Preparing for an ADHD Evaluation as a Teenager

As a 15-year-old considering an ADHD evaluation, you might wonder about the process and whether it is different from evaluations for younger children. In this article, we will break down what to expect during the evaluation, how to approach it, and whether preparation is necessary.

What to Expect During the Evaluation

Your school counselor has referred you to have an ADHD evaluation. The process is straightforward, and there is no need to prepare specifically for it. When you go to the evaluation, you will be asked to complete a series of assessments, and you will be interviewed. These steps are designed to help your evaluators understand your unique situation and determine whether ADHD is contributing to any challenges you may be facing.

Assessments and Forms

The evaluation will likely include both self-assessments and assessments from other sources. You will be asked to check items on a list that describe what you struggle with or rate statements about yourself from a scale of 1 to 5. The tasks are not complex, and the purpose is to get a clear picture of your experiences and perceptions.

In addition to your self-assessment, your parent, a close family member, and a teacher may also fill out forms providing their perspective on your behavior and work habits. Some evaluations might include additional assessments such as the TOVA, which is a type of software-mediated test designed to measure attention and reaction time. Although it might seem like a boring task, it is simply a standardized tool used to gather data.

Being Honest and Authentic

One of the most important aspects of the evaluation is to be honest and authentic with your answers. Since you have been living your life with ADHD (or without it) for 15 years, there is no need to prepare or try to alter your responses. Answering truthfully is the key to a fair and effective evaluation. The evaluators are looking for consistent patterns and behaviors that indicate the presence of ADHD, not specific answers to hypothetical scenarios.

Relax and Be Yourself

It’s common to feel anxious about an evaluation, but try to relax and just be yourself. The evaluators are not there to judge you but to help you and possibly provide you with the support you need. There is no right or wrong way to answer the questions, and anxiety or over-preparation might affect the results unfavorably.

Conclusion

Preparing for an ADHD evaluation as a teenager does not involve cramming for a test. Instead, it is about being open and honest with yourself and your evaluators. By providing a genuine and honest account of your experiences, you can help ensure that the evaluation is as accurate and helpful as possible. Good luck with your evaluation, and remember, the goal is to gain insight into your needs and possibly receive the support you deserve.