One of the most difficult parts of raising your kid is feeling unsure of how to handle moments of conflict. Do you find yourself floundering trying to figure out what the best thing to do is when your child struggles to sit still, seems to annoy other kids, or doesn’t listen to you? For many children and teens, managing school, friendships, and everyday tasks can become overwhelming when they struggle with symptoms of ADHD. If you’re considering ADHD testing in St. Louis, this post is for you.
Symptoms like difficulty focusing in class, struggling to complete work that’s not of interest, or impulsive decision-making can impact academic performance. If your child notices they are often confused, off track, or different from their peers, their self-worth can be impacted.
If your child or teen is showing these behaviors, it may be time to explore professional ADHD testing.
In this post, we’ll discuss how to recognize the signs of ADHD in kids and teens, the benefits of early testing, and how to find the best ADHD testing in St. Louis to help your child or teen thrive.
Recognizing the Signs of ADHD in Children and Teens
ADHD can look different at different developmental stages. Recognizing those differences will help you find the right support for your child.
Common Symptoms of ADHD in Children
Children with ADHD may struggle with paying attention, following directions, or sitting still for long periods.
Some signs to look for include:
- Inattention: Easily distracted, doesn’t seem to hear you when speaking, missing details, daydreaming, or losing or forgetting things like homework and toys.
- Hyperactivity: Fidgeting, squirming, running around excessively, or having trouble sitting quietly.
- Impulsivity: Blurting out answers, interrupting others, excessive chattiness, struggling with waiting their turn, or refusing to go to school..
These behaviors are normal for kids to be inattentive, hyperactive, or impulsive occasionally. If your child frequently exhibits these behaviors, both at home and at school, or if you think that they are showing these behaviors more than other kids their age, noticing that your child seems to be “the only one” demonstrating these behaviors when they are with their peers at sports practice, club meetings, etc., they may be a sign of ADHD.
Early diagnosis can allow for targeted interventions, helping your child thrive both academically and socially.
Signs of ADHD in Teens
For teenagers, ADHD often presents itself as difficulties in managing time, staying organized, or focusing on long-term tasks like studying for exams. Signs may include:
- Inattention: Driving mistakes due to lack of focus, difficulty tracking conversations in a group, trouble ignoring things, or leaving work unfinished.
- Procrastination: Avoiding schoolwork or assignments until the last minute.
- Difficulty Organizing Tasks: Struggling to manage time, difficulty handling multiple assignments or deadlines at the same time, frequently losing things.
- Impulsivity: Risk-taking behaviors, interrupting conversations, rushing through assignments or tasks, or acting without thinking about the consequences.
Teens with undiagnosed ADHD might also have related emotional symptoms, like negative self-talk,, frustration, or anxiety. While these aren’t symptoms of ADHD, they’re a natural result of the difficulties that often come up when living with a brain that works differently.
These co-occurring emotional symptoms make it even more important to get a professional evaluation to understand all factors involved so your teen can get the support they need.
What to Expect From ADHD Testing in St. Louis for Kids and Teens
When considering ADHD testing for your child, it’s advisable to look for testing that is comprehensive. Comprehensive testing does not focus on confirming or ruling out a single diagnosis, but instead takes a broader view of what could be causing your child’s symptoms. This thorough approach ensures that the diagnosis is accurate and fits your child’s unique needs.
If your child is not evaluated with a comprehensive test, they may be misdiagnosed and treated incorrectly, potentially leading to worsening symptoms. For example, it is common for anxiety to disrupt attention. If the anxiety is not recognized because the testing scope is too narrow, a child might be diagnosed with ADHD and prescribed a stimulant, which could exacerbate the anxiety.
Testing for ADHD in kids and teens typically involves a series of steps designed to assess a variety of factors, including attention, behavior, and cognitive abilities. Below, we’ll walk through the key components of ADHD testing and what you can expect when seeking a diagnosis.
Clinical Interviews with Parents and Child
The first step in the ADHD testing process often involves a clinical interview with both the parent/primary caregiver and the child. This interview helps the clinician gather detailed information about the child’s behavior, history, and symptoms. It provides an opportunity to share information about your child’s experiences, both at home and at school, and what you’ve noticed about their ability to focus, stay organized, or manage impulsive behaviors.
Behavioral Assessments
ADHD testing usually includes standard behavioral assessments that measure the core symptoms of the condition, such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These assessments, such as the Conners’ Rating Scale or the Vanderbilt Assessment Scales, are designed to provide objective data about your child’s behavior.
