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Testing for ADHD In Adults

Our evaluations are designed to do more than confirm ADHD. We’re here to uncover how your unique thinking and processing skills work together and identify areas where you might feel stuck. With this insight, we aim to give you strategies that feel practical and empowering, allowing you to move forward confidently.

ADHD Evaluation Options for Adults

Diagnostic Learning Services provides two evaluation options for adults seeking an ADHD assessment:

Comprehensive ADHD Evaluation:

Note: This thorough evaluation also provides the necessary documentation for formal accommodations—such as college-level support and standardized exam accommodations—in addition to supporting ADHD treatment.

This in-depth evaluation examines all areas of cognitive processing, attention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and executive function. It also includes a screening for underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression. The evaluation takes 3.5-4 hours to complete, using both subjective and objective measures. The results offer sufficient documentation for ADHD treatment and can be used for obtaining accommodations at the college level or for standardized exams such as the GRE, LSAT, MCAT, and professional licensing exams.
Focused ADHD Evaluation:

Note: This option is for diagnosis and treatment purposes only and does not meet the documentation requirements for college accommodations or standardized testing.

This evaluation specifically assesses ADHD by testing processing skills affected by inattention and lack of focus. It includes both subjective and objective measures of attention, impulsivity, and activity levels, and is typically completed in 1.5-2 hours, mostly online with face-to-face interaction with the examiner. Additionally, symptom inventories can be sent to family members or close contacts for feedback on behavior at home. This evaluation provides adequate documentation for ADHD treatment but does not support college accommodations or standardized testing needs.

Both evaluations include the Qb Test or Qb Check, an objective measure of attention, impulsivity, and activity level. Click here for more information about the Qb Test.

After the evaluation, we assess whether the individual meets the criteria for an ADHD diagnosis.

ADHD Diagnosis Criteria

To be diagnosed with ADHD, individuals must exhibit at least five of the following nine characteristics outlined in the DSM-5-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), which are categorized into three subtypes:

ADHD: Predominantly Inattentive Type

Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes.
Has difficulty sustaining attention.
Does not seem to listen when spoken to.
Struggles to follow through on tasks or instructions.
Has difficulty with organization.
Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort.
Loses things frequently.
Is easily distracted.
Is forgetful in daily activities.

ADHD: Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Type

Fidgets or squirms in seat.
Has trouble staying seated in situations where it’s expected.
Feels restless or driven to move excessively.
Has trouble engaging in quiet activities.
Acts impulsively, speaking or responding before the situation has fully played out.
Has difficulty waiting for their turn or interrupting others.

ADHD: Combined Type

This type includes a combination of both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive behaviors.

What to Expect During ADHD Testing

What information is needed for an accurate ADHD assessment?

The following elements are crucial not only for diagnosis but also for understanding the impact of ADHD:

Personal History: Collected through self-report (when appropriate), as well as input from family members or roommates.
Learning and Processing Skills Assessment: Evaluating how individuals process and retain information.
Academic Functioning: Identifying any challenges related to focus that may affect work or education. (Comprehensive ADHD Evaluation Only)
Behavior Rating Scales: These help assess executive function, as well as signs of depression, anxiety, and relationship difficulties. Surveys may be sent to family members or colleagues.
Objective Measures: Comparing your attention and activity levels to others in the same age group.
Observations: Behavioral observations made during the evaluation, with input from significant others and those who interact with the individual regularly.
Medical Review: Ruling out any medical conditions that could be contributing to the symptoms.

Tip: Past evaluations often relied solely on symptom surveys, which could lead to misdiagnoses. Our approach uses a comprehensive process for accurate results.

The Qb Check

As part of both ADHD evaluation options, we utilize the Qb Check, an FDA-approved, computer-based test that measures attention, impulsivity, and activity levels in real-time. This advanced technology uses visual tracking to monitor head and body movements while you complete a brief interactive task. By combining Qb Check data with symptom surveys, behavioral observations, and other assessments, we gain a more accurate and objective picture of how ADHD may be affecting you.

Click here for more information about the Qb Check.

Note: The Qb Check adds scientific precision to our evaluations, offering clear, evidence-based insights into your unique challenges and helping you track improvements over time.