AD/HD
Evaluation
The evaluation for an attention deficit
disorder is a comprehensive assessment of the attentional and executive
functioning processes. Not only
does the evaluation use information from home and school rating scales, but
also through clinical observation and performance on standardized measures
of attention, including the Test of Everyday Attention (TEA-Ch) and the
Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA).
It investigates the behavioral as well as the cognitive symptoms of
attention and other executive functions including:
Sustaining attention
Monitoring
of attention
Attentional switching
Inhibition/impulsivity
Set shifting
Planning
Because the behavioral symptoms of AD/HD do
not always coordinate with how well the child is actually able to pay
attention (cognitive symptoms), obtaining information via both behavioral
and cognitive testing is useful in the context of evaluating for AD/HD. Such testing, particularly the TOVA, has
been used in conjunction with physicians to determine optimum levels of
attention in response to medication trials.
This test can be used before medication has been started (baseline),
as well as following incremental changes to medication, to help doctors
determine optimum dosing.
