ADHD Testing for Children, Teens, and Adults in Coral Springs, Florida & Virtually in more than 40 States

ADHD testing helps you understand how the brain processes attention, emotions, memory, and self-control. Whether you are worried about your child’s behavior, school struggles, or your own focus and overwhelm, a comprehensive ADHD evaluation can replace guesswork with clarity so you can finally understand what’s going on and what will actually help.

What is ADHD and How Does it Affect Daily Life?

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental difference in how the brain regulates attention, impulses, emotions, and executive functioning (planning, organizing, starting and finishing tasks).

It is not a problem of intelligence, motivation, or effort. It is a difference in how the brain filters information, manages stimulation, and controls energy and emotions.

ADHD affects how a person:

  • Focuses and shifts attention

  • Controls impulses

  • Regulates emotions

  • Manages time, memory, and organization

Signs of ADHD in Children and Teenagers?

ADHD doesn’t always look like “can’t sit still.” In many kids it shows up as emotional, behavioral, or academic struggles.

Common signs of ADHD in children include:

  • Trouble following directions or finishing tasks

  • Forgetting homework, chores, or instructions

  • Big emotional reactions, meltdowns, or shutdowns

  • Difficulty sitting still or staying focused

  • Losing things constantly

  • Being very sensitive, reactive, or easily overwhelmed

  • Appearing smart but struggling in school

  • Getting in trouble for behavior that seems impulsive

Many children with ADHD also experience anxiety, low self-esteem, or school avoidance because their brain is working much harder than others just to keep up.

Signs of ADHD in Adults?

ADHD often continues into adulthood, but it may look different.

Adults with ADHD may experience:

  • Chronic overwhelm and burnout

  • Difficulty starting or finishing tasks

  • Trouble staying organized

  • Forgetting appointments, deadlines, or important details

  • Emotional sensitivity and frustration

  • Feeling like they’re always “behind” in life

  • Trouble with time management or procrastination

  • Relationship or work stress

Many adults grow up being labeled lazy, messy, or unmotivated when in reality, they were living with an unsupported ADHD brain.

Why ADHD Can Be Hard to Recognize

ADHD is often misunderstood because it doesn’t look the same in every person. Many people picture ADHD as a child who can’t sit still or is constantly disruptive. But for many children, teens, and adults, ADHD is much quieter and easier to miss.

Some people with ADHD are:

  • Highly intelligent

  • Well-behaved

  • Anxious or perfectionistic

  • Very good at masking their struggles

  • Able to hold it together in structured settings like school or work

Instead of being hyperactive, their ADHD may show up as:

  • Daydreaming

  • Emotional overwhelm

  • Forgetfulness

  • Trouble starting tasks

  • Mental exhaustion

  • Sensory sensitivity

  • Big reactions to small frustrations

ADHD is also frequently confused with or hidden by other conditions like anxiety, depression, trauma, learning differences, or autism. This means many children and adults are misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed at all, while the real reason for their struggles remains invisible.

Because ADHD affects how the brain regulates attention, emotions, and effort, people are often labeled as lazy, unmotivated, or “not trying hard enough.” In reality, their brain is working much harder just to do what looks simple for others.

Comprehensive ADHD testing looks beneath surface behavior to understand how the brain is actually functioning—so struggles finally make sense and the right support can begin.

What are Some Easy Strategies to Implement that Can Help with ADHD?

While testing and support are important, small changes can make a big difference.

Some helpful strategies include:

  • Breaking tasks into smaller, clear steps

  • Using visual schedules and reminders

  • Reducing sensory and environmental distractions

  • Giving more time for transitions

  • Using body movement and breaks to regulate energy

  • Providing emotional support and validation

  • Adjusting expectations to match how the brain works

These strategies work best when they are tailored to the person’s unique brain profile.

When to Consider ADHD Testing

You or your child may benefit from ADHD testing if:

  • School is harder than it should be

  • You feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or confused

  • Nothing you’ve tried seems to work

  • You wonder if ADHD, anxiety, autism, or something else is involved

  • Your child’s behavior feels extreme or unpredictable

  • You or your child feel misunderstood

ADHD testing is not about labeling. It’s about understanding.

What ADHD Testing Can Reveal About You or Your Child

ADHD testing provides:

  • A clear explanation for struggles

  • A roadmap for support

  • Validation that the challenges are real

  • School or workplace accommodations

  • Better therapy and intervention planning

  • Relief from blame, shame, and guessing

Most importantly, a neurodiversity-affirming ADHD evaluation helps you see the whole person, not just the struggles.

Can My Doctor or Pediatrician Diagnose ADHD?

Primary care doctors and pediatricians play an important role in overall health. However, when it comes to ADHD, their evaluations are usually very limited.

Most medical doctors diagnose ADHD using:

  • A short checklist

  • A brief interview

  • A few questions about symptoms

While this can sometimes identify obvious ADHD, it often misses or mislabels what’s really going on, especially when anxiety, autism, trauma, learning differences, or emotional regulation challenges are also present.

A comprehensive psychological ADHD evaluation is different.

It looks at:

  • Attention, memory, and processing speed

  • Executive functioning

  • Emotional regulation

  • Learning and academic skills

  • Sensory processing and stress response

  • How the brain actually works in real life

This allows us to answer much deeper questions, like:

  • Is this ADHD, anxiety, autism, or a combination?

  • Why is this child melting down or shutting down?

  • Why is school or daily life so hard?

  • What supports will actually help?

In other words, medical doctors can often say “yes or no.”
ADHD testing explains “why” and “what to do about it.”

For families who have tried everything and are still struggling, that difference is life-changing.

ADHD testing in Coral Springs and South Florida

If you are wondering whether ADHD testing might help you or your child, the next step is to speak with a professional who can guide you through the process.

At Gold Psych Services, Dr. Lauren provides comprehensive ADHD evaluations for children, teens, and adults in the South Florida area, designed to uncover strengths, challenges, and the supports that truly make a difference. Evaluations are available in-office in Coral Springs, Florida and easily accessible to those throughout Broward County and Palm Beach County.

Virtual ADHD Testing

If you are living in an eligible state and are considering an ADHD evaluation, reach out to learn more about how ADHD testing can provide answers.

Virtual ADHD testing is available via telehealth to allow individuals across the United States easy access to a qualified and compassionate provider. Day, evening, and weekend appointments are available to fit your busy schedule.

Schedule an ADHD Evaluation

Contact Dr. Lauren to schedule a complimentary phone consultation and get personalized guidance about next steps.

Contact Dr. Lauren
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