The behavioral symptom of inattention may be linked to many disorders and etiologies, so it’s important to conduct evaluations carefully. A comprehensive assessment should evaluate many things, including Intellect, Achievement, Attention and Working Memory, Language Functioning, Visual-Spatial Functioning, Executive Functioning, and Personality Development.
When evaluating for ADHD, we are simultaneous evaluating and ruling out other issues that cause attention deficit:
- Mood and Anxiety Disorders
- Migraines
- Post-Concussion Symptoms
- Seizure Activity (mild seizures are virtually undetectable, but cause inattentive symptoms)
- Sensory Integration Problems
- Sleep Disturbances
- Austism-Spectrum Symptoms
- Learning Disabilities
A diagnosis can bring relief for person, as it helps explain certain internalized or externalized symptoms (like anxiety or depression), and begins a path forward toward a solution.
