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 neurological disorder that is characterized by difficulties in paying attention, hyperactivity or impulsive decision making that interferes with someone’s functioning or development.  These symptoms are part of one’s executive functioning skills that are predominantly one of the last areas of our brain (prefrontal cortex) to develop. ADHD is typically diagnosed in children and adolescents, and while many children outgrow this disorder into adulthood, many do not. Thus, adults and children can struggle with executive functioning skills that make it difficult for them to continue to work at their best ability. It is also important to note, that those with ADHD tend to be incredibly smart individuals who see the world in unique and creative ways, and at MindWorks, we strive to help individuals recognize the strengths that come with such a powerful mind.

Difficulties in ADHD/Executive Functioning:

• Inattention: Do you or your child struggle to pay attention on work or play, concentrate on tasks, make careless mistakes, often not listen when spoken to, have trouble organizing tasks, avoid engaging in tasks that you find boring, lose necessary items, become easily distracted, or forgetful in daily activities? DO you or your child struggle with organizing and cleaning your room, desk or office? Do you struggle to get assignments done on time?

• Hyperactivity: Do you or your child often fidget, or tap your hands and feet when sitting still? Do you find that your child is constantly “on the go” and unable to sit still, or talks excessively? Are you or your child unable to play or engage in activities quietly?  

• Impulsivity: Do you or your child often blurt out answers before questions have been completed, or have difficulty waiting for your turn? Do you find yourself interrupting others often?

  Types of ADHD?

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

• ADHD, Predominately Inattentive type

• ADHD Predominately Hyperactive/Impulsive Type

• ADHD Combined type

  What We Evaluate For?

When looking for ADHD, we usually recommend a comprehensive evaluation. Unfortunately, the best way to diagnose ADHD is to rule out other causes of the symptoms, such as learning difficulties, cognitive weaknesses, or emotional symptoms that can all mimic symptoms. Thus, we will look at ones:

• Cognitive functioning

• Attention/Executive functioning

• Memory Skills

• Learning Skills

• Emotional skills

• To learn more about our comprehensive assessments, click here.

How Long Does Testing Take?

While testing may only take a few hours with your child, we will be communicating with you, your child, teachers, therapists, psychiatrists, and other service providers for your child (with your permission).  We will take time to prepare and analyze a customized evaluation for your child and their needs. Based on test results, interview insights and findings, you will receive a comprehensive report summarizing and explaining our findings, and providing individualized recommendations for strategic school accommodations and home-support strategies that will strengthen your child’s development. 

On average the full evaluation will take 1-2 weeks of testing (5-6 hours of person-to-person testing broken down between 1-3 sessions) and final feedback where the results will be discussed with you 2-3 weeks after the assessment 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 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 patient.

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

Observations: An observation of the child at school may be conducted from time to time.

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)

Evaluation and Interpretation: After the testing and evaluation is complete, the 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, the 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 professions 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.