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 measures 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.
What To Tell Your Child About The Evaluation
One of the most helpful things you can do before your child’s ADHD or comprehensive evaluation is to open up the lines of communication. Kids often feel more at ease when they understand what’s happening and why.
Start by reassuring your child that the evaluation isn’t about finding something “wrong” with them. Instead, it’s a way to understand how their brain works best, so parents, teachers, and therapists can better support their learning, focus, and emotions.
It’s also important to explain what the evaluation will involve. Many children hear the word “test” and assume it means medical procedures, like shots or bloodwork. You can reassure them that this type of evaluation doesn’t include anything like that—no needles, no physical exams.
Let them know that most of the activities will feel like a mix of puzzles, memory games, problem-solving tasks, and questions about their feelings or experiences. Framing it this way can make the process feel more approachable and even a bit fun.
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.
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.