Evaluations
ADHD testing that goes beyond a checklist
For children, teens, and young adults across north Atlanta.
"He's smart, but he can't stay on task." "Her teacher says she's always daydreaming." "Homework takes three hours and ends in tears." If any of that sounds familiar, you're in the right place.
ADHD is one of the most common reasons families come to Pedia IQ, and one of the most commonly misunderstood. Plenty of children who look inattentive actually have anxiety, a learning disability, or sleep problems. And plenty of children with ADHD, especially girls, fly under the radar for years because they aren't hyperactive. Getting the diagnosis right matters, because the diagnosis drives the treatment.
Signs that bring families in
- Trouble focusing, following directions, or finishing work
- Careless mistakes on work the child clearly understands
- Constant motion, fidgeting, or interrupting
- Disorganization, lost assignments, forgotten deadlines
- Homework battles far beyond what siblings or classmates experience
- A bright child whose grades don't match their ability
What the evaluation includes
Dr. Marshall's ADHD evaluations use objective, standardized measures of attention and executive functioning alongside intellectual and academic testing, questionnaires for parents and teachers, and a careful developmental history. This lets her compare your child's attention to normative data for his or her age, rather than relying on impressions alone, and it allows her to consider other conditions that mimic or contribute to an attention problem.
What you get
A clear answer about whether ADHD is the right diagnosis, an explanation of your child's specific attention and executive functioning profile, and concrete recommendations: classroom accommodations, strategies for home, and documentation your pediatrician can use for treatment decisions. If school supports are appropriate, the report is written to meet the documentation requirements for 504 plans and IEPs in Fulton, Gwinnett, and surrounding districts.
Questions & Answers
How is ADHD diagnosed in children?
There's no single test for ADHD. An accurate diagnosis combines objective attention testing, standardized rating scales from the adults who see your child every day, cognitive and academic testing to rule out look-alike conditions, and a detailed history.
Can't my pediatrician just diagnose ADHD?
Pediatricians can and do diagnose straightforward cases, and Dr. Marshall works closely with referring pediatricians. Comprehensive testing is most valuable when the picture is complicated: when symptoms overlap with anxiety or learning problems, when medication isn't working as expected, when the school is asking for documentation, or when you simply want to be certain before starting treatment.
My daughter isn't hyperactive. Could she still have ADHD?
Yes. The Inattentive presentation of ADHD, which used to be called ADD, is frequently missed, especially in girls, because there's no disruptive behavior flagging it. These are often the daydreamers and the quietly overwhelmed.
What ages do you test?
Dr. Marshall evaluates children, adolescents, and young adults, including college students who need updated documentation for accommodations. Evaluations are provided for ages 3 years and older.
Will the results help us get a 504 plan or IEP?
Yes. The written report includes the diagnostic documentation and specific recommendations schools need to evaluate eligibility for a 504 plan or IEP.
Do you take insurance?
Pedia IQ is a private pay practice. You'll receive a superbill with the diagnostic and billing codes needed to submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement. Many families recover a meaningful portion of the cost this way, depending on their plan.
For more than 20 years, Dr. Rebecca Marshall has helped families answer the question underneath every referral: what's really going on with my child, and what do we do about it?