Comprehensive, Compassionate Assessments for Children, Teens, and Adults

Living in a fast-paced city like Chicago can make managing daily responsibilities overwhelming. For some individuals, difficulty with focus, organization, or impulse control may indicate Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Whether you’re a parent seeking clarity for your child, a teen struggling academically, or an adult navigating work or home challenges, professional testing is essential for understanding and support.

At Wellman Psychology, we provide ADHD Testing Chicago services that are evidence-based, comprehensive, and tailored to your unique needs. Our goal is to help you gain insight, develop practical strategies, and take actionable steps toward improved focus, organization, emotional regulation, and overall well-being.

 

Understanding ADHD and Its Impact

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects attention, impulse control, and executive functioning. It is often first recognized in childhood, but many adults go undiagnosed until later in life. While the symptoms of ADHD vary across individuals, untreated ADHD can affect multiple aspects of life, including school performance, career success, interpersonal relationships, and mental health.

Common Symptoms Across Age Groups

Children and Teens:

  • Difficulty sustaining attention during tasks or schoolwork

  • Impulsivity, interrupting conversations, or acting without thinking

  • Challenges completing homework or school assignments

  • Hyperactivity, restlessness, or fidgeting

  • Emotional sensitivity, frequent frustration, and difficulty managing emotions

Adults:

  • Chronic disorganization and difficulty prioritizing tasks

  • Trouble focusing on projects or completing work on time

  • Impulsive decision-making or difficulty anticipating consequences

  • Forgetfulness in daily responsibilities, appointments, or deadlines

  • Challenges maintaining relationships and work performance

ADHD Subtypes

ADHD is typically categorized into three subtypes, which influence symptoms and treatment approaches:

  1. Predominantly Inattentive: Difficulty maintaining focus, forgetfulness, and disorganization without significant hyperactivity.

  2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive: Excessive energy, restlessness, and impulsivity without primary attention deficits.

  3. Combined Presentation: Symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.

Understanding your subtype is crucial for targeted strategies and interventions.

 

The Importance of Accurate ADHD Testing

Professional ADHD testing is vital for identifying symptoms accurately. Self-diagnosis or online assessments may lead to misunderstandings or misdiagnosis, especially since ADHD can overlap with conditions like anxiety, depression, or learning differences. Comprehensive testing allows for:

  • Identification of ADHD symptom type and severity

  • Recognition of co-occurring conditions that may require simultaneous support

  • Evidence-based recommendations for therapy, coaching, accommodations, or medication

  • Clear understanding of strengths and challenges to inform long-term strategies

Accurate testing can empower clients of all ages to better navigate daily life, relationships, and professional responsibilities.

 

Our ADHD Testing Process

At Wellman Psychology, our ADHD testing process is structured, comprehensive, and designed to ensure accuracy and clarity.

Step 1: Intake and Clinical Interview

The first session is focused on gathering a full understanding of your personal history, symptoms, and goals. We review:

Developmental history, including early childhood behaviors and milestones

Medical and mental health history

Current challenges at home, school, or work

Previous assessments, treatments, or medications

This intake ensures that your evaluation is tailored to your unique needs and circumstances.

Step 2: Behavioral Questionnaires and Rating Scales

Evidence-based rating scales provide objective measures of ADHD symptoms. We gather input from multiple sources:

  • Children and Teens: Parents, teachers, or caregivers complete questionnaires about behavior and performance in school and at home.

    Adults: Self-reports and, when applicable, input from spouses, family members, or colleagues

    Standardized assessments such as the Conners’ Rating Scales or Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS)

These questionnaires help identify patterns of behavior that may indicate ADHD and inform subsequent testing steps.

Step 3: Cognitive and Attention Assessments

Cognitive testing evaluates executive functioning, attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. Common tools include:

WISC-V for children

WAIS-IV for adults

Conners’ Continuous Performance Test (CPT) to assess sustained attention and impulsivity

Working memory and processing speed assessments

These tests provide insight into how ADHD affects cognitive performance and everyday functioning.

Step 4: Collateral Information Gathering

Gathering information from multiple environments ensures a holistic understanding of ADHD symptoms:

Teachers or school staff provide classroom observations

Family members report behaviors at home

Supervisors or colleagues provide workplace context for adults

This step helps distinguish ADHD symptoms from situational stressors and other mental health concerns.

