ADHD Evaluations for Children
Comprehensive, Developmentally Informed ADHD Assessments for Children Ages Birth Through 12
What We Do
When a child is struggling with focus, emotional regulation, impulsivity, or behavioral self-management, families often wonder whether ADHD is the explanation or whether something else might be going on.
These questions are especially common when challenges show up differently at home than they do at school, or when a child's difficulties seem to shift depending on the situation.
A high-quality ADHD evaluation provides clarity. At Everyday Parenting Psychology, our assessments go beyond surface-level symptom checklists to understand the full picture of your child's attention, behavior, emotional regulation, and executive functioning. Because ADHD frequently co-occurs with or is mimicked by anxiety, trauma, sensory processing differences, and developmental delays, our evaluations are designed to differentiate between these possibilities and identify the specific factors driving your child's challenges.
We evaluate children from birth through age 12, using developmentally appropriate methods and tools matched to each age and stage.
When to Consider an ADHD Evaluation
Not every child showing these signs has ADHD, but an evaluation can help determine what is contributing to the behaviors you are seeing and what kind of support would be most effective.
Families commonly seek an ADHD evaluation when they notice:
Difficulty focusing or being easily distracted
Impulsivity or difficulty with self-control
High activity levels or constant movement
Emotional outbursts or low frustration tolerance
Trouble following directions or completing tasks
Difficulty switching between activities
Challenges with daily routines and organization
Frequent daydreaming or seeming "zoned out"
Difficulty with peer interactions
Trouble sitting for meals, school, or structured activities
Our Approach to ADHD Evaluations
Not all ADHD evaluations are the same.
Many assessments miss underlying factors like anxiety, trauma, sensory processing differences, or developmental delays, all of which can mimic or intensify ADHD symptoms. Our approach is designed to give families the most accurate and actionable understanding of their child's needs.
Thorough & Holistic
We look beyond symptoms to understand how attention, behavior, emotions, and development interact in your child's daily life. This broader lens helps ensure that the evaluation captures the full picture, not just the most visible challenges.
Differential Diagnosis Expertise
Our clinicians specialize in differentiating ADHD from other conditions that can present similarly in young children, including autism, anxiety, trauma responses, and developmental differences. Accurate differentiation is essential for ensuring your child receives the right support.
Associated Fees
ADHD evaluations at Everyday Parenting begin at $2,000, with fees varying based on the provider, scope, and complexity of the assessment. Focused ADHD evaluations conducted by Dr. Smith are $2,800, and comprehensive evaluations addressing multiple areas of concern are $4,800.
Specialized in Young Children
ADHD presents differently in toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. Our training in early childhood development allows for accurate interpretation across the full birth-12 age range, including identifying ADHD in very young children when early intervention can make the greatest difference.
What to Expect from an ADHD Evaluation
STEP ONE
Consultation
We start with a brief 15-minute conversation to understand your concerns and answer any questions about the evaluation process. This helps us determine whether an assessment is the right fit and what it would involve.
STEP THREE
Results & Follow-Up
You receive a clear, detailed written report covering diagnostic impressions, developmental patterns, strengths, areas of concern, and practical recommendations. In a dedicated feedback meeting, we review the findings, answer your questions, and outline next steps. Reports include recommendations that can be shared with your child's school team, pediatrician, and other providers.
STEP TWO
Comprehensive Evaluation
The evaluation includes multiple components, tailored to your child's age:
Caregiver interview: A collaborative discussion covering your child's development, behavior, routines, strengths, concerns, history, and daily functioning
Child observation: Observation of your child's attention, regulation, problem-solving, flexibility, and behavior patterns using developmentally appropriate activities. This includes assessment of working memory, impulse control, organization, and emotional regulation
Review of records: When available, we incorporate prior evaluations, IEPs, medical information, or school reports for a focused understanding
Standardized questionnaires: Behavioral and emotional screening tools completed by caregivers, teachers (when applicable), and others involved in your child's care
IQ and neuropsychological testing tools: Developmentally appropriate IQ measures and targeted neuropsychological tests evaluate your child's learning, attention, and executive functioning abilities. This helps identify any developmental delays, clarify cognitive strengths and challenges, and build a complete picture of overall functioning
ADHD Evaluation FAQs
-
We assess children from birth through age 12, including infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children.
-
Evaluation fees range from $2,000 to $4,800, depending on the provider, type, and scope of the assessment. Focused ADHD evaluations begin at $2,800. Comprehensive evaluations that address ADHD alongside other areas of concern, such as autism or broader developmental questions, are $4,800. We review fees during the initial consultation.
-
Yes. When conducted by a specialist in early childhood development, ADHD can be accurately assessed in young children while also ruling out other causes of attention or behavior challenges.
-
This is precisely why a detailed, trauma-informed evaluation matters. Our clinicians are trained to carefully differentiate ADHD from other conditions that can look similar, ensuring your child receives an accurate diagnosis.
-
Yes. The evaluation report includes specific recommendations that can be shared with your child's school team to support accommodations, 504 plans, or IEP development.
-
That is expected and completely fine. Our evaluations are designed to accommodate movement, play, and flexibility, and are developmentally appropriate for active children.
-
Yes. We can evaluate for both ADHD and autism within the same assessment, incorporating autism-specific tools when indicated. Families who want a broader evaluation addressing multiple concerns can also pursue a thorough developmental and behavioral evaluation.
-
Not necessarily. A diagnosis gives you a framework for understanding your child's needs. We discuss all options for managing ADHD and recommend what is most appropriate for your child and family.
-
Most assessments include interviews, questionnaires, and one to two observation sessions, plus a feedback meeting once the report is complete. The process typically takes two to three weeks.
-
A re-evaluation can provide updated guidance, clarify additional needs, or identify other diagnoses that may be complicating the picture.
-
If your child's attention, behavior, emotions, or learning are significantly affected at home or school, an evaluation can help clarify what is going on and how to support them.
Ready to Get Clarity on Your Child's Needs?
Expert Evaluations to Help Your Child Thrive at Home, at School, & Beyond