Berkeley Parents Network: ADD Evaluation and Diagnosis

Berkeley Parents Network

ADD Evaluation and Diagnosis

Berkeley Parents Network > Reviews > Health & Medical > ADD Evaluation and Diagnosis

Questions

WHO to diagnose and prescribe for ADD in teen?
Diagnosis for 6th grade daughter who may have ADD
How can I get my son tested for ADHD?
Bothered by ADD evaluation at Kaiser
Finding a specialist to evaluate a child
My son's teacher recommended testing for ADD
Want to have 5-year-old evaluated for ADD
See Also: More Advice about ADD

Reviews of Professional Resources

Who to diagnose and prescribe for ADD in teen?

Feb 2008

My son is suddenly undone by lack of ability to manage his attention as the work load has increased in HIgh School. Who do you recommend to diagnose and help decide whether medication is the answer? Who can oversee managing this with alternatives to medication? Thanks anonymous, anxious

My son had a similar situation when he hit high school. He is smart and articulate and did very well when he had teachers who knew him. But, once in high school with a new teacher for each subject, his inability to manage time and concentrate became very evident.

We saw Dr. Alan Siegel on Alcatraz in Oakland, phone 510- 527-7929. He was wonderful with my son and utterly professional. The full battery of tests were completed and he gave a very detailed report on specific issues and recommendations for treatment. It was well worth the time (several sessions of testing) and expense to have a full report with recommendations on how to address the issues.

Through trial and error we tried several medicines and enrolled him in organizational and time management programs. It took us years to realize that my son was integral to becoming successful. With all we could offer, he still had to stop denying the situation and take charge to find the work-arounds that fit for him and could make his life easier. (Really, we all do this whether we have ADD or not.)

As parents we tried our darndest to hand him the help. I think one of our mistakes was to try too hard to do for him and not share the issues in the report. Once he saw the report (at age 20 when new testing was needed to keep him covered by the Disabled Students Services at college), so many things fell into place for him.

I hope your son's road is easier and with fewer bumps for all of you. My son is now 24 and is truly enjoying his life -- without meds. Good luck! Anonymous Mom

This is for the person who wrote some time back wanting advice about her ADD teen and also a recommendation for an occupational therapist. For an occupational therapist, I highly recommend Kristine Hubner-Levin at 510- 331-3401 or 925-254-1137. We used her several years ago and she was phenomenal. As for the ADD teen, this is such a gigantic topic with so many subtopics, I don't know where to begin and don't have any magic answers, but just know you are absolutely not alone and this is hard and super frustrating for many many parents, not to mention the kids. I recommend reading Driven to Distraction by Hallowell and Ratey, if you haven't yet. anon

Diagnosis for 6th grade daughter who may have ADD

Nov 2007

We're looking for a local child psychologist/psychiatrist with experience in diagnosing ADD. Our 6th grade daughter has seen 4 therapists in other cities for a variety of ''symptoms'' but no one has suggested ADD. After doing my own research I think it highly likely she has ADD. Now in 6th grade her self esteem is suffering from her forgetfulness, distractedness, day-dreaming and mental confusion. It's been so many years of watching her symptoms with no relief from talk therapy- one therapist said ''oh no it could not be ADD and anyway that's too hard to accurately diagnose with most kids unless the teacher makes enough negative comments. But your daughter behaves well in class so it could not be ADD.'' Help! We just want to discuss her symptoms with someone who really knows ADD in girls. thanks, concerned mom

Wow, I am surprised to hear this. Girls can have a subtype of ADD called ''ADHD-inattentive type'' - and it is exactly what you are describing - the daydreaming - but since they are generally cooperative and not hyperactive they don't fit the mold. If I were in your shoes, I would go the Dr. Ned Hallowell's clinic in San Diego. They are the best, the kindest people. Read Hallowell's books. The important thing is that he looks upon ADD as a gift, and wants the kids and parents to consider their job to 'unwrap' the gift. Much better than pathologizing the child and listing all the ways they don't fit it. You can also listen to some excellent short podcasts of his at http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/2711.html So I would follow Hallowell's whole approach if I were in your shoes. The other thing you need to research and consider: your daughter might also have ''executive functioning'' impairment of some sort - the ability to plan, prioritize, problems with the passage of time, messy, does homework but doesn't turn it in, etc. Start attending lectures and doing some internet reading. They need help in their metacognition (thinking about thinking) and often need explicit instruction in social cues. Try speech and language therapist Kris Neugebauer in Alameda. The main thing for you to know is that this is NOT willful behavior on her part and she can't just ''TRY'' harder. Try to change the way she is perceived - like she is the problem. No matter how tempting don't buy into that. Be her champion. Be open to medication (it is very low risk and you can just do a trial to see if it helps) and other therapies which are looking good - eg neurofeedback. Good luck and be positive! Anon

Dr. Steven Sturges MD is an expert on ADD, besides specializing in the prescription of drugs for ADD as a psycho pharmacologist, he is also a caring and sensitive therapist with an in depth knowledge of the field. He is particularly experienced with adolescent patients and would be well suited for this type of diagnosis. He practices in Berkeley. Anonymous

Clearwater, in Oakland, specializes in psychological assessment for children, and our rates are very competitive. ADD assessments can include a school observation as well. We also have an educational therapist on staff. Call 596-8137 or visit our website: www.clearwaterclinic.com for more information. Sally Francis, Ph.D.

