Expert ADHD Assessment Services in Manassas Park, VA

Brookside Family Therapy

Comprehensive ADHD Evaluation Services for Children and Adults

At Brookside Family Therapy, our team of experienced mental health professionals provides thorough ADHD assessments for both children and adults in Manassas Park. We understand that living with undiagnosed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can significantly impact daily functioning, relationships, academic performance, and career success. Our comprehensive assessment process helps identify whether ADHD is present and creates a foundation for effective, personalized strategies.

Why Choose Brookside Family Therapy for Your ADHD Assessment?

  • Experienced professionals specializing in diagnosing ADHD according to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual criteria

  • Comprehensive evaluation that examines symptoms across multiple settings

  • Personalized approach that recognizes the unique presentation of ADHD in each individual

  • Collaborative process that involves family members and other important individuals when appropriate

  • Clear communication throughout the assessment process and detailed feedback upon completion

  • Practical recommendations tailored to your specific needs and circumstances

  • Convenient scheduling options with both in-person and online appointments available

Understanding ADHD and Why Assessment Matters

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects approximately 5-9% of children and 2-5% of adults. According to the American Psychiatric Association, ADHD impacts executive functioning, which includes attention regulation, impulse control, and activity level management.

ADHD symptoms typically fall into two main categories:

Inattention Symptoms

  • Difficulty sustaining attention during tasks or activities

  • Making careless mistakes due to inattention to details

  • Appearing not to listen when spoken to directly

  • Struggling to follow through on instructions

  • Difficulty organizing tasks and activities

  • Avoiding tasks requiring sustained mental effort

  • Frequently losing necessary items

  • Being easily distracted

  • Forgetfulness in daily activities

Hyperactivity-Impulsivity Symptoms

  • Fidgeting or tapping hands/feet

  • Leaving seat when remaining seated is expected

  • Running or climbing excessively (feeling restless in adults)

  • Difficulty engaging in quiet activities

  • Being "on the go" or acting as if "driven by a motor"

  • Talking excessively

  • Blurting out answers before questions are completed

  • Difficulty waiting turn

  • Interrupting or intruding on others

For an ADHD diagnosis, symptoms must:

  • Be present in two or more settings (such as home, school, or work)

  • Persist for at least six months

  • Interfere with functioning or development

  • Include six or more symptoms from either category (for children) or five or more (for adults)

  • Have been present before age 12, even if diagnosed later

Many individuals with ADHD—particularly adults and those with primarily inattentive presentations—go undiagnosed for years. Without proper identification and support, ADHD can lead to academic underachievement, workplace difficulties, relationship problems, and reduced self-esteem. A professional assessment is the essential first step toward understanding and effectively managing these challenges.

Our Comprehensive ADHD Assessment Process

At Brookside Family Therapy, we use a thorough, multi-method approach to ensure accurate diagnosing of ADHD. Our process typically includes:

1. Initial Consultation with a Healthcare Provider

The assessment begins with an initial consultation where our mental health professional will:

  • Discuss your current concerns

  • Review how symptoms impact daily functioning

  • Gather background information on developmental and medical history

  • Explain the assessment process

  • Provide rating scales and questionnaires for completion

2. Comprehensive Clinical Interview

Next, we conduct a detailed clinical interview covering:

  • Specific ADHD symptoms and their severity

  • When symptoms first appeared and how they've evolved

  • How symptoms manifest across different environments

  • Impact on academic, professional, and social functioning

  • Family history and other relevant factors

3. Standardized Assessments and Rating Scales

We use evidence-based assessment tools, including:

  • Self-report questionnaires

  • Observer rating scales (completed by parents, teachers, or partners)

  • Behavior assessment measures

  • Executive functioning inventories

Rating scales are a crucial component of ADHD assessment, as they help quantify symptoms and compare them to age-appropriate norms.

4. Gathering Collateral Information

With your permission, we may collect information from:

  • School records or teacher observations (for children)

  • Workplace evaluations (for adults)

  • Previous psychological or medical reports

  • Other healthcare providers

This information helps establish whether symptoms occur across two or more settings, a key diagnostic criterion in the Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

5. Differential Diagnosis

We carefully consider whether symptoms might be better explained by:

  • Learning differences

  • Anxiety disorders

  • Mood disorders

  • Sleep disorders

  • Other health conditions

  • Effects of medications

Distinguishing ADHD from other conditions is essential for developing appropriate treatment strategies. Only trained healthcare providers can accurately diagnose ADHD by considering all these factors.

