6 Tips for Talking with Your Child About ADHD Testing

There is no medical test that can be done to diagnose ADHD.

It can’t be determined through any kind of blood test or scanned by a piece of equipment.

Rather, it’s typically diagnosed through a series of evaluations and assessments.

While adults can be diagnosed with ADHD, it’s often considered to be a “children’s disorder” as symptoms usually present themselves at a young age.

Because of that, the idea of ADHD testing might seem a bit overwhelming or even scary to your child.

It’s important to be able to talk to them and prepare them for testing so they know what to expect.

Let’s cover a few helpful tips for talking with your child about ADHD testing, so you’ll both be prepared for the process.

1. Go Through the Process

One of the best ways to ease your child’s worries about ADHD testing is to explain the process.

Don’t talk about taking “tests.” Rather, let them know they’ll go through different activities, and there are no right or wrong answers.

They don’t need to worry about failing somehow or doing the wrong thing.

2. There to Learn

Let your child know that you’ll be there waiting for them throughout the activities, and do your best to remain calm.

Tell them that you’re both there to learn, and the assessments will help everyone understand how their brain learns best, so you can work together as you move forward.

3. Talk to the Evaluator

It might be a good idea for you, as the caregiver, to talk to the evaluator before the assessment.

They can offer you peace of mind and let you know what to expect so you can share that information with your child in an age-appropriate way.

Talking to the evaluator will also help you maintain a sense of calm, which is important for your child to see.

4. Have More Than One Conversation

Choose to talk to your child about ADHD during a time when they typically aren’t dealing with distractions.

• For example, if they’re winding down for the night and getting ready for bed, it might be a good time to talk about the testing and what to expect.

It’s also a good rule of thumb not to overwhelm them with one long conversation. It might be hard to keep their focus.

So, bring up the testing process more than once and leave plenty of time for them to ask questions.

5. Talk About the Benefits

If your child has been struggling due to their ADHD symptoms, let them know that testing can lead to the right treatment.

They’ll be able to focus more in school, get their homework done faster, or improve their friendships.

By focusing on the benefits of ADHD treatment, your child is more likely to be willing to undergo testing without fear.

6. Provide Reassurance

Even by telling them the benefits, however, it’s normal for children to have some reservations about testing — and a diagnosis.

Remind them of what to expect during the activities, and reassure them that an ADHD diagnosis isn’t a bad thing. It simply means they learn differently.

Talk to them about successful people with ADHD and how they can use it to their advantage throughout life.

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These tips for talking with your child about ADHD testing can make a big difference in the process for both of you.

But if your child is still concerned and you need a bit more help as you talk to them about what to expect, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Together, we’ll get to the bottom of your own concerns and talk through even more effective strategies that you can use to provide reassurance and comfort.