Attention deficit hyperactive disorder, or ADHD, symptoms can appear in children as young as seven years of age, according to the Behavioural Neurotheraphy Clinic. Identifying and accurately diagnosing ADHD is subject to very specific parameters outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM. There is no single way to test for ADHD, but several tests can be conducted for the purpose of diagnosis.
ADDES
The Attention Deficit Disorders Evaluation Scales, or ADDES, measures traits associated with ADHD. Tested traits are hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattentiveness. ADDES is structured so that data can be objectively gathered from sources such as friends, family and other associates. Data gathered from the various sources is compiled and analyzed. ADDES then measures the degree of hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattentiveness present in the data to arrive at the results. ADDES is primarily used to test for ADHD in children. The test measures data from both domestic and school environments. An ADHD diagnosis can only be given if hyperactivity, impulsiveness and inattentiveness are present in both environments, according to the Behavioural Neurotherapy Clinic.
BASC
The Behavioral Assessment System for Children, or BASC, is a 45-item rating scale that measures attention span, hyperactivity, internalization and adaptive skills. BASC is designed to test for ADHD in children between four and 18 years of age and only takes five minutes to administer. BASC is also designed to be used on those already diagnosed with ADHD as a means of measuring responsiveness to treatment, suggests the Pearson Psych Group.
TOVA
The Test of Variables of Attention, or TOVA, is a computerized test used to diagnose ADHD in both children and adults. TOVA requires testees to press a button whenever a target flashes across the computer screen but must avoid doing so whenever nontargets appear. The results are compared to an age-specific database. TOVA essentially measures attention span, reaction time, distractibility and overall impulse control, notes the Behavioural Neurotherapy Clinic.
WISC
The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, or WISC, is designed to measure thinking and reasoning skills of children from six to 16 years of age. WISC is divided into two main areas, verbal IQ and performance IQ. The verbal IQ component measures the ability to perform tasks that require listening to questions and providing verbal responses. The performance IQ component measures abstract reasoning, hand-eye coordination, spatial reasoning and overall ability to solve problems involving only visual and nonverbal information. The scores on performance IQ and verbal IQ are combined to determine full scale IQ. WISC results can thus identify problematic cognitive functions and aid in determining a strategy for treatment, points out the Behavioural Neurotherapy Clinic.
