to identify the optimal treatment plan for long-term success.

Adults with ADHD often have difficulty paying attention, and can struggle with impulsive behavior. Adult ADHD can result in unstable relationships, poor work or school performance, low self-esteem, and other problems, including anxiety and depression.

ADHD Testing for Children and Adults

We offer comprehensive ADHD evaluations for children and adults. Our goal is to provide clarity, answers, and a clear plan for moving forward.

Testing can

Confirm or clarify a diagnosis of ADHD, and identify whether other conditions are involved
Create insight into the severity of symptoms and how they affect daily life
Determine whether medication or other treatments may be helpful
Provide personalized recommendations for work, school, and home
Offer guidance on next steps, including therapy, strategies, or medication options if appropriate

ADHD Testing for Children

Children are often referred for testing by a pediatrician or school when there are concerns about focus, behavior, or learning. ADHD can look different in every child.

Through testing, we identify your child’s unique profile and recommend the optimal treatment plan to support long-term success at school and at home. Recommendations can be used to determine accommodations, learning plans, and incorporated into IEPs. Parents are an integral part of the testing process, and families are given support and guidance to help their child thrive.

Testing for children is offered in-person in our New York, Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia offices.

ADHD Testing for Adults

ADHD often continues into adulthood, though symptoms may look different. Many adults may wonder with their own struggles with impulsivity, poor time management, and difficulty completing tasks could be signs of ADHD. Symptoms may have been missed in childhood, or begin causing more problems with the rigorous demands of work or adult relationships. Often when a child is diagnosed with ADHD, the parent recognizes that their own challenges with focus, organization, or emotional regulation could by symptoms of ADHD.

For adults who have questions about a possible ADHD diagnosis, we offer two types of evaluations:

Neuropsychological Testing:

Our comprehensive neuropsychological assessments provide an in-depth understanding of attention, learning, and emotional functioning. This type of assessment can better distinguish ADHD from other conditions that may be causing the attention and concentration difficulties, procrastination, and forgetfulness. A full assessment addresses neuropsychological, social and emotional conditions and clarifies whether medication, therapy, or other interventions are appropriate. The concluding report includes an individualized treatment plan with tailored recommendations to improve functioning at work, home, school, and in daily life. A comprehensive assessment typically involves multiple sessions with the psychologist, and includes a hybrid of in-person and virtual sessions.

Focused ADHD Assessment:

For adults who are appropriate candidates, we also offer a focused ADHD assessment. Our accelerated evaluation is designed to provide a faster path to diagnosis of ADHD. This option focuses specifically on ADHD symptoms and diagnostic clarity, offering a streamlined alternative to more extensive neuropsychological testing. The testing and can typically be completed in a single day, and is conveniently offered virtually to individuals living in New York, Virginia, Washington DC, Maryland, or anyone residing in a PsyPact state. Sessions can also be scheduled in-person in our Virginia office.

To learn more or determine which option is right for you, please contact us at vainfo@rosscenter.com or call 703-687-6610. Learn more about psychological testing and assessment services at The Ross Center HERE.

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We Can Help

Our team of experienced psychologists and psychiatrists offers services ranging from testing and assessment to therapy and medication. Once we’ve assessed you or your child, we’ll discuss treatment options with you and collaboratively decide on the best approach to minimize symptoms and improve behavior and self-control. This can involve therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

Proper treatment enhances organizational and time management skills, reduces impulsive behavior, and provides you or your child with strategies and problem solving skills to enrich your life.

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