Clinical process in which children and adolescents with academic performance below expectations are systematically evaluated for ADHD, specific learning disorders and emotional/family-related factors.
Indication
- Academic achievement clearly below age-appropriate expectations
- Distractibility, restlessness and inability to focus on homework (suspicion of ADHD)
- Specific difficulties in reading, writing or mathematics (suspicion of a learning disorder)
- Reluctance to attend school, school phobia or absenteeism
- Behavioral problems and difficulty with peer relationships
- Changes in sleep, appetite or mood accompanying the academic decline
Preparation
- Bringing the school report card, exam papers and any teacher observations available
- Any previous psychological testing or guidance counselor reports
- A summary of birth, developmental and pre-school history
- Notes on recent major family changes (relocation, loss, separation)
- Medications the child is taking and any accompanying medical conditions
How it's performed
- A detailed clinical interview is conducted by a child and adolescent psychiatrist
- ADHD rating scales (Conners, Turgay, etc.) are completed
- Necessary psychometric tests for specific learning disorders are planned
- Family, child and, when possible, school (teacher form) are assessed separately
- Vision, hearing and general health screening may be recommended
- All findings are integrated to determine which factor is dominant: ADHD, learning disorder, anxiety/depression or environmental factors
Post-procedure
- Follow-up visits every 1-3 months depending on the diagnosis
- When appropriate for ADHD, medication treatment with response monitoring
- Special education and school cooperation in learning disorders
- Family counseling and parent training
- Periodic reassessment of academic progress
Risks
- Mislabeling when the evaluation is squeezed into a single visit
- Missed developmental opportunities if the family or school does not continue treatment
- Temporary side effects such as sleep, appetite changes or headaches when medication is started
- Overlooking accompanying anxiety or depression
FAQ
Is my child lazy or unwell?
Persistent low performance is often not 'laziness'; ADHD, a learning disorder or emotional factors may underlie it. Evaluation helps make this distinction.
Will medication always be started?
No. It depends on the diagnosis. Even in ADHD, behavioral and educational interventions are usually first-line; medication is added when needed.
How long until results are available?
A structured evaluation report is typically provided after 1-3 visits and completion of any necessary tests.
What should I do if my child mentions self-harm or suicidal thoughts?
Without delay, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency department, and inform the treating physician.
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