Step 5: Results Interpretation and Feedback

After testing, we provide a detailed review of results in a collaborative session:

ADHD symptom presentation, type, and severity using DSM-5 criteria

Identification of co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, or learning differences

Practical, individualized recommendations for therapy, coaching, school or workplace accommodations, and follow-up care

Our goal is not only to diagnose but also to provide actionable guidance and strategies for long-term success.

 

Why Professional ADHD Testing Matters

Professional testing is more than just a diagnosis. It’s an investment in understanding, growth, and life-long success.

Accurate Diagnosis

  • Distinguishes ADHD from similar conditions and overlapping disorders

  • Prevents misdiagnosis and ensures the correct interventions are applied

Personalized Treatment Planning

  • Guidance on evidence-based therapy or ADHD coaching

  • Recommendations for academic or workplace accommodations

  • Referrals for medication evaluation when appropriate

Empowerment and Insight

  • Understand your strengths, challenges, and behavioral patterns

  • Learn coping strategies to improve attention, organization, and productivity

Family Support

  • Parents receive guidance to help children with school performance, routines, and emotional regulation

  • Families learn structured strategies to reduce conflict and improve communication

 

Long-Term Benefits of ADHD Testing

Professional ADHD testing can provide a variety of benefits that extend well beyond diagnosis:

  1. Improved Academic Performance: Identifying ADHD allows educators and parents to implement targeted interventions and accommodations, leading to better grades and school engagement.

  2. Career Advancement: Adults gain insight into workplace challenges, learn strategies for organization and time management, and may access accommodations to improve productivity.

  3. Enhanced Relationships: Understanding how ADHD affects communication, impulsivity, and emotional regulation can improve family, partner, and social relationships.

  4. Emotional Well-being: Testing and subsequent support reduce stress, frustration, and self-doubt, fostering confidence and self-awareness.

 

Flexible, Accessible ADHD Testing in Chicago

At Wellman Psychology, we strive to make ADHD testing convenient, flexible, and inclusive:

  • In-Person or Virtual Sessions: Complete testing in our Chicago office or remotely from home

  • Evening and Weekend Appointments: Accommodate school or work schedules

  • Culturally Sensitive Care: Support for children, teens, adults, LGBTQ+ individuals, and multicultural families

We prioritize accessibility without compromising quality or thoroughness, ensuring that ADHD testing is available to all who need it.

 

What Happens After ADHD Testing

Testing is only the first step. At Wellman Psychology, we guide you through next steps for lasting improvement.

Results Review

  • Clear explanation of ADHD symptoms, severity, and impact on daily functioning

  • Identification of strengths and areas for growth

  • Discussion of co-occurring conditions that may require support

 

Tailored Recommendations

  • Therapy to improve focus, executive function, emotional regulation, and coping strategies

  • ADHD coaching to develop time management, organization, and study/work skills

  • Guidance for academic accommodations, workplace adjustments, or medication consultation

 

Ongoing Support

  • Implement cognitive-behavioral techniques in everyday life

  • Track progress and refine strategies over time

  • Support families in creating structured routines and positive reinforcement systems

 

Expected Outcomes of ADHD Testing

Clients who complete ADHD testing at Wellman Psychology often report:

  • Improved attention, focus, and productivity at school, work, or home

  • Enhanced time management and organizational skills

  • Better emotional regulation and reduced frustration

  • Stronger relationships with family, peers, and colleagues

  • Increased confidence and self-understanding

With professional guidance, ADHD testing can be transformative, providing the foundation for meaningful change.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A comprehensive assessment includes a clinical interview, standardized questionnaires, cognitive testing, and collateral information from family, school, or work.

  • Testing typically requires 2–4 sessions, depending on age, complexity, and co-occurring conditions.

  • Yes. Adults can benefit from professional evaluation to better understand challenges in work, home, or relationships.

  • Yes. Professional documentation supports accommodations for academic, occupational, and everyday settings.

  • Coverage varies. Our team will help verify benefits and provide documentation for insurance submission.

  • You can schedule online or by phone. Our staff guides you through intake and appointment selection.

  • We combine evidence-based testing, personalized recommendations, flexible scheduling, and compassionate care to ensure meaningful, lasting results.

 

Take the First Step Toward Clarity and Support

ADHD can impact many areas of life, but professional testing provides clarity, guidance, and practical strategies. At Wellman Psychology, our ADHD Testing Chicago services are thorough, evidence-based, and delivered with compassion.

Schedule a consultation today to begin your journey toward understanding, growth, and effective support. With professional guidance, you can gain insight, develop strategies, and improve focus, organization, and overall daily functioning.

Your future is within reach. Let us help you unlock it.

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