Teen ADHD Testing (Age 12–18)
Comprehensive, evidence-based ADHD evaluations for adolescents
Real Answers for Real Struggles
If your child constantly loses focus, misses deadlines, gets frustrated easily, or seems “smart but scattered,” you already know something deeper is happening. Teachers might call it laziness. Friends might call it drama. But you know better, and you’re probably tired of guessing.
At The ATTN Center in Manhattan, we specialize in identifying ADHD in adolescents ages 12 to 18 clearly, accurately, and without the long, confusing process of traditional neuropsych evaluations. Our ADHD testing gives families real clarity, fast. You’ll know what’s driving your teen’s struggles, and exactly what to do next.
Why ADHD Testing Matters for Teens
ADHD doesn’t look the same in middle school as it does in elementary school, and it definitely doesn’t look the same in high school. Hormonal changes, increasing academic pressure, and shifting social dynamics can magnify executive function weaknesses that once went unnoticed.
Common Red Flags in Adolescents
- Inconsistent school performance — “all or nothing” grades despite high intelligence
- Forgetting assignments, due dates, or sports gear
- Constant procrastination followed by all-night work marathons
- Emotional volatility, sensitivity to criticism, or sudden outbursts
- Difficulty waking up, regulating sleep, or managing time
- Frequent conflict with parents, teachers, or peers
- “Zoning out” during class or conversations
- Anxiety and low self-esteem from repeated failures or feedback
These patterns aren’t just “normal teenage behavior.” They can indicate ADHD, particularly inattentive or combined types, or another overlapping condition such as anxiety, depression, or a learning disorder. Proper testing is the only way to know for sure.
How Our Child & Teen ADHD Testing Differs
Most clinics simply repurpose adult ADHD batteries or use generic school questionnaires. We don’t. Our adolescent assessment protocol was specifically designed for ages 12–18, integrating developmental context, hormonal impact, and real-world data from multiple environments.
- Comprehensive clinical interviews with both parent and teen, capturing academic, social, emotional, and developmental history.
- Standardized ADHD rating scales validated for adolescents, administered to parents, teachers, and the teen themselves.
- Computerized attention and executive function testing to measure processing speed, working memory, and cognitive control.
- Collateral information such as report cards, teacher narratives, disciplinary notes, and prior evaluations.
- Differential diagnosis screening to rule out learning disabilities, trauma, sleep issues, mood disorders, or anxiety.
- Integrated interpretation that synthesizes behavioral, cognitive, and environmental data for a full diagnostic picture.
This allows us to deliver a precise, clinically valid diagnosis to help families take concrete next steps.
The Testing Process: What to Expect
- Initial Consultation & History Review – Meet with one of our ADHD specialists to discuss your child’s history, symptoms, family background, and current struggles.
- Parent and Teen Interviews – Separate interviews with parents and teens to capture both perspectives.
- Rating Scales and Questionnaires – Administer validated ADHD and executive functioning questionnaires to identify patterns across settings.
- Computerized Testing – Objective measurement of attention, working memory, and impulse control using age-appropriate tasks.
- Collateral Review – Analyze academic records, test scores, teacher reports, and prior evaluations.
- Clinical Synthesis & Diagnostic Formulation – Determine whether your teen meets DSM-5 criteria and identify subtype and comorbid conditions.
- Feedback & Next Steps – A comprehensive feedback session and written diagnostic summary within 48 hours, ready for school or medical documentation.
What Happens After Testing
- Therapeutic support: ADHD-focused CBT and executive functioning coaching for teens.
- Medication referrals: Collaboration with trusted psychiatrists for evaluation when appropriate.
- Parent coaching: Practical tools to communicate and support your ADHD teen without constant battles.
- Academic accommodations: Guidance on IEPs, 504 Plans, and standardized testing accommodations.
- Ongoing monitoring: Follow-up sessions every 3–6 months as academic or emotional demands evolve.
- Transition planning: For older teens, preparation for college or independent living with time management and accountability systems.
Our focus is practical: sustainable systems, not just insight. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s progress with less chaos and more control.
Why Choose The ATTN Center
We’re not a generic testing clinic. We’re a specialized ADHD practice in Manhattan — ADHD is all we do. Our team includes psychologists, therapists, and clinical social workers with deep experience across child, adolescent, and adult populations. We’ve tested and treated hundreds of NYC students from private, public, and specialized schools.
- Data-driven, streamlined process (no months-long waitlists).
- Results that directly translate into school and treatment planning.
- Evidence-based, developmentally appropriate testing.
- Clinicians who understand how ADHD actually feels in the real world.
- Recommendations that are actionable, realistic, and sustainable.
Get Clarity — Start Today
If your child is struggling with organization, motivation, or self-confidence, don’t wait for another school year to pass in frustration. Testing can transform how they see themselves — and how you support them. Schedule a consultation today at the ATTN Center and get the clarity, plan, and peace of mind your family needs.