ADHD Testing
Learn more about ADHD testing and how it can help you thrive at school, at work, and in daily life
Understanding ADHD Testing
ADHD testing requires a comprehensive evaluation of key areas of functioning, including:
Attention and focus
Impulse control
Emotional regulation
Executive functioning skills (planning, organization, working memory, time management)
These evaluations provide a deeper understanding of how someone learns, works, and manages day-to-day life. At PBA Psychology, ADHD testing is often conducted as part of comprehensive psychological testing, ensuring that all areas of functioning are considered.
Emotional and Life Impacts of Untreated ADHD
When ADHD goes unrecognized or untreated, it can affect multiple areas of life:
Self-esteem struggles: Repeated difficulties at work, school, or home can leave someone feeling “lazy” or “inadequate.”
Relationship strain: Impulsivity, forgetfulness, or emotional outbursts can create tension with partners, family members, and friends.
Chronic stress and burnout: The constant effort to keep up with responsibilities can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, or depression.
Academic or career challenges: Difficulty with organization, time management, and focus may limit educational or professional achievement.
ADHD testing can provide clarity and tools to mitigate these emotional and functional impacts, improving overall quality of life.
Why Get ADHD Testing?
Many people -children, teens, and adults - struggle for years before realizing that ADHD may be at the root of their difficulties. Common challenges include:
Trouble staying focused at school, work, or during conversations
Feeling disorganized or overwhelmed by tasks
Difficulty meeting deadlines or managing time effectively
Forgetting details or losing track of important items
Emotional sensitivity, frustration, or difficulty regulating moods
Testing provides clarity and validation. It helps determine whether symptoms are due to ADHD, another condition (such as anxiety, depression, or a learning disorder), or a combination of factors.
A Real-Life Example: Child
‘Alex’, an 11-year-old, was bright and creative but struggled in the classroom. He often forgot homework, had difficulty sitting still during lessons, and became frustrated with tasks that required sustained attention. His teachers noted that he was easily distracted and sometimes disruptive. After ADHD testing, Alex received a clear diagnosis and recommendations for school accommodations, organizational strategies, and behavioral supports. With a structured plan and ongoing guidance from his parents and teachers, Alex’s confidence improved, and he began to thrive academically and socially.
Stories like Alex’s and Sarah’s are common. ADHD testing helps shift the narrative from frustration and confusion to understanding and actionable solutions.
A Real-Life Example: Adult
Take ‘Sarah’, for instance. As a successful professional in her mid-30s, she always assumed her constant lateness, unfinished projects, and racing thoughts were just part of her personality. But these challenges began to affect her career and relationships. After undergoing ADHD testing, Sarah finally had answers. Her evaluation revealed not only ADHD but also areas of strong problem-solving skills and creativity that had been masked by her struggles with organization. With her results, she gained access to workplace accommodations, strategies for time management, and therapy focused on emotional regulation. For the first time, she felt empowered rather than “broken.”
ADHD Testing for Children, Teens, and Adults
Children & Teens: ADHD testing can clarify why a student struggles with attention, learning, or behavior. Results can guide IEPs, 504 Plans, and targeted school interventions.
Adults: Many adults reach their 20s, 30s, or even later before seeking ADHD testing. For adults, testing provides answers for long-standing difficulties with focus, organization, and relationships, and can support workplace accommodations or career planning.
ADHD Testing: Psychoeducational vs. Neuropsychological Contexts
ADHD testing can be included within different types of assessments depending on the needs of the client:
Psychoeducational Testing: Focuses on academic achievement, learning styles, and identifying learning disabilities alongside ADHD. Results often lead to school-based supports like IEPs or 504 Plans.
Neuropsychological Testing: Provides a deeper evaluation of memory, attention, problem-solving, and other brain-based functions. This helps differentiate ADHD from other conditions like depression, anxiety, traumatic brain injury, or neurodegenerative disorders.
By understanding where ADHD symptoms appear, whether in the classroom, workplace, or daily life, our clinicians tailor the evaluation process to provide the most useful and accurate results.
What ADHD Testing Can Reveal
ADHD testing goes beyond simply checking off a list of symptoms. It provides:
A clear diagnosis (or ruling out ADHD if it is not present)
Insight into cognitive strengths and weaknesses
Recommendations for school accommodations (like extended time, organizational supports, or tutoring strategies)
Guidance for workplace accommodations (like task management tools, structured schedules, or environmental modifications)
Treatment planning, including therapy, coaching, and medical referrals if needed
The Value of Comprehensive Psychological Testing
At PBA Psychology, ADHD testing is not conducted in isolation. Because symptoms of ADHD often overlap with other conditions, our clinicians use comprehensive psychological testing to gain a complete picture. This ensures that recommendations are accurate, individualized, and actionable.
Taking the Next Step
If you or your child have been struggling with focus, organization, or emotional regulation, ADHD testing can provide the answers you’ve been searching for. At PBA Psychology, our team specializes in thorough, ADHD evaluations designed to clarify challenges and guide next steps.
Let’s Take the Next Step Together
WE CAN HELP.
REACH OUT TODAY.
Phone: 310.271.2275
BEVERLY HILLS LOCATION
9350 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 212
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
DOWNTOWN LA LOCATION
714 W. Olympic Blvd, Suite 926
Los Angeles, CA 90015