Understanding ADHD Testing for Kids in San Diego: How to Prepare

As a child psychologist in San Diego, I have worked with plenty of kids and teens I’ve worked with many kids and teens who are struggling in school, at home, or with their emotions, and their parents are looking for answers. One of the best ways to gain clarity is through psychological testing.

There’s no blood test or scan that can be done to determine if a child has ADHD. So, doctors rely on several different methods to gather as much information as possible. 

Through things like interviews, an understanding of family history, and even different rating scales and questionnaires, doctors can typically make a very accurate diagnosis when it comes to children with ADHD. 

But, if your child has been dealing with symptoms for a while, they might be a bit nervous about going to the doctor or even getting officially diagnosed.

 
 

As a parent, you might be experiencing those same nerves. Thankfully, there are things you can do to prepare your child for ADHD testing.

Doing so can give you both peace of mind and help to ensure they receive the right diagnosis. 

Be Ready to Ask Questions

One of the best things you can do to comfort your child and yourself is to prepare questions to ask the psychologist ahead of time.

  • Don’t be afraid to discuss the different methods they’ll use to test your child for ADHD.

  • Ask if they can explain those methods to your child.

It’s also a good rule of thumb to ask if there are any other possible underlying conditions that could be causing your child’s symptoms.

It’s important for the psychologist to consider every possible option before making a diagnosis. 

Create a Calm Environment

Your child might be stressed or nervous before ADHD testing, and that’s normal. Do what you can to create a relaxing environment for them before they go through the process. 

  • The night before, making sure they get plenty of rest.

  • Prepare a breakfast they love, read together, and play relaxing music.

  • You might even try doing something physical with them, like going for a walk before the testing.

Finding small ways to reduce your child’s stress before testing can make a big difference in how they handle the experience.

We schedule our child psychological evaluation appointments in San Diego the mornings and on Saturdays. It’s best if your child is well-rested and hasn’t already been at school for a majority of the day, or else they may not be able to fully participate in testing.

Keep Them Comfortable

Physical exams are often part of the ADHD testing process.

Make sure your child wears comfortable clothing and understands that the doctor will not only ask them questions, but will likely check their height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse.

Again, they need to rule out other conditions, so a full physical exam is often necessary. 

Talk About Possibilities

If your child is old enough to really understand what ADHD is, don’t hesitate to discuss with them what might happen if they’re officially diagnosed. 

  • Children with ADHD often manage their symptoms with medication, therapy, or a combination of both.

  • Having a doctor or psychological explain the treatments, such as medication can be helpful for kids and teens.

  • Let your child know their doctor will fine-tune their treatment to find something that works for your whole family. 

ADHD Testing in La Jolla

One of the most common reasons families seek psychological testing in San Diego and La Jolla is to better understand attention and learning concerns. At SoCal Child Psychology, we provide thorough ADHD evaluations and learning assessments designed to clarify whether difficulties are due to attention challenges, a specific learning disorder, or a combination of both.

ADHD Therapy in San Diego

If your child has gone through ADHD testing, therapy can be a great option to help with their challenges. The most effective ADHD counseling, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, includes parents learning ways to adapt their approach to fit their child’s needs.

Feel free to contact me to learn more about the benefits of therapy for ADHD or to set up an appointment for your family.

Local San Diego Resources

In addition to working with a licensed child psychologist for testing, families often benefit from additional support in San Diego. We may recommend that children diagnosed with ADHD participate in executive functioning coaching, tutoring, or other supports.

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Navigating ADHD: Study Tips for the Neurodivergent Brain

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Dyslexia Testing for Teens: How to Know When Your Child Needs Help