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What Tests Do I Request for a Child With ADHD?

A child who has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) will encounter unique challenges in life. If you or a caregiver suspect a child may have ADHD, knowing what tests are available will help make that determination.

  1. Types of ADD/ADHD

    • There is a difference between ADD and ADHD. A child with ADD struggles primarily with inattention whereas a child with ADHD has the hyperactive component. Sometimes children will be diagnosed as having "combined type," which means they are both inattentive and hyperactive.

    Diagnosing ADHD

    • A doctor or psychologist can diagnose ADHD using basic criteria either from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or the American Academy of Pediatrics. If a child meets the general criteria, no further testing may be required.

    Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)

    • The CBCL is a tool that can be filled out by parents, teachers, or other adults working with a child. It has a series of items that are rated as never (to your knowledge), sometimes, or often/ mostly. Some items pertain to ADHD, allowing a practitioner to gather multiple reports to determine whether a child may meet the criteria for diagnosis.

    Conners Continuous Performance Tests

    • The Conners Continuous Performance Tests (CPT-II) and the Connors Kiddie (for ages 4-5 only) are computer based tests that measure four different types of attention. The CPT-II is an objective measure that serves as an excellent supplement to subjective information like the CBCL.

    Tests of Variable Attention

    • Tests of Variable Attention (TOVA) are also computer-based tests that can specifically track deterioration of attention of time. The TOVA can also monitor the effects of medication. If your child is prescribed an ADHD medication like Concerta, the test can help assess whether the medication is working.

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