ADHD Evaluation at SEBPMG

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a complex medical disorder involving either hyperactivity / impulsivity, inattention / lack of focus, or a combination of both. This can lead to problems with behavior at home, difficulty in schools, and social problems. Visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website for additional information regarding ADHD. You can also read our introduction to ADHD.

Below is information on ADHD and the evaluation process at South East Bay Pediatrics. The diagnosis of ADHD takes time, and the evaluation process usually takes at least 2-3 visits before the diagnosis can be made. Occasionally the process can take longer if referrals to psychologists or psychiatrists are warranted. Blood tests may or may not be indicated, and this will be discussed during your visit.

At South East Bay Pediatrics not all our physicians diagnose and manage ADHD. If you or your child’s school have concerns about your child possibly having ADHD, please contact our office to make an appointment for an ADHD evaluation. To assist in making the diagnosis, we ask that you and your child’s teachers fill out the questionnaires listed below. These questionnaires can be completed either before or after your appointment with your physician. We ask that you individually complete all forms to the best of your knowledge, and that you obtain any prior records pertaining to the diagnosis (e.g. teacher/school counselor reports, report cards in the past year, previous evaluations, educational assessments/tests, psychological assessments, IEP, or 504 plans.)

NOTE: Please contact our office to receive copies of all ADHD forms and questionnaires

Parent(s) should fill out the following questionnaires:

• ADHD Parent Packet Overview — parents can fill these out together
• ADHD Parent Packet Questionnaire — each parent should fill this out individually

We also ask that you sign the release of information form in the packet that will enable us to share information with teachers, counselors, psychologists, or psychiatrists who may be involved. Our goal is to gather as much information as possible in order to make the appropriate diagnosis and treat your child appropriately that he/she may become a more successful student in school and a happier individual at home.

The following questionnaires should be given to all teachers, class aids, resource faculty and/or school counselors. This can be either mailed to us directly by the teachers, or teachers can give them back to parents in a sealed envelope. The teacher packet includes questionnaires on how your child behaves in the school setting, which is crucial in making the diagnosis of ADHD. Teacher(s) should fill out the following questionnaires:

NOTE: Please contact our office to receive copies of all ADHD forms and questionnaires

• ADHD Teacher/Counselor Packet — to be given to teachers (and/or a counselor) who works with your child directly in the school setting

Below are further hand outs provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics and some written by us to help optimize care for you child.

• Working with your child’s school
• Homework tips
• What can I do when my child has problem falling asleep?
• Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome
• How to establish a school-home daily report card.

After the diagnosis of ADHD has been made, your physician may want to monitor your child progress on or off medication. The below “Follow Up Questionnaires” should be filled by all teachers and parents every 3-6 month to assess the progress of your child. Please either mail all follow up questionnaires to our office or bring them with you in the next “med check” appointment. Again, we would like each parent individually complete one ‘Parent Follow up Questionnaire” and mail it to our office. We would also like the “Teacher Follow up Questionnaire” be filled by each instructor and be mailed to our office.

NOTE: Please contact our office to receive copies of all ADHD forms and questionnaires

• Parent Follow up Questionnaire
• Teacher Follow up Questionnaire

Finally, some insurance companies will not pay for ADHD evaluation or follow up. Please contact your insurance company before your visit to determine if this is the case. If your insurance company does not cover ADHD evaluations or follow up, please contact us immediately so we can make appropriate arrangements.