Understanding ADHD: What Every Parent Should Know Before an Evaluation
When a teacher mentions concerns about focus or impulsivity, it can stir up a mix of worry and relief, because finally, there’s a word for what you’ve noticed, but what does it actually mean?
For many parents in La Jolla and across San Diego, the possibility of ADHD brings both clarity and new questions.
You may be wondering what to expect, how serious it is, and whether an evaluation will actually help. As a child psychologist in La Jolla who works with ADHD every day, here is what I want you to know before taking that next step.
What ADHD Really Looks Like in Everyday Life
ADHD is much more than “being hyper” or “not paying attention.” It shows up differently across ages, stages, and genders, and it often looks nothing like the stereotypes.
1. Inattentiveness can be quiet and easily overlooked
Some children drift off, miss details, forget instructions, or seem like they are “in their own world.” They may try incredibly hard, but the mental effort it takes to stay organized or focused is exhausting.
2. Emotional intensity is extremely common
ADHD does not only affect attention. It impacts emotional regulation, too. Parents often describe big reactions to small frustrations, sensitivity to criticism, and difficulty calming down once upset.
The emotional regulation difficulties can be particularly noticeable during the teenage years.
3. Family conflict can increase when ADHD goes unrecognized
Many parents blame themselves, and many children feel misunderstood. This combination can lead to:
Daily power struggles over routines, homework, mornings, or chores
A sense that everyone is “walking on eggshells”
Parents feeling frustrated because consequences don’t seem to work
Kids feeling ashamed because they can’t do what is being asked
Why an ADHD Evaluation Helps (And What It Includes)
A comprehensive ADHD evaluation in San Diego is not about labeling your child. It is about understanding their strengths, challenges, and what supports will help them thrive. ADHD evaluations can be particularly helpful if your child is showing any of the ADHD signs above.
What an ADHD evaluation typically includes:
1. Clinical interviews
These conversations help us understand:
Developmental history
School experiences
Emotional and behavioral patterns
Strengths your child already brings
2. Behavior questionnaires
Standardized questionnaires about your child help us understand the severity of your child’s symptoms. While every child may display some inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, these questionnaires help us understand to what extent they are normative for your child’s age.
In addition to assessing for ADHD, we also assess for common comorbid concerns such as anxiety and depression.
3. Standardized testing
Depending on your child’s needs, we may also perform cognitive and academic testing. Given that learning disabilities commonly co-occur with an ADHD diagnosis, it’s important to understand if an underlying learning difference may be worsening your child’s current symptoms.
4. School feedback
Teachers often see patterns at school that look different from home. Collaboration helps ensure we are seeing the full picture of how your child is doing when they are at school.
After the Evaluation: What Happens Next
Once the evaluation is complete, we schedule a feedback session to review the results and recommendations with your family.
Depending on the results of your evaluation, we may recommend a variety of supports that can help your entire family thrive. If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, a variety of supports are likely the most effective path forward.
1. Executive functioning support
Children learn strategies for planning, organization, managing tasks, and reducing overwhelm. This may include visual schedules, structured routines, or home strategies that match your child’s brain.
Depending on your child’s age, these strategies may be taught to you as a parent, or to your child.
2. Family-focused strategies
We work together to reduce tension, simplify communication, and teach parents how to respond in ways that build connection rather than conflict. This is especially helpful when power struggles have been happening for months or years. Parent-focused treatments are considered the most effective treatment for ADHD, when it comes to reducing family conflict.
3. School and learning support
With a clear evaluation, schools are better able to understand and support your child. ADHD kids often thrive with accommodations at school, such as flexible seating, organizational support, or additional tutoring.
After the evaluation, we’ll provide you with a clear plan on the most effective ways to support your child at school.
Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD Evaluations
How do I know if my child really needs testing?
If you are noticing persistent challenges with attention, impulsivity, emotional intensity, or schoolwork, an evaluation can help bring clarity. Here’s a helpful guide to look more in-depth at common ADHD signs: 5 Signs Your Child May Need ADHD Testing
Is ADHD overdiagnosed?
Research shows ADHD is not overdiagnosed, but it can be misdiagnosed when evaluations do not take into account the full picture of your child’s emotional, behavioral, and learning symptoms.
Can my child outgrow ADHD?
Some symptoms may improve with age and maturity, and we tend to see a decrease in hyperactivity symptoms as children age. At the same time, ADHD is considered a chronic condition that presents differently across the lifespan.
Will medication be required?
Medication is one option, but not a requirement if your child receives a diagnosis of ADHD. We will discuss with you all the ADHD treatment options, based upon the best evidence and your child’s unique cognitive, learning, and social-emotional profile.
Where to Get an ADHD Evaluation in San Diego
If you are noticing signs of ADHD and wondering whether an evaluation is the right next step, please know this: seeking clarity does not mean something is “wrong” with your child. It means you care deeply about understanding them.
With the right information and support, children with ADHD can thrive emotionally, academically, and within their families. If you are looking to schedule an ADHD evaluation in San Diego, our La Jolla practice is here to walk alongside you with compassion, expertise, and practical tools that make daily life feel easier for your child and your family.
Evaluations for Kids and Children with ADHD and Other Concerns
When your child is struggling with focus, behavior, or school performance, it can feel overwhelming to know what’s really going on.
Our psychological evaluations at SoCal Child Psychology provide families across San Diego with answers and a roadmap for support. From ADHD and learning differences to anxiety and other concerns, we use evidence-based assessments to identify your child’s unique needs.
With this knowledge, you can advocate confidently at school and make informed choices about treatment. Reach out today to schedule a child ADHD evaluation in San Diego or La Jolla and give your family the clarity you deserve.