How can I get my son tested for ADHD?

Oct 2006

Regarding Honors student can't stay focused on homework, Woud you please help with these questions:
- How can I get son tested for ADHD? He also has difficulty retaining the information that he learned/studied for, especially in Math and Science.
- We live in Cupertino, CA, is there a similiar organization as http://www.sos4students.com/ in our area?
Thank you for your help in advance
Anon

Your physician is the only one who can diagnose ADHD because it is considered a medical condition. Your son should also be tested for learning capabilities by your school district. If you make a request to the district testing office, they MUST (by law) test your child per your instructions. Good Luck! Jenny

Two routes. To privately evaluate your son there is Plus Four Solutions in Los Altos with Dr. Steve Newton. Or, you could talk to your school counselor about having your son evaluated by the school. (I believe the Cupertino school district does this free of charge but talk to your son first about whether he's comfortable being evaluated while at school.) Mom of ADD kid

Bothered by ADD evaluation at Kaiser

April 2005

My eight-year-old son is a very enthusiastic student and tries hard in school but has been struggling with reading since 1st grade (he is in 2nd grade) so it was suggested that he be assessed by the district and evaluated for ADHD.

For the ADD evaluation, we went to Richmond Kaiser and during the 3-hour process, we filled out reams of paperwork, then sat in a room full of parents and heard a lecture from the head of behavioral psychiatry while our son was observed in a room with 12 kids of different ages (all of whom were being evaluated for behavioral problems). The psychiatrist told all the parents that the only treatment option for ADD is drugs and Ritalin has no side effects which I found hard to believe.

Directly after, we reconvened in a psychologist’s office with my son. It was awkward to discuss why we were doing the evaluation while he was in the room but we did our best. At one point, my spouse mentioned that our son’s gymnastics teacher said he doesn’t always follow instructions in his class and he had to give him a few ''time outs''. It was the only example we could think of behavior that might be different from his peers. Otherwise, he is an active little boy who is happy and mostly well-behaved. From preschool through second grade, teachers have said good things about his behavior.

My son told me later that during the group session one little girl got up and was turning the lights off and on, then a few kids started yelling: “we’re prisoners, we’re trapped here, let us out”. He admitted that he did some yelling too. He wouldn't say much about it beyond that.

After the appointment, we and his teachers completed evaluation forms about his behavior. A few weeks later, the psychologist left a phone message that he was negative for ADD/ADHD. However, she had observed some defiant/oppositional behavior. She offered us space in an Oppositional Defiant Disorder Workshop. At that point I was feeling so demoralized, I didn't bother calling back. I have since had a subsequent conversation with her and clarified that there will be a note in his medical record that she observed ''oppositional'' behavior in groups. It's not a diagnosis, just an observation and was supported by what my spouse had said about the gymnastics class. I thought about defending my son, explaining that it had been a bad day and his rowdy behavior was out of character but it seemed pointless.

I am still frustrated by the whole experience and feel like he got a raw deal. Have other parents who have been through an evaluation at Kaiser experienced something similar? frustrated mom

Hello, I really sympathize with you. I think you can have a private evaluation if it is possible. I would not trust anyone who evaluated my child in group formats because your child can behave differently with all the other kids with behavior issues.

I strongly suggest that you tackle the reading problem soon. My son had reading problems since 2nd grade. I have tried everything know possible to get help for him. We have not had him tested for ADD. I have had private tutors, been to Sylvan Learning Center, been to Lindamood Bell program. I have spent so much money, with no significant improvement. He is in 7th grade now and his poor reading skills is effecting him. Just last week, I found about a place called Interactive Metronome. You can check them out on the net (they promise great reuslts like everyone else) We are going to see if that would help my son. Wish you the best. mother

Finding a specialist to evaluate a child

Nov 2002

I'd like advice from parents who have had their child worked up for ADD by a practitioner who specializes in ADD diagnosis and treatment. Has anyone had a good experience? Also does anyone have any recommendations regarding Children's Hospital ADD clinic, The Amen clinic or Dr.Josephine Lindt? I've checked the archives and need more specific information. Also,ADD runs in our family and I think I may be affected. Any experience with specialists for adults? I checked with CHADD and they weren't very helpful. Thanks! ADD mom and child

ADD evaluation: Dr. Brad Berman in Walnut Creek. Excellent, expensive, takes a while to get in his office. mom with son with ADHD

My advice (of course based on past experience) is NOT to go directly to the pediatrician (or in Berman's case, developmental pediatrician). Educational testers like the Ann Martin Center and A Learning Place, both in Oakland, cast a wide net and look for much broader possibilities than just ADD. After my son's teacher told us to get him tested for ADD we almost went the medical route. The broader testing really suggested to us that his issues were much more subtle, and the tutoring he's gotten since has been invaluable. ADD DAD

