Does my child need an educational evaluation?
June 6, 2025
Each week, our diagnostic center psychologists meet with parents who are asking the question, “Do you think my child has ADHD?”
By the time they have walked through our doors, they have mulled over this question. Parents may have observed their son on the baseball field and wondered why he seems more interested in the grass rather than the action at home plate. Maybe they’ve noticed that their daughter seems to be in constant movement- often needing to stand at the dinner table or fidget in her seat at church. While all children can be inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive, at some point the frequency and degree of these behaviors become more pronounced compared to their peers. That is when parents come to us to pursue an evaluation. We then consider if their child meets diagnostic criteria for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
After an evaluation is completed, psychologists consider the data, both quantitative and qualitative, to see if the child’s behaviors meet diagnostic criteria for ADHD. This criteria comes from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, often known as the “DSM” which is in its 5th edition. ADHD has 3 possible presentations: Predominantly Inattentive presentation, Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive presentation, or Combined Presentation.
The Inattentive presentation includes 9 possible symptoms (e.g. often loses things necessary for tasks or activities, is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli). The Hyperactive/Impulsive presentation also includes 9 possible symptoms (e.g. talks excessively, often fidgets with or taps hands or feet or squirms in seat). 6+ symptoms is either presentation must be met in order to hit the diagnostic threshold. If 6+ symptoms are met in both presentations, then the Combined presentation diagnostic threshold has been met.
But meeting the symptom thresholds alone is not enough to warrant a diagnosis of ADHD. The symptoms must have occurred for at least 6 months, have been present prior to age 12, occur in 2+ settings (e.g. home, school), and there must be clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, academic, or occupational functioning. Notably, these symptoms cannot be better explained by another disorder (e.g. mood disorder).
A comprehensive evaluation allows psychologists to provide diagnostic clarification to families, as well as inform educational planning. Think your child might have ADHD? Reach out to our Family Outreach Coordinator. Current openings with our psychologist are late July.
Molly Bernosky, Ed.S., M.Ed., is the Springer Diagnostic Center Director. Her extensive professional experience has included fifteen years in large local school districts with three as an assistant principal and administrator lead for special education. She accompanies families through the evaluation process to help them form a deep understanding of their child and guidance for next steps.
