Psychological Testing Services in Calabasas, CA

We provide comprehensive psychological assessments for children, adolescents and adults utilizing neuropsychological tests

What Is ADHD Testing?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning. ADHD can affect executive functioning skills such as organization, planning, time management, task completion, and self-regulation.

ADHD can be diagnosed in children, adolescents, and adults. Symptoms can look different across ages and may affect school, work, relationships, and everyday responsibilities.

At MindWorks, we also take a strengths-based approach. Many individuals with ADHD have unique strengths, creativity, and ways of thinking that are important to recognize alongside areas of difficulty.

Common ADHD and Executive Functioning Difficulties:

• Inattention: Difficulty sustaining attention, following through on tasks, organizing work, keeping track of belongings, completing assignments on time, or becoming easily distracted or forgetful.

• Hyperactivity: Frequent fidgeting, difficulty sitting still, feeling constantly “on the go,” talking excessively, or having difficulty engaging quietly in activities.

• Impulsivity: Blurting out answers, difficulty waiting, interrupting others, or acting before thinking.

Types of ADHD?

While some individuals have all of these symptoms, some only struggle in one area. Thus, you could have:

• ADHD, Predominately Inattentive Presentation

• ADHD Predominately Hyperactive/Impulsive Presentation

• ADHD Combined Presentation

  What We Evaluate?

When evaluating for ADHD, we often recommend a comprehensive evaluation because attention difficulties can also be related to learning disorders, cognitive weaknesses, anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties, or other concerns. Looking at the full picture helps us better understand what may be contributing to the symptoms.

• Cognitive functioning

• Attention/Executive functioning

• Memory Skills

• Learning Skills

• Emotional skills

Learn more about our comprehensive evaluations.

How Long Does Testing Take?

A comprehensive ADHD evaluation involves more than the time spent in testing appointments. With your permission, we may gather information from parents, teachers, therapists, physicians, psychiatrists, and other providers. We also review relevant records and take time to score, analyze, and integrate the results.

On average, a comprehensive evaluation includes approximately 5–6 hours of one-on-one testing, typically divided across 1–3 appointments. A feedback appointment is generally scheduled approximately 2–3 weeks after testing is completed.

What Is Included In Each Evaluation?

Initial Intake: After our initial consultation, a comprehensive intake will be conducted with the individual (and parent, if needed) to fully understand the individual’s needs. These initial series of questionnaires will help create the testing battery that will later be used for the series of one-on-one tests. Contact with doctors, teachers, schools, therapists and psychiatrists (with your permission) are also utilized to help understand the “full picture” of the individual.

Full Review: A full review of psychological, educational and past testing records is conducted.

Observations: May be conducted when appropriate.

One-on-One Tests: The individual will meet one-on-one with a psychologist in person. During the "testing" appointments, we use the testing battery created in intake to administer a variety of questions, puzzles, word games, pictures and drawings, and stories, as well as some school-like tasks, such as reading and math, to investigate how the student thinks and feels in different settings. Many of our sessions may range from one to four hours, with several short breaks, depending on the individual's energy level. Tests will examine one’s:

• General cognitive and mental strengths and weaknesses including a full IQ test

• Academic skills in reading, writing, math, oral language and fine motor skills

• ADHD concerns and full executive functioning skills

• Memory skills

• Emotional and behavioral concerns

• Autism/neurodevelopmental skills (if requested)

Evaluationand Interpretation: After the testing and evaluation is complete, Dr. Salanga will score, interpret, and integrate the information into a comprehensive written report. The report will include background information, test scores, psychologist interpretations, tailored recommendations to better help the individual, and referrals to any needed specialists.

Report and Feedback Discussion: After testing, evaluation, and reports are complete, Dr. Salanga will meet one-on-one with the individual and/or parent to discuss the report and answer any questions. This feedback may also be given to other professionals such as the teacher if desired, and many times Dr. Salanga will meet briefly with the child to go over their strengths and weaknesses as well. A copy of the full report will be given after the feedback appointment is complete.