During this part of the testing process, your child may be asked to complete certain tasks that challenge their ability to focus and follow instructions. These results are then compared to typical developmental benchmarks for kids their age. Behavioral assessments are a key tool in differentiating ADHD from other behavioral or emotional issues to make sure the diagnosis is accurate.
Parent and Teacher Questionnaires
Parents and teachers are important sources of information in the ADHD testing process. You and your child’s teachers see them every day and have the best sense of how they typically behave. You or your child’s teacher may be asked to complete detailed questionnaires that evaluate your child’s behaviors in both structured (school) and unstructured (home) environments.
Having a teacher’s perspective is valuable as symptoms may show up differently at school, at home, and with friends. A child may seem fine at home but struggle at school, or vice versa. These questionnaires help the evaluator understand how symptoms present in different environments and impact your child’s daily life.
Cognitive Testing
In some cases, ADHD testing may also include cognitive or neuropsychological assessments. These tests evaluate your child’s attention span, memory, and executive functioning skills. Cognitive testing is particularly useful for ruling out other potential causes of your child’s difficulties, such as learning disabilities or anxiety, which can sometimes present similar symptoms to ADHD.
By assessing cognitive strengths and weaknesses, clinicians can better understand how ADHD affects your child’s ability to focus, plan, and complete tasks. This part of the testing process is particularly helpful when developing personalized treatment plans that address your child’s specific challenges and strengths.
Comprehensive Diagnosis and Recommendations associated with ADHD Testing in St. Louis
Once all the pieces of the ADHD testing process are complete, your evaluator pulls everything together to create a full picture of what’s going on with your child. Diagnoses aren’t just guesses.They’re based on a specific set of criteria that have been researched and carefully established. Your evaluator will look over all the information from the testing and see how it lines up with these criteria to determine if an ADHD diagnosis (or some other diagnosis) fits your child.
From there, you’ll get a detailed report with personalized recommendations designed just for your child. This might include therapy, behavior strategies, school support like an IEP or 504 plan, or even medication. Catching ADHD early means you can start these interventions sooner, making a big difference in your child’s success at school, their friendships, and their overall well-being.
How ADHD Testing is Tailored for Teens
Testing for teens with ADHD includes some additional considerations. As teens face different pressures—such as academic stress, peer relationships, and preparing for life beyond high school—testing may delve deeper into issues like time management, organizational skills, and impulsivity in social situations. Evaluators will also discuss risk-taking behaviors and procrastination, both of which are common challenges for teens with ADHD.
How to Select the Right Clinic for ADHD Testing in St. Louis
Choosing the right provider for ADHD testing is an important step in ensuring that your child or teen receives the care and support they need. Here are key factors to consider when selecting a provider for ADHD testing.
1. Expertise in Pediatric and Teen ADHD Testing
When you’re looking for ADHD testing for your child or teen, it’s important to find a provider who really gets kids and teens. ADHD can show up in all sorts of ways, and it’s not the same for a seven-year-old as it is for a sixteen-year-old. That’s why you want someone who has experience working specifically with younger age groups—they know what to look for and can spot the signs that might be missed in a more general evaluation.
Look for someone who understands how kids and teens grow and change, and how ADHD might impact them differently at school, home, and with friends. This kind of expertise makes a difference in getting an accurate diagnosis and coming up with a plan that truly fits your child’s needs.
2. Comprehensive and Evidence-Based Testing Process
The best ADHD testing providers use a comprehensive and evidence-based approach. This means they go beyond simple observations or questionnaires and conduct thorough evaluations, combining clinical interviews, behavioral assessments, and cognitive testing.
A provider who utilizes standardized tools like the Conners’ Rating Scale or the Vanderbilt Assessment Scales will offer a more precise diagnosis. These tools are grounded in research and help differentiate ADHD from other conditions that might share similar symptoms, such as anxiety, autism, or learning disabilities.
3. Approachability and Communication Style
Finding a provider who can connect well with both you and your child is key. Going through ADHD testing can feel a bit overwhelming, so look for a provider who makes the process feel comfortable and approachable. You want someone who can keep things engaging and easy to follow, explaining each step so that you and your child know exactly what’s happening.
A great provider will take the time to answer all your questions with patience and empathy, easing any worries along the way. Creating a warm, welcoming environment can make a big difference, helping your child feel more at ease and making the experience much smoother for everyone.
