Psychological Assessments

Welcome to our Psychological Assessment Services!

We specialize in comprehensive, culturally informed assessments for Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Learning Disabilities (LD) for adults (18+) using carefully selected standardized measures to address your concerns and provide the highest quality of care. Our assessments are thorough and multifaceted, ensuring we gater not only diagnostic information, but also a complete picture of your social and emotional health, challenges and strengths, and the unique ways your brain processes information. While one key goal is diagnostic clarity, our ultimate goal is to provide you with actionable insights, resources, and recommendations based on your specific needs and goals.​

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A Reminder

You have made it this far! You've likely developed numerous useful compensatory strategies that helped you get to where you are, but they may no longer be working in the face of a new challenge or level of demand (e.g. school, dissertation, job, or promotion). Despite the current struggles you are facing, this demonstrates resiliency, persistence, and resourcefulness - and you are taking yet another positive action by considering/seeking testing! ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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What Does the ADHD Assessment Include?

Our comprehensive ADHD assessment typically includes tests of cognitive ability, tests of academic achievement, a test of visual and auditory attention, and measures of various psychological symptoms. You will also be asked to provide, when possible, additional information, such as your resume, transcripts/academic records, and other collateral information (completed by someone close to you).

 

What Does the ADHD Assessment Process Look Like?

1. Initial Appointment: You will meet with a clinician in our assessment team for an initial consultation appointment.

2. In-depth Clinical Interview: You will be asked about your developmental, medical, family, academic, and psychosocial history. You will also take screening measures to evaluate your concerns related to ADHD. This process includes screenings for other neurodevelopmental conditions (i.e., learning disorders and autism spectrum disorder) and psychological conditions*. Depending on the results, your clinician will discuss if you should proceed with further testing and what type of testing is recommended.

3. Comprehensive ADHD Testing: You will undergo a set of tests that are selected to fully address your concerns. This appointment can take 5 or more hours and can be scheduled over multiple appointments.

4. Compiling Data/Interpreting/Creating a Report: Your clinician will interpret your test results and prepare a comprehensive report. This process usually takes at least a few weeks.

5. Feedback Appointment: Once your report is ready, you will be contacted for a feedback appointment. During this appointment, you and your clinician will go over your results together. You will receive personalized recommendations and resources.

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Why do Many Adults with ADHD not get Diagnosed Earlier?

Many adults were not diagnosed with ADHD earlier in life due to many factors, such as you did very well in school and/or you did not have academic or behavioral issues about which your parents and teachers became concerned. We also see undiagnosed ADHD more often among women, people of color, and women of color - even with a prior evaluation. We explore the reasons your symptoms may have been overlooked or misdiagnosed. Many traditional assessments are embedded in white, male-centered perspectives and norms, which can fail to capture how symptoms and struggles may look different for people of varying genders, races, ethnicities, and cultures. We explore how these identit(ies) and experiences can reflect varying presentations of ADHD and will consider this deeply in how we interpret the results of the assessments. 

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We will also consider the role of masking in your experiences and struggles, and in the possibility of a previously missed detection and/or diagnosis. 

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A Few Resources

• What does ADHD look like in women? (additudemag.com)

• Four Steps Towards Better Serving Black and Brown Girls and Women with ADHD (Duke Center for Girls and Women with ADHD)

• Understanding the Asian-American ADHD Experience: Overcoming Stigma, Embracing Empowerment: The unique challenges and opportunities for the AAPI ADHD community

• For Asian Americans, ADHD diagnosis brings closure after years of being ignored

• My Experience Being Neurodivergent & Having ADHD As a Latina

• Understanding the Latinx ADHD Experience

• Neurodiversity in the LatinX Community

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The Hunter-Gatherer theory of ADHD: ADHD is not a deficit but is a natural variation in humans with historical advantages that led to its development

• Traits associated with ADHD such as a heightened capacity to detect subtle changes in their surroundings, the ability to hyper-focus on a target of interest, and the ability to make swift decisions and take swift action in high-stakes situations would be highly valuable in hunters.

• Traits such as novelty seeking, spontaneity, impulsivity, and higher risk-taking could have been very beneficial in finding food and new resources, and initiating moving on more quickly to new territories if resources were dwindling, helping sustain the livelihood of the group.

 

Strengths of ADHD: Don't despair that you were born in the wrong era! While being neurodivergent certainly has challenges in present-day society, ADHD has many strengths that can be harnessed for personal and professional success including:

• Creativity and Innovative Thinking: Individuals with ADHD often excel in creative fields due to their ability to think outside the box. They might approach problems and tasks from unique angles, leading to innovative solutions and original ideas. This unconventional thinking can drive progress and lead to breakthrough concepts.

• Creative Problem-Solving: People with ADHD are adept at navigating complex problems with their distinctive problem-solving skills. Their tendency to diverge from traditional methods means they can devise novel approaches to overcoming obstacles, which can be particularly advantageous in dynamic or rapidly changing environments.

• High Energy Levels and Focus on Interests: When engaged in activities they are passionate about, individuals with ADHD can exhibit remarkable focus and sustained energy. This intense engagement can lead to exceptional productivity and a deep dive into their areas of interest, often resulting in high-quality work and significant achievements.

• Resilience: The need to adapt and develop coping strategies in response to various challenges can foster resilience in people with ADHD. Their experiences often equip them with the ability to bounce back from setbacks, handle stress effectively, and persist in the face of adversity.

• Spontaneity: A natural inclination towards spontaneity can make individuals with ADHD adventurous and open to new experiences. This trait can lead to a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle, as well as the ability to seize opportunities and make the most of unexpected situations.

• Willingness to Take Risks: A propensity for risk-taking can enable individuals with ADHD to venture into new territories and tackle challenges that others might shy away from. This boldness can sometimes lead to significant rewards and breakthroughs, as their willingness to explore uncharted paths often results in novel and impactful outcomes.

• Unique Perspective: ADHD often comes with a different way of seeing the world, which can be highly valuable. This unique perspective allows individuals to offer insights and viewpoints that others might not consider, enriching discussions and decision-making processes.

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