6. Feedback Session and Treatment Planning

After completing the assessment, we provide:

  • Clear explanation of findings

  • Determination of whether ADHD criteria are met

  • Discussion of any co-occurring conditions

  • Recommendations for appropriate support strategies

  • Opportunity to ask questions and discuss next steps

ADHD Assessment for Children

When assessing children for ADHD, we pay special attention to:

  • Developmental milestones and history

  • Academic performance and classroom behavior

  • Social functioning with peers

  • Family dynamics and parenting challenges

  • Your child's strengths and interests

  • Teacher input through specialized rating scales

  • Age-appropriate behavioral expectations

The American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes that accurately diagnosing ADHD in children requires gathering information from multiple sources, including parents and teachers, to evaluate your child's behavior across different settings. Our child-friendly approach helps young people feel comfortable during the assessment process while gathering the comprehensive information needed for an accurate diagnosis.

Adult ADHD Assessment

Many adults with ADHD weren't diagnosed in childhood, particularly those with inattentive presentations. Adult ADHD assessment considers:

  • Current functioning in work, relationships, and daily responsibilities

  • Retrospective childhood symptoms

  • How symptoms have evolved over time

  • Coping strategies developed to manage symptoms

  • Impact on educational and career trajectory

  • Relationship patterns

  • Executive functioning in daily life

Adult ADHD often presents differently than childhood ADHD, with hyperactivity often manifesting as internal restlessness rather than external movement. Our assessment process is tailored to capture these unique aspects of adult ADHD presentation.

Therapeutic Approaches to Treat ADHD

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to develop skills for managing attention, organization, and emotional regulation

  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to improve focus, emotional regulation, and impulse control

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to develop psychological flexibility and align actions with personal values

  • Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) to build practical strategies for managing ADHD symptoms

After Your ADHD Assessment: Next Steps

If your assessment confirms an ADHD diagnosis, we work collaboratively to develop personalized treatment strategies that may include:

Skill Development

  • Organization and time management strategies

  • Study skills for students

  • Workplace accommodations for adults

  • Social skills development

  • Emotional regulation techniques

Support for Families

  • Parent coaching and education

  • Strategies for supporting a child with ADHD

  • Couple's therapy when ADHD affects relationships

  • Family sessions to improve communication and understanding

Ongoing Support

  • Regular follow-up sessions to monitor progress

  • Adjustments to strategies as needed

  • Connections to community support groups

  • School or workplace collaboration when appropriate

If the assessment determines that ADHD is not present, we'll help identify other factors that might be contributing to symptoms and develop appropriate support strategies.

Common Questions About ADHD Assessment

  • A comprehensive assessment typically involves 3-4 sessions over several weeks, including the initial consultation, clinical interviews, and feedback session.

  • Everyone occasionally experiences inattention or restlessness. In ADHD, these symptoms are more frequent, severe, persistent, and impactful than typical for a person's developmental level. They must also be present across multiple settings and significantly interfere with functioning.

  • Absolutely. Many adults with ADHD weren't diagnosed in childhood, particularly those with primarily inattentive presentations. Adult ADHD assessments consider both current functioning and retrospective childhood symptoms.

  • Our comprehensive assessment will help identify what's causing the challenges, even if it's not ADHD. We'll work with you to understand the difficulties and develop appropriate support strategies regardless of the specific diagnosis.

  • Research suggests that individuals with ADHD may be at higher risk for developing certain co-occurring conditions such as anxiety disorders, mood disorders, or learning differences. This is why comprehensive assessment by a mental health professional is so important.

Take the First Step Toward Understanding and Support

If you or a family member are experiencing challenges with attention, organization, hyperactivity, or impulsivity, a professional ADHD assessment can provide clarity and direction. At Brookside Family Therapy in Manassas Park, our team provides thorough, compassionate evaluations and evidence-based support for individuals across the lifespan.

Living with untreated ADHD can significantly impact quality of life, but with proper assessment, understanding, and support, individuals with ADHD can develop effective strategies and thrive. Our compassionate team at Brookside Family Therapy is here to help you navigate this journey with confidence.

At Brookside Family Therapy, we believe in personalized care that meets each client's unique needs. Contact us today to discuss how our ADHD assessment services can help you or your family member.