My son's teacher recommended testing for ADD

Feb 2000

I just had a conversation with my son's teacher which has led me to seek testing for ADD for him. My insurance (Health Net with Insight as their mental health providers) has given me four names of Drs. he can go to and have told me there are additional names and I should start with those. I've looked on the parent's site and one of the Dr.s that comes highly recommended, Dr. Brad Berman, is not one of their providers. Can anyone give me an opinion on any of the following doctors - past experiences, hearsay, whatever and/or recommend other Drs that are providers for Health Net and Inshight? Specifically my son presents symptoms more often associated with girls - such as distractability and innatentiveness among other things. He does not present hyperactivity in it's more traditional forms. Also, can anyone recommend what questions I should ask and what tests should be done? Thanks. Dr. Nemirow Dr. Feingold Dr. Fallenbum Dr. Siegel

I have not heard of the doctors you have listed (and I work in the field). Brad Berman is very good. I have heard that Dr. Landman may be too quick to give the diagnosis. Dr. Diller in W.C. wrote a very interesting book called Running with Ritalin. He is more cautious about medication, even though he speaks of the value for some children. Ann Parker is very good (if she still takes new patients). It's important that any evaluation be done by gathering information from teachers and parents. Also doing a complete history with the parents is essential. It is often difficult to differentiate ADHD (inattentive type) from Learning Disabilities. The school can do testing to help with that.(Put your request in writing). There are no tests that are done to make the diagnosis of ADHD, so it takes someone with experience who knows how to talk with parents (and listen), and who will do some simple educational screening tests with a child.Many people will use a CBCL form for the adults to fill out to gather information. They are various types of reporting forms. I have seen many children have a great deal of success on medication,(including inattentive type) often after they have tried other things. When the diagnosis is made with attention and care, and the situation is evaluated, medication can mean the difference between functioning well or failing and feeling dumb, different, or not liked. I was resistant to medications until recently, and it has made a big difference in my ability to start a task and actually finish it. It's like getting glasses and being able to focus in a new way. I suggest you do as much reading as you can (go on-line an type in ADHD), and talk with other parents. Children with ADHD need to be understood, coached, and guided. Kaiser Richmond does free classes for parents, and I hear that they are open to anyone.

Want to have 5-year-old evaluated for ADD

Jan 1997

We are looking into having our son evaluated---for possible ADHD, and any other learning disabilities or whatever. Is there anyone out there who has traveled this path and can help me find the right resources? Our son will be 5 next week, and will start Kindergarten in Berkeley in the fall.

We saw Dr. Brad Berman (a developmental/behavioral pediatrician) last year, and we are scheduled to see him again in February. But I am interested in learning more about what's out there, and what sorts of testing we ought to be doing. We will probably need a psychologist, too. Can anyone help?

For people concerned about learning disorders, hopefully they have had their child's vision checked out. Our binocular vision clinic at UC deals with lots and lots of children who have trouble learning because they are not able to see correctly.

Barbara, School of Optometry

I too have been through the ADHD testing and diagnosis. I'll tell my story as an example of a child who needed something else.

My son, Matt, was diagnosed with ADD and prescribed Ritalin in the 3rd grade. His behavior had become so impulsive and dangerous that my husband and I were scared of what he might do next. I was advised to have him tested for learning disabilities because of his reluctance to read and do homework even with our help. So the first thing I did was request testing from the School District Psychologist. Matt was put on a waiting list and tested four months later. The psychologist defined the problem as a short-term auditory memory disability combined with an anxious personality. Matt qualified for the Resource Specialist Program and Title I funding which requires the district to provide him with an individualized educ program geared toward his needs. Since January of 1996 he has been going to a special "quiet" classroom every afternoon with a group of five other children to practice reading, spelling and writing.

I am so happy and proud to say that he has improved incredibly this year. Not only academically but emotionally and socially as well. He is on the honor roll. He can read and chooses to do it. He does his homework. He cries less than he used to. He is managing his insomnia. He stopped fighting. He has made friends and has a stronger sense of self than ever before.

I think the key is finding what is at the root of the individual's problem. If you find the cause it may be possible to change the behavior that is a result of the problem. Resources I used in my quest for answers were: the web ADD site, the library (books on ADHD, learning disabilities, personality traits, child development, stress, discipline, etc.), other people who have experienced similar problems with their children or themselves, tutoring, family counseling, support groups, the UCB vision clinic, you name it. It took time, energy and patience to figure it out but it was worth it.

I joined a local chapter of CHAD when my son first diagnosed with ADD. My husband and I attended several CHAD meetings, seminars and the like and found them very informative and helpful.

Please note however that there was a huge 20/20 type TV show that addressed the fact that CHAD is primarily funded by the pharmaceutical company that makes Ritalin. Ouch !! Many local chapters including ours pulled out from National Headquarters because of it.

I tend think that any "active" kid has a good chance of being labeled ADD/ADHD, even with the consensus of both a pediatrician and psychologist, as was the case with our son. (Of course we all know of "extreme situations, that are truly valid and must be horrible). We were warned that when the harmones start to kick in, esp. with boys and a bit of maturity develops, the activitity level lessens considerably; as is the case with our son.

Good luck to the Digest Member

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