When to Get Your Child Evaluated for ADHD
Posted: November 15, 2022
Your child has trouble paying attention in school, is restless/fidgety or constantly daydreams. Is this behavior normal developmentally, or is there something deeper occurring?
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition Revised (DSM-V TR) describes Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as a “persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.” These symptoms have usually persisted for at least 6 months and are negatively impacting aspects of your child’s social and/or academic/occupational activities.
Children with ADHD may often be pegged as a behavioral issue in school. Boys may present as more off task, have difficulty staying in their seat, or may show physical aggression. Girls may be described as, “day dreamers”, could experience lowered self-esteem, or appear withdrawn. However, the symptoms are not black and white for either boys or girls. Children with ADHD may also struggle to meet academic expectations, as they experience more difficulty following school rules or understanding material.
If these characteristics describe your child, it may be time to have them evaluated. A psychological evaluation for ADHD is comprehensive. While parent report is helpful, an evaluation also takes the time to speak to your child and gain insight into their perspectives. The evaluation seeks to understand how and WHY they function the way they do, cognitively, academically, and emotionally. It seeks to give explanations for what to do to help alleviate behavioral difficulties, whether an ADHD diagnosis is the conclusion.
If you have questions or concerns about whether your child’s behavior warrants an evaluation, do not hesitate to contact our office.
Hello! I am Dr. Alyssa Kerrigan, a postdoctoral school psychologist. My goal as a practitioner is to serve as an advocate for your child’s needs. I have had the pleasure of working with children from 2 years old to 18, with wide variety of diagnoses. I enjoy collaborating with and empowering parents through positive techniques and strategies that help them to better understand challenging behavior. I conduct psychological assessments and psychoeducational evaluations for concerns such as ADHD, Developmental Delays, Learning Disabilities, Giftedness, and autism spectrum disorder. I also provide supportive counseling and evidence-based interventions for school aged-children with socio-emotional difficulties.
Dr. Alyssa Kerrigan offers psychoeducational evaluations in Wellington and Palm Beach Gardens.
Learn more about Dr. Alyssa Kerrigan: https://caringtherapistsofbroward.com/staff/alyssa-kerrigan-psy-d/