Assessment

ADHD Evaluation in
Irvine & Orange County

Thorough ADHD testing for children, teens, and adults — going beyond checklists to assess the full picture of attention, executive function, and co-occurring concerns.

ADHD presents differently across development, gender, and life context — and is frequently missed or misdiagnosed, especially in women and adults. If you've been struggling with focus, organization, time management, or emotional regulation, and standard explanations haven't fit, a comprehensive ADHD evaluation can provide answers.

Differential diagnosis is a core part of my approach. Many conditions can look like ADHD — anxiety, autism, learning differences, sleep issues, and more. A thorough evaluation helps clarify what's actually going on and guides meaningful treatment recommendations, rather than just confirming a hunch.

As a psychologist with 25+ years of clinical experience and a BCBA-D credential, I understand ADHD not just as a diagnostic label but as a pattern of neurological differences that affect every part of daily life. My evaluations are designed to capture that full picture — including the strengths that often come alongside ADHD.

What's included in an ADHD evaluation

  • Comprehensive clinical interview
  • Standardized rating scales completed by the individual and (where appropriate) parents or partners
  • Evaluation of co-occurring anxiety, learning challenges, or mood concerns
  • Detailed written report with diagnosis and tailored recommendations
  • Follow-up consultation to review results and discuss next steps

Who this is right for

Children Teens Adults Women seeking first evaluation Complex attention presentations

ADHD in women and adults

ADHD in women often looks different than the hyperactive presentation most people picture. It may show up as chronic disorganization, difficulty with time, emotional sensitivity, constant mental busyness, or a feeling that you're always working harder than everyone else to keep up. Many women are first diagnosed in their 30s, 40s, or later — often after a child's diagnosis triggers recognition of their own experience.

I have specific expertise in identifying ADHD presentations that are commonly missed, including the predominantly inattentive type, ADHD in high-achieving individuals who have developed strong compensatory strategies, and co-occurring ADHD and autism (sometimes called AuDHD).

Frequently asked questions

An ADHD evaluation includes a comprehensive clinical interview, standardized rating scales completed by the individual and (where appropriate) parents or partners, evaluation of co-occurring concerns, a detailed written report with diagnosis, and a follow-up consultation to review results and discuss next steps.
Yes. ADHD is frequently missed in adults, especially women and those who developed strong compensatory strategies. Many adults seek evaluation after struggling for years with focus, organization, time management, or emotional regulation without understanding why. A thorough evaluation can provide clarity and open the door to effective support.
ADHD and autism are distinct conditions that frequently co-occur. ADHD primarily affects attention, executive function, and impulse regulation, while autism involves differences in social communication and sensory processing. Many people have both (sometimes called AuDHD). A thorough evaluation can clarify which is present and guide the right support.
An ADHD evaluation typically involves multiple sessions including the clinical interview, testing, and a follow-up consultation. Rating scales may be completed between sessions. The entire process usually spans several weeks, with the exact timeline depending on the complexity of the evaluation.
ADHD often presents differently in women — with more inattentive symptoms, internalized struggles like anxiety or self-doubt, and strong compensatory strategies that mask the underlying attention challenges. I have specific expertise in identifying ADHD presentations that are commonly missed in women and girls.

Related services

Autism Assessment Individual Therapy Fees & Insurance

Wondering if it might be ADHD?

A free 20-minute consultation is the easiest way to talk through what you're experiencing and find out if an evaluation makes sense.

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Last updated: March 2026