At The Therapy Cafe, we understand that distinguishing between neurodiversity and mental health conditions can be confusing. Our goal is to provide clarity regarding an individual’s unique information processing style.

 

With Dr. Upasana’s expertise of over a decade in psychological testing for neurodevelopmental conditions, we offer comprehensive ADHD assessments, particularly for young people. Here's an outline of what our ADHD assessment entails:

​​​

1. Thorough Developmental History:​

​

Gathering detailed information on the individual’s developmental milestones, early childhood behavior, and any significant changes over time. This helps us understand the trajectory of the individual's symptoms and their developmental context.

​​

2. ADHD-Specific Interview with the Carer:

​

A structured interview with the parent or carer to gain insights into the individual's behavior at home, school, and in social settings. This helps us identify specific patterns related to ADHD symptoms, such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

​

3. Objective Measures of Inattention and Hyperactivity:

​

Using validated, standardized tools to objectively assess the individual’s level of inattention and hyperactivity. These measures provide quantifiable data that complements the subjective information from the interviews.

​

4. Reports from a Second Setting (e.g., School or College):

​

Collecting feedback from a secondary setting, such as teachers or college staff, to understand the individual’s behavior in a structured environment. This report gives valuable information on how the individual performs in academic or social settings and provides a broader context for the assessment.

​

5. Standardized Rating Scales:

​

Utilizing established rating scales to measure symptoms of ADHD in different contexts. These tools help ensure the assessment is based on objective and consistent criteria across different informants.

​

6. Understanding Symptom Presentation and Course:

​

The assessment takes into account the presentation and course of symptoms in relation to the DSM-V criteria for ADHD. This helps clarify whether the symptoms align with the diagnostic criteria, focusing on identifying whether the symptoms are longstanding, pervasive, and impairing.

​

7. Clarity over Diagnosis:

​

The goal of our ADHD assessment is not just to diagnose but to gain clarity on the individual's cognitive and behavioral functioning. We aim to offer a clear understanding of their unique neurodiverse traits and how these traits may affect various aspects of their life.

 

By following this comprehensive approach, we aim to provide a detailed, well-rounded perspective on the individual’s needs, ensuring that they get the right support and guidance for their neurodiverse condition.