The Benefits of Psychological Evaluations and Testing for Teenagers with ADHD or Learning Problems

By Shawn Hales, Psy.D.

I have worked as both a school psychologist and a clinical psychologist. I am also a parent who has been concerned about my children’s schools and learning style.

I have seen both personally and professionally the positive impact that psychological evaluations and testing can have on teenagers who are struggling with ADHD or learning problems. These evaluations and tests can provide valuable information about your teenager’s strengths and weaknesses, helping you better understand the challenges they are facing and develop effective strategies for overcoming them. In this post, I will discuss the benefits of obtaining psychological testing for your teenager with ADHD, mood disorders, or learning problems.

What is a psychological evaluation and testing?

Psychological testing at the Towson offices of Clarity Centers is a comprehensive evaluation of a person’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. This evaluation can include a variety of assessments, including cognitive testing, memory skills testing, behavioral assessments, and rating scales, as well as an interview with the student, parents, or teachers. The purpose of the evaluation is to identify the underlying causes of any difficulties the teenager is experiencing and provide recommendations for treatment and support.

Why is a psychological evaluation and testing helpful for teenagers?

This type of testing can be beneficial for teenagers with ADHD or learning problems for several reasons:

Improves understanding of the teenager’s strengths and weaknesses: Psychological evaluations provide a more comprehensive understanding of an individual’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning than a person’s grades or school reports. This information can be especially valuable for teenagers with ADHD or learning problems, as it can help identify the underlying causes of their difficulties, in any.

Informs treatment and support decisions: Psychological evaluations and testing can inform treatment and support decisions by providing specific information about an individual’s strengths and weaknesses. This information can be used to develop an individualized treatment plan that is tailored to the individual’s specific needs.

Identifies appropriate accommodations: At Clarity Centers, psychological evaluations can help determine any needed educational or counseling accommodations for individuals with ADHD or learning problems. For example, the evaluation may suggest modifications to the individual’s educational environment or the use of assistive technology.  Accommodations are also what your teenager might need if they are taking the SAT, ACT, or AP exams. 

Increases peace: Psychological evaluations and testing can provide peace of mind for families by providing a deeper understanding of the teenager’s issues and talents. This understanding can help individuals and their families feel more confident in their ability to address any difficulties and support more positive and better outcomes.

In conclusion, psychological evaluations and testing can be a valuable tool for teenagers with ADHD or learning problems. By providing a comprehensive understanding of the individual’s strengths and weaknesses, informing treatment and support decisions, determining appropriate accommodations, and providing peace of mind, these evaluations and tests can help individuals and their families achieve better outcomes and improve their quality of life.

If you are interested in getting an evaluation started, or have more questions, schedule your appointment today!  Call us at 410-853-7773 or reach out at [email protected].