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Welcome to Growing Minds & Healing Hearts

A dedicated space for mental wellness curated by Dr. Deepti Shenoi.

Our mission is to bridge the gap between clinical expertise and heartfelt care, fostering an environment where growth is nurtured and healing is prioritized. We believe that true transformation begins with compassion and a deep commitment to education, empowering you with the knowledge to navigate your mental health journey with confidence and clarity.

In this blog, we will explore the multifaceted nature of mental health, integrating evidence-based treatment strategies that honor the individual. From discussing the biological role of medication in stabilizing the mind to the transformative power of therapy in mending the heart, our goal is to provide a roadmap for resilience. Whether you are seeking clinical insights or a supportive community, we are honored to walk alongside you as you cultivate a healthier, more vibrant life.

March 2nd, 2026

How Do I Know if My Child Has ADHD? A Parent’s Guide to Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Next Steps

Many parents wonder whether their child’s struggles with focus, impulsivity, or high energy are simply part of growing up — or signs of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). If you’ve been feeling uncertain, overwhelmed, or worried, you are not alone. ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in children, and early understanding can make a meaningful difference in a child’s confidence, academic success, and emotional well-being.
This guide explains how ADHD is evaluated, how diagnoses are made, and what clinicians consider when determining whether a child truly has ADHD.
A Brief History of ADHD Diagnosis
ADHD is not a “new” condition. Descriptions of children with persistent inattention and impulsivity date back over a century. However, our understanding has evolved significantly.
  • Today, we define ADHD with three presentations:
    • Predominantly inattentive
    • Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive
    • Combined presentation
Modern evaluation emphasizes brain-based differences in executive functioning, not poor discipline or parenting.
When Should Parents Consider an ADHD Evaluation?
Every child has moments of distraction or high energy.  An evaluation may be helpful when:
✔ Difficulties persist for 6 months or longer
✔ Symptoms interfere with school performance or learning
✔ Challenges affect friendships or family life
✔ Teachers report concerns about focus, behavior, or organization
✔ Your child struggles despite strong effort and support
Parents often notice:
  • Difficulty sustaining attention
  • Forgetfulness and losing items
  • Trouble following instructions
  • Excessive talking or interrupting
  • Impulsive behavior
  • Difficulty waiting their turn
  • Constant motion or restlessness
How ADHD is Evaluated in Children
A high-quality ADHD evaluation is comprehensive, not based on a quick checklist or a single visit.
1. Detailed Parent Interview & Developmental History
Clinicians gather information about:
  • Pregnancy and early development
  • Language and motor milestones
  • Temperament and behavior patterns
  • Sleep habits
  • Medical history
  • Family history of ADHD, learning differences, anxiety, or mood disorders
Understanding developmental history helps distinguish ADHD from other causes of inattention.
2. Input from Multiple Sources
Children function differently across environments. For this reason, clinicians gather feedback from:
  • Parents/caregivers
  • Teachers and school staff
  • Coaches or childcare providers (when relevant)
Standardized rating scales may be used, such as:
  • Vanderbilt Assessment Scales
  • Conners Rating Scales
  • BASC (Behavior Assessment System for Children)
This multi-informant approach helps ensure symptoms are consistent across settings, which is required for diagnosis.
3. Behavioral & Functional Assessment
We evaluate how symptoms affect:
  • Academic performance
  • Organization and task completion
  • Peer relationships
  • Emotional regulation
  • Daily routines
ADHD is diagnosed based on functional impact, not simply the presence of symptoms.
What Clinicians Look For
To diagnose ADHD, clinicians assess whether a child shows a persistent pattern of:
Inattention
Examples include:
  • Careless mistakes
  • Difficulty sustaining attention
  • Appears not to listen
  • Avoids tasks requiring mental effort
  • Frequently loses items
  • Easily distracted
  • Forgetful in daily activities
Hyperactivity & Impulsivity
Examples include:
  • Fidgeting or squirming
  • Difficulty remaining seated
  • Running/climbing excessively
  • Talking excessively
  • Blurting out answers
  • Difficulty waiting their turn
  • Interrupting others
Diagnostic Requirements Include:
✔ Several symptoms present before age 12
✔ Symptoms present in two or more settings (home & school)
✔ Clear interference with functioning
✔ Symptoms not better explained by another condition
Conditions That Can Look Like ADHD
Many challenges can mimic ADHD symptoms. A careful evaluation helps rule out or identify:
Learning Disorders
  • Reading, writing, or math difficulties can cause avoidance and inattention.
Anxiety
  • Worry may cause distractibility and difficulty concentrating.
Depression
  • Low motivation and reduced focus may resemble inattentiveness.
Sleep Problems
  • Sleep deprivation can impair attention and impulse control.
Trauma or Stress
  • Emotional distress may lead to behavioral changes.
Sensory or Processing Difficulties
  • Overstimulation or sensory sensitivities can cause restlessness.
Medical Factors
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Seizure disorders
  • Medication side effects
  • Vision or hearing problems
Identifying these factors ensures children receive the right treatment.
Why a Thorough Evaluation Matters
An accurate diagnosis can:
✓ Help your child understand their brain and strengths
✓ Reduce shame and frustration
✓ Guide effective school supports and accommodations
✓ Improve family dynamics and daily routines
✓ Open access to evidence-based treatments
ADHD is not a reflection of intelligence or character. Many children with ADHD are creative, curious, energetic, and resilient.
What Happens After a Diagnosis?
If ADHD is diagnosed, treatment may include:
  • Parent education and behavioral strategies
  • School accommodations (IEP or 504 Plan)
  • Organizational skill development
  • Therapy to support emotional regulation
  • Medication when appropriate
Treatment plans are individualized to support the child’s unique needs and strengths.
When to Seek Professional Guidance
Consider seeking an evaluation if:
  • Your child’s struggles persist despite support
  • School concerns continue to grow
  • Emotional distress or frustration is increasing
  • Family routines are becoming difficult to manage
Early support can significantly improve outcomes and confidence.
We’re Here to Help
At Stillpoint Mental Health Associates, we understand how overwhelming it can feel to navigate concerns about your child’s focus, behavior, or learning. Our team provides thoughtful, comprehensive ADHD evaluations and works collaboratively with families and schools to support each child’s success.
You are not alone — and support is available.
 
 
Deepti Shenoi MD
Child, Adolescent, Adult Psychiatrist
Stillpoint Mental Health Associates
www.stillpointmentalhealth.com
ADHD Parent Checklist

Still Point by: T.S. Eliot

“At the still point of the turning world. Neither flesh nor fleshless;
Neither from nor towards; at the still point, there the dance is,
But neither arrest nor movement. And do not call it fixity,

Where past and future are gathered. Neither movement from nor towards,
Neither ascent nor decline. Except for the point, the still point,
There would be no dance, and there is only the dance.”

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