4. Flexibility and Convenience
When you’re looking for ADHD testing, finding a provider who can work around your family’s busy schedule is a game-changer. It’s also worth asking if the practice offers telehealth or virtual options for parts of the process. While some parts of testing need to happen in person, doing a few things remotely can be a big time-saver. And of course, location matters too. A clinic that’s easy to reach from home or your child’s school can cut down on stress and make the whole experience a little more manageable.
5. Insurance and Cost Considerations
ADHD testing can sometimes be expensive, so it’s important to know what your investment will be. Some providers will accept your insurance as an in network provider. Others may be considered out of network, in which case you would need to call the number on the back of your insurance company to ask about your out of network benefits.
Many providers offer detailed cost breakdowns upfront so you’ll know what portion of the fees are due when.
6. Follow-Up Support and Services
ADHD testing is just the beginning of the journey toward helping your child manage their symptoms and get the right support. That’s why it’s so important to choose a provider who’s there for you even after the diagnosis.
After testing, you should expect the clinic to provide a detailed report that breaks down your child’s results and outlines a clear, actionable treatment plan. This might include therapy, medication, behavior strategies, or support in school like an IEP or 504 plan. Some providers even offer ongoing therapy or parent coaching to help you manage ADHD both at home and in the classroom. Finding a provider who offers these follow-up services means you won’t be left figuring things out on your own.
Local Providers to Consider for ADHD Testing in St. Louis
Below we’ve linked to providers we know and trust in the community. We’re familiar with their work and believe they provide excellent services to our community.
Dr. Sarah Dyer with Amethyst Neuropsychology
Dr. Sarah Dyer is a licensed clinical neuropsychologist based in southern Illinois, specializing in neuropsychological assessments and therapy for various age groups. She utilizes primarily a cognitive-behavioral approach to treat a wide range of psychological issues.
She works with conditions like ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression. Dr. Dyers has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from SIU-Carbondale, M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Florida State University, a B.A. in Psychology from Princeton University.
Cardinal Glennon Developmental Pediatrics – Knights Columbus Developmental Center
The Knights Columbus Developmental Center at Cardinal Glennon provides comprehensive care for children with developmental disorders. A multidisciplinary team offers evaluation, treatment, and family guidance aimed at helping each child reach their highest potential.
Services Offered Include
- ADHD
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Developmental Delays
- Language and Social Delays
- Intellectual Disabilities
- Genetic Syndromes
- Behavioral Developmental Issues
A physician referral is required to become a patient at the Knights Columbus Developmental Center. Parents should first discuss concerns with their child’s pediatrician, who can evaluate the child and suggest next steps.
The Center for Behavioral Health (CBH) at the University of Missouri-St. Louis
CBH is a non-profit outpatient mental health facility serving the St. Louis metropolitan area. It aims to provide affordable and high-quality psychological services, including counseling and evaluations, particularly for children and adolescents. CBH offers no-cost evaluation programs for residents of St. Louis County, City, and Jefferson County. The center has locations in West County and on the UMSL campus, with specific hours for each. For more details, individuals can apply for services, make appointments, or request information through their website.
Healing Spaces STL
Dr. Kezia Jackson and her team at Healing Spaces offer comprehensive psychological assessments designed for children, teens, and adults. Their evaluations diagnose various mental health conditions, including ADHD, anxiety, autism, and more, through a thorough and personalized approach. The assessments aim to provide clarity and actionable recommendations for treatment. They focus on diagnosing conditions like ADHD, autism, depression, and learning disabilities through detailed evaluations.They do not accept insurance but provide a superbill for potential reimbursement.Dr. Kezia has a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology and a Master of Science (M.S.) Clinical Psychology from Loyola University Maryland.
Anxiety Specialists of St. Louis
Dr. Meghan Littles offers comprehensive psychological testing services for children, teens, and young adults facing emotional and behavioral challenges. She provides custom assessments to help identify underlying issues, guide treatment plans, and support personal development. She offers ADHD and autism assessments, learning disability evaluations, and comprehensive diagnostic testing for anxiety disorders, OCD, and mood disorders. She has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale.
It can be daunting to find a provider for ADHD testing in St. Louis. We hope this post has helped you identify factors to consider as you make your decision. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a free, 15 minute consultation call with Dr. Littles, please reach out today.
