This type of evaluation is appropriate for children and adolescents with problems directing attention, sustaining focus, and regulating behavior, but who are doing well in school and have never shown problems with academic learning. Its purpose is to determine how much the child’s symptoms differ from what is age-appropriate and assess the control that the child has over them. It is designed to address the specific question about whether a child has an attention deficit (i.e., ADD/ADHD).
Many childhood behavior problems are normal. However, when unwanted behaviors become a pattern or get in the way of life, they may be worth examining more closely, to better understand where they are coming from and how best to reduce them. A behavioral assessment includes clinical interview and objective measures of behavioral and emotional functioning and may be indicated if you observe persistent problems with:
The goal of a behavioral assessment is to understand whether what you are observing is age-appropriate or not and, if not, to identify the problem and how best to solve it.
Everyone experiences lapses in attention from time to time. However, for some people, loss of focus, absent-mindedness, and disorganization are persistent problems that get in the way of school, work, and other important parts of life. A careful evaluation using objective measures is the best way to distinguish age-appropriate behavior from a true impairment and know how to improve things.
Most people experience bad days, down moods, and worry from time to time. For some, negative thoughts or worries become the norm, making it more difficult to enjoy life and get things done. Getting a clearer understanding of how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors may have become tangled can point the way back to a better place.
Please contact our office for more information or to schedule an appointment.