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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]

The ADOS you mention is typically given when there are indications of autism or to rule out autism, and thus it is not always used in the ADHD diagnosis process.

While a neuropsychological is not necessary for an ADHD diagnosis, it is definitely more than adequate for an ADHD diagnosis and it is conducted by a "clinician".  You can get an ADHD diagnosis from a primary care doctor, a pediatrician, or a psychiatrist, who will usually observe clinically and ask for some forms like the Connors or Vanderbilt to be completed by parent, child and teacher, the results of which are used in the diagnostic process.  This diagnostic visit with a health professional is "adequate" for diagnosing ADHD.

However, many kids with ADHD also have 1 or more co-morbid disorders - autism, anxiety, depression, or learning disabilities (dyslexia, reading disorder NOS, coordination disorders, language processing disorders, or dyscalculia).  That is why many parents seek a full neuropsychological assessment.  The neuropsychological typically includes IQ/ability testing, achievement testing, and computer or paper questionnaires by parent/teacher/child to assess executive function (like the BRIEF), mood, and other characteristics.  Computerized testing of attention via the TOVA, IVA, D-KEFS is often also included, as well as other tests like the Tower of London (executive function/planning), WRAML3 (memory), Rapid Automatized Naming, Beery Visual Motor Integration, Ray-Osterreith and so many more.

Most of these tests administered by a psychologist or neuropyschologist are normed and standardized tests, both of which are very helpful test qualities for diagnosis as well as for the legal processes under disability law; however, a pediatrician can still diagnose ADHD with questionnaires like Connors or Vanderbilt, which are standardized and based on norm-referenced data.

The "clinical assessment" is usually done by the psychologist who meets with the parents, and observes the child during testing and/or in a separate interview.  The neuropsychologist, who is a "clinician," selects from among many testing instruments to decide what is appropriate for each particular child. Thus, not every child will get the same battery of tests.

Of course, even where a child is being assessed by a psychologist, the child's pediatrician should also examine the child to rule out physical causes of inattention like - thyroid or parathyroid problems, sleep issues, anemia, other nutrients, eyesight, etc. As well as running blood work (liver and kidney function) which are often required before starting medication.

Parents have to make a lot of complicated decisions about how to spend their time and money to get a diagnosis and support for a child in need.  I am not sure why PPs keep criticizing each other's ways of pursuing diagnosis for their child, except where there is misinformation being presented.  There are a range of options from school-based assessment to pediatrician to full blown neuropsychological and each child and family will have different needs and resources.

For more information on diagnosis, see [url]https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-what-you-need-to-know
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+1 thank you[/quote]

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