Child & Teen ADHD Evaluation
Find out why focus, organization, and follow-through are so hard for your child — and how to help
It's Not Laziness. It Might Be ADHD.
If your child has been called lazy or unmotivated, or told they "just need to try harder" — but no matter how hard they try, they can't seem to focus, finish tasks, or stay organized — it may not be a character flaw. It may be ADHD.
Dr. Ferris specializes in evaluating children and teens who are often missed by traditional screenings — especially girls, 2SLGBTQ+ kids, and children with the "inattentive" presentation that doesn't look like the stereotypical hyperactive child.
How the Evaluation Works
Our ADHD evaluation goes beyond simple questionnaires to give you a complete picture of how your child's mind works. It is built around four steps.
Parent Interview
We start with the parents to gather your child's developmental history and how ADHD traits show up at school, home, and with friends. This session can be done by telehealth.
Standardized Questionnaires
Parents complete validated ADHD rating scales measuring attention, working memory, and executive function across settings.
Child Interview & Observation
Your child meets with Dr. Ferris for an interview and observation appointment, including screening for conditions that can mimic or co-occur with ADHD. We recommend this be done in person.
Feedback & Report
We walk parents through the findings and provide a comprehensive written report with recommendations for accommodations and support. This session can be done by telehealth.
In person vs. telehealth: The parent interview and feedback session can happen by telehealth. We recommend the child observation appointment be done in person — seeing your child directly gives the clearest, most reliable picture.
Signs Your Child May Have ADHD
ADHD in children often looks different than the hyperactive-child stereotype. Here are some experiences that may sound familiar:
Inattention
- Zones out during class or conversations
- Makes careless mistakes despite knowing the material
- Starts assignments but doesn't finish them
- Loses things constantly (jacket, supplies, homework)
- Gets distracted by random thoughts
- Forgets assignments, chores, or instructions
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
- Restless, fidgety, or unable to sit still
- Talks a lot or interrupts others
- Blurts out answers or comments
- Makes impulsive choices they later regret
- Has trouble waiting their turn
- Starts many projects, finishes few
Executive Function
- Struggles to start tasks, even ones they want to do
- Finds it hard to plan or break down projects
- Procrastinates even when they want to act
- Time blindness — loses track of time constantly
- Messy room, backpack, or workspace
- Emotional dysregulation — big feelings, quickly
Important: Your child doesn't need every symptom here, and they don't need to be visibly hyperactive to have ADHD. Many children, especially girls, have the predominantly inattentive presentation — and they're often missed until school demands become overwhelming.
Why Get Your Child Evaluated?
A formal diagnosis can open doors to support and help your child stop blaming themselves for struggles that aren't their fault.
School Accommodations
A diagnosis supports a 504 Plan or IEP with accommodations like extended test time, preferential seating, chunked assignments, and reduced homework — in both Washington and Oregon.
Self-Understanding
Your child can stop blaming themselves, understand that their brain works differently, and learn strategies that actually fit how they think.
Treatment Options
A diagnosis opens the door to treatment options including medication, therapy, coaching, and evidence-based strategies for managing ADHD.
Family Support
Understanding your child's ADHD helps your whole family build routines and expectations that reduce conflict and play to their strengths.
Wondering About Both ADHD and Autism?
ADHD and autism often occur together (AuDHD). If you suspect your child has both, we can evaluate for both conditions. Understanding your child's complete neurological profile ensures they get the right support.
Learn About Pediatric Autism AssessmentWhat a Diagnosis Means for Your Family
We serve families across the Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA area. An ADHD diagnosis supports school accommodations regardless of which state you live in.
Washington & Oregon Families
In both states, an ADHD diagnosis provides documentation for school accommodations such as an IEP or 504 Plan, and supports access to treatment and medication management.
Considering Autism Too?
If autism is also a possibility, note that in Washington an autism diagnosis can additionally qualify a child for state developmental disability services — see our pediatric autism assessment.
We provide the documentation — a detailed written report you can bring to your child's school. Because eligibility rules change, we recommend families confirm specifics with their school district.
Evaluation Investment
Understanding how your child's mind works is an investment in their future success.
- Complete clinical interview
- Standardized ADHD testing
- Differential diagnosis assessment
- Detailed written report
- Feedback session
- School accommodation documentation
Need both ADHD and autism assessment? Ask about our combined evaluation.
We offer flexible payment options.
Submit to insurance for potential reimbursement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn More About ADHD
The Relationship Between ADHD and the Eyes
Discover what people mean by ADHD eyes—how gaze, focus, and eye contact patterns may reflect attention shifts and emotional processing.
What Habits Worsen ADHD? Understanding Lifestyle Choices That Impact Concentration
Learn what habits worsen ADHD and how to break patterns like poor sleep, multitasking, and burnout to improve focus and daily balance.
The 5 Stages of ADHD
Explore the five stages of ADHD — and how they shape emotional growth, self-understanding, and daily management.
Are Autism and ADHD on the same spectrum?
Are autism and ADHD on the same spectrum? Learn about their differences, overlaps, and why they are distinct yet often co-occurring conditions
Ready to Get Your Child Answers?
Stop wondering if it's ADHD. Get your child the answers and support they deserve.
Schedule Your Child's Evaluation