ADD/ADHD Testing

Who we are

Calvert + Associates is a professional counseling practice offering a wide variety of mental health services for children, adolescents, and adults. We have recently added Attention Deficit-Disorder and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD/ADHD) testing and assessment to our list of services! Michael Hoye, an ALC at Calvert + Associates, is a trained and approved provider for testing and assessment for ADD/ADHD. The assessment that we use at Calvert + Associates is the Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Scale, a widely used assessment for ADD/ADHD. The assessment consists of two parts, a roughly 40-item scale and a diagnostic form, both of which will be explained in greater detail.

The Testing Process

Point of important clarification: We provide a diagnostic impression based on the concluding results of the assessment. This means that we do not provide a formal diagnosis for ADD/ADHD. This is important for you to know because our perspective on providing this assessment is to embrace a team-like approach to your well-being in the most holistic way possible. We want to provide the necessary information for other mental health professionals that you are currently working with, whether that be medical professionals, psychotherapists, or other professionals.

The Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Scales and Diagnostic Form consist of two distinct tools designed to evaluate Attention-Deficit Disorder and/or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in individuals.

The first tool, known as the Scales, is a 40-item questionnaire exclusively crafted to gauge the likelihood of an ADD/ADHD diagnosis. Depending on the outcomes, the use of the Diagnostic form is then determined.

The Diagnostic form comprises various sections, starting with a clinical interview. This self-report segment engages multiple aspects of the individual’s life. The subsequent part offers an opportunity for a comprehensive diagnosis using the Diagnostic Statistical Manual. The third section allows for an assessment of any co-existing or alternative disorders that might manifest ADD/ADHD-like symptoms. One of the notable advantages of the Brown assessment is its holistic approach to the diagnostic process, ensuring that therapy can be tailored effectively to meet individual needs.

Choosing to use the Brown Attention-Deficit Disorder Scale and Diagnostic form has many benefits. The scale asks about 40 questions relating to many different areas of life, but primarily in routine-like activities. This is helpful because it helps us to determine whether it is even necessary to do a further evaluation. If the results of the scale show positive ADHD-like symptoms, then we should progress to the diagnostic form. This diagnostic form consists of in-depth self-reporting questions that are going to assess many areas of the individual’s life – including but not limited to childhood experiences, family history, life in general, school/work, etc. But what makes this assessment so beneficial is that it also assesses comorbidities and/or differential diagnoses. In other words, it looks for other issues/disorders that might be present with ADHD or it looks for other issues/disorders that might show similar ADHD symptoms.

How does it work?

For Children: The assessment tools focus on evaluating crucial aspects of your child’s development. By thoroughly assessing six key areas of executive functioning in children: Activation, Attention, Effort, Emotion, Memory, and Action. Additionally, we delve into five specific areas related to Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD) symptoms, including Organization, Concentration, Effort, Affect, and Memory. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of your child’s strengths and areas that may require support, ensuring a holistic approach to their well-being.

Ages 5-12: The scale is the first accessible form designed for quickly assessing the potential of a developmental disorder or delay in any of the previously described executive functions; the scale comes in two forms: the Parent Form and the Teacher Form, both of which require the presence of an adult – either a parent or a teacher/caretaker. The presence of an adult is essential during the assessment, with or without the child being examined. This collaborative approach ensures accurate insights into the child’s behavior and functioning in different settings, whether at home, daycare, or in an educational environment. Please note: the teacher form is highly encouraged to complete and can be delivered to the teacher for completion outside of Calvert + Associates offices.

The diagnostic form, if necessary, based on the results of the scale, is then implemented. This consists of an in-depth clinical interview and other screeners to assess further for a diagnostic impression, executive function disorders, developmental delays, and other potential issues.

It is important to note that when we assess young children, we are not necessarily looking specifically for ADHD. If your child is experiencing issues that are concerning to you then we want to help evaluate your child for issues that may be impacting what is known as executive functions, which are activation, attention, effort, emotion, memory, and action.

For Adolescents and Adults: The assessment focuses on evaluating crucial aspects of related symptoms of ADD/ADHD by thoroughly assessing six key areas of cognition and affect, which are as follows: Activation, Attention, Effort, Emotion, Memory, and Action. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of your strengths and areas that may require support, ensuring a holistic approach to your well-being.

Ages 12-18: Tailored for adolescents aged 12-18, the scale has two distinct forms: the Self-Report and the Parent Report. These scales are thoughtfully designed to gather insights from both the adolescent and the parent. The Self-Report allows adolescents to express their perspectives and experiences, while the Parent Report ensures a comprehensive understanding from the caregiver’s viewpoint. This dual approach ensures a well-rounded assessment, taking into account the unique insights of both the adolescent and their parent for a more accurate and thorough evaluation

Ages 18+: Tailored for adults aged 18 and above, our assessment tool simplifies the process with a single Self-Report form. This self-report form provides adults with the opportunity to share their own perspectives and experiences. Additionally, collateral information, such as input from a parent, spouse, friend, or other relevant individuals, can be presented to complement the self-report. This streamlined approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation, taking into account the adult’s insights along with valuable perspectives from those who are closely connected, fostering a holistic understanding for effective support and intervention.

What happens after?

Once the testing is complete, you will have the opportunity to discuss the assessment results with the examiner. You will also have the option to set up a consultation with the examiner for a more detailed explanation of the assessment results. Further, you will have the option to send the results to other professionals for further treatment; please note that we will need you to complete a consent form to have this information sent.

We are providing what is known as a diagnostic impression. This term is intentionally used because we want to be part of a team of professionals to help you get the help you need for the symptoms that you are experiencing. You can choose to seek therapy from one of the counselors at Calvert + Associates, or we can send a detailed report to your primary counselor and any other related professionals, including your primary care physician for a psychotropic (medication) evaluation.

Scheduling an appointment & Pricing

To schedule an appointment and for details on pricing, please call our office manager, Mandy, at (205) 918-6161 or email at mandy@calvertandassociates.com

Michael Hoye is under supervision by Adam Calvert, Ed.S, LPC-S, CSAT-S