If you or your child are experiencing difficulties with focus, organization, or impulsivity, a professional ADHD evaluation can provide much-needed clarity. Dr. Savana Howe offers comprehensive ADHD testing, helping individuals of all ages better understand their unique challenges and find a clear path forward.
Dr. Howe uses evidence-based tools and a personalized approach to ensure each evaluation is accurate and informative. Untreated ADHD can impact school, work, relationships, and emotional health. Through compassionate and thorough assessment, Dr. Howe delivers clear diagnoses and individualized recommendations that support long-term success and well-being.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a person’s ability to focus, stay organized, control impulses, and manage energy levels. It is one of the most commonly diagnosed behavioral disorders and can impact individuals across all stages of life—from early childhood through adulthood.
ADHD symptoms typically fall into two categories: inattention (such as trouble focusing, forgetfulness, or difficulty following instructions) and hyperactivity/impulsivity (such as restlessness, fidgeting, or acting without thinking). Some people experience symptoms from both categories, while others show signs of just one.
Because ADHD symptoms can appear differently depending on age, it’s important to understand how they present at each stage of development. Dr. Howe provides individualized ADHD evaluations designed to account for these age-specific differences, ensuring accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
In children, ADHD often appears as difficulty staying focused, constant movement, and impulsive behavior. These symptoms can lead to challenges in the classroom, struggles with following directions, and conflicts with peers. Early identification is key to supporting emotional development, academic success, and building positive relationships at home and school.
Adolescents with ADHD may face increasing academic pressure, frequent forgetfulness, and impulsive decision-making. Emotional regulation can become difficult, sometimes resulting in frustration or mood swings. Symptoms are often more internalized at this stage, making professional evaluation important to distinguish between typical teenage behavior and a diagnosable attention disorder.
In adults, ADHD commonly affects organization, time management, and task completion. Many experience chronic stress from missed deadlines, forgetfulness, or feeling overwhelmed by daily responsibilities. These challenges can impact career performance, personal relationships, an
Diagnosing ADHD requires more than a quick checklist—it involves a thorough, multi-step evaluation guided by clinical standards. Dr. Howe follows a comprehensive process designed to ensure accuracy and insight into how attention-related symptoms are affecting daily life.
At the foundation of the diagnosis is the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition), which outlines specific symptom patterns, duration, and the degree to which symptoms interfere with functioning in multiple settings. To gain a full understanding, Dr. Howe gathers input from several sources:
This multi-source approach ensures the diagnosis is both accurate and tailored, providing a solid foundation for personalized treatment recommendations.
ADHD evaluation process is designed to be thorough, supportive, and personalized. Each step helps build a complete picture of how attention-related symptoms are affecting daily life. Here’s what you can expect:
Your evaluation begins with a one-on-one consultation. This is a chance to discuss your concerns, medical and developmental history, and the specific challenges you’re experiencing at home, school, or work.
2
You’ll complete behavioral checklists and detailed background questionnaires to help assess daily functioning. This is followed by structured testing to evaluate areas like attention span, memory, and executive functioning, all aimed at building a comprehensive understanding of your needs.
3
Interviews with parents, caregivers, or other relevant parties may be conducted to provide further understanding. Direct observation of behavior helps uncover patterns that may not be captured in tests, offering additional insights into functioning across different settings.
4
Once testing is complete, Dr. Howe provides a comprehensive report and walks you through the findings during a dedicated feedback session. You’ll receive a clear diagnosis (if applicable), a personalized treatment plan, and referrals or accommodations if needed.
Dr. Savana Howe is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in psychological testing and evaluation. She offers in-depth assessments for a wide range of needs, including ADHD, Autism, learning challenges, giftedness, cognitive functioning, court-ordered evaluations, and fitness-for-duty exams.
Her reports are known for being clear, thorough, and practical—helping clients, families, and professionals better understand their situation. Whether it’s for diagnosis, school or job accommodations, or legal questions, Dr. Howe tailors every evaluation to the person and situation. She has experience working in courts, aviation, healthcare settings, and schools, and always brings cultural awareness and clinical care to the process.
Alongside testing, Dr. Howe also provides therapy for people dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or life changes. Her approach is warm and collaborative, focused on helping people feel heard, understood, and supported.
Because ADHD screening involves a comprehensive, multi-step evaluation, the results offer much more than a simple yes or no answer. Dr. Howe’s process is designed to clarify not only whether ADHD is present, but also to explore other conditions that could be contributing to symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, or learning differences.
If the screening meets the diagnostic criteria outlined by the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5), a formal diagnosis may be made. Common diagnostic outcomes include:
Individuals show significant hyperactivity and impulsivity for at least six months but do not meet criteria for inattention. These behaviors may include excessive fidgeting, interrupting others, or difficulty waiting turns.
Individuals struggle primarily with attention, focus, and organization without the hyperactive symptoms. Symptoms might include difficulty following instructions, losing items, or appearing distracted
The most common form, especially in children. Symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity are present and significantly impact daily functioning.
When symptoms related to attention and impulsivity are present but do not fully meet the standard diagnostic criteria for ADHD. Further assessment or support may still be recommended.
Contact Dr. Howe today to schedule your free 15-minute consultation and begin your journey toward better mental health.
Several conditions can cause symptoms that overlap with ADHD, making it important to rule out other possible causes. These include:
Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety can cause difficulty concentrating and restlessness, similar to ADHD.
Depression: Mood disturbances and low energy from depression can mimic symptoms of inattention or low motivation.
Learning Disabilities: Struggles in academic performance may resemble ADHD, but they are often caused by specific learning challenges.
Sleep Disorders: Sleep deprivation can lead to difficulty concentrating, irritability, and hyperactivity.
Trauma or PTSD: Individuals who have experienced trauma may exhibit symptoms like inattention or impulsivity, which overlap with ADHD symptoms.
Substance Abuse or Medical Conditions: Issues like substance abuse or untreated medical conditions can lead to cognitive and behavioral symptoms that appear similar to ADHD.
Dr. Howe’s comprehensive ADHD evaluation helps differentiate between ADHD and other conditions that might cause similar symptoms.
The overall length of an ADHD evaluation process typically extends over several sessions, depending on the complexity of the case. While individual components like the initial consultation and testing may take 2-3 hours in total, the full process can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. This is because multiple sessions may be required to gather comprehensive information, such as detailed interviews, questionnaires, and behavioral checklists. Additionally, if other medical conditions need to be ruled out, this can extend the evaluation time. Gathering feedback from multiple sources, including parents, teachers, or other caregivers, also contributes to a thorough assessment. Dr. Howe ensures that each evaluation is thorough and personalized, taking the necessary time to provide accurate results and tailored treatment recommendations.
Preparing for an ADHD screening is simple, but it’s important to provide as much detailed and accurate information as possible. Here’s how to prepare:
Gather Relevant History: Bring information about your or your child’s developmental, academic, and behavioral history. This may include school records, previous medical diagnoses, and any notes from teachers or caregivers.
Be Ready to Discuss Concerns: Be prepared to talk about the specific challenges you’re facing, such as difficulty focusing, impulsive behaviors, or challenges in school or work.
Consider Family or Caregiver Input: For children, it’s helpful to involve parents, teachers, or caregivers, as they can provide additional insight into behaviors across different environments.
This preparation helps ensure a thorough evaluation process and accurate results.
ADHD testing is a multi-step process that combines observations, standardized assessments, and in-depth interviews. Here’s how it works:
Behavioral Questionnaires and Checklists: You will fill out detailed forms that assess symptoms, often with input from family members, teachers, or caregivers to provide a broader picture of behaviors in different settings.
Cognitive and Neuropsychological Testing: Structured tests assess attention span, executive functioning, memory, and processing speed. These tests help determine cognitive strengths and weaknesses.
Clinical Interviews: Dr. Howe conducts an interview to discuss your or your child’s behavior, focusing on areas such as attention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and other related factors.
Observation: Direct observation may be used to assess behavior that is not captured through testing, especially in children.
The results of these components are combined to form a comprehensive picture, enabling Dr. Howe to diagnose ADHD and determine the most appropriate treatment recommendations.
Copyright © 2025 Dr. Howe Psychology – All Rights Reserved.
