Understood Explains

How do doctors test adults for ADHD? What kind of questions do they ask? How long does it take? Understood Explains host Dr. Roberto Olivardia breaks down the process so you’ll know what to look for in a thorough evaluation. Get an overview and answers to common questions. For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood. Timestamps (00:00) Introduction(00:51) What does an ADHD evaluation look like?  (03:48) So, what are ADHD rating scales?  (04:59) How long does this whole testing process take?  (06:02) What is the diagnostic criteria for ADHD in adults?  (07:42) Why is it so important to be open and honest during an ADHD evaluation?  (08:31) Key takeaway, next episode, and credits  Related resourcesHow do doctors test for ADHD in adults?What are ADHD rating scales?The 3 types of ADHD Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

What type of doctor should you see for ADHD diagnosis — primary care provider? Psychologist? Psychiatrist? Is it worth waiting longer to see a specialist? How much does it cost? Get answers to common questions from Understood Explains host Dr. Roberto Olivardia.  For more resources, including a transcript formatted for easy skimming, visit the episode page on Understood. Timestamps (00:00) Introduction(00:50) Can my primary care doctor diagnose ADHD?  (03:19) Do I need a psychiatrist or psychologist to diagnose my ADHD?  (05:13) What other kinds of specialists can diagnose ADHD?  (07:01) How much does it cost to get an ADHD diagnosis?  (08:15) Is it worth waiting longer for a specialist?  (09:05) Key takeaway, next episode, and credits  Related resourcesHow ADHD is diagnosed in adultsCan psychologists prescribe medication?Neuropsychological testing in ADHD: A special reportAbout psychiatric mental health nursing Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Dr. Roberto Olivardia, an ADHD expert, shares his diagnosis story and discusses the benefits of adult ADHD testing. He emphasizes the impact on work and relationships, debunks misconceptions, and highlights the positive effects of diagnosis for empowerment and understanding.

Listen to the trailer for Season 2 of Understood Explains, which explores the ins and outs of adult ADHD diagnosis. Host Dr. Roberto Olivardia is a psychologist who was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. Join him as he answers the most common questions about ADHD diagnosis, including what to look for in a thorough evaluation and how to treat ADHD with or without medication. Visit the episode page on Understood. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Parents, teachers, and psychologists all have something they wish they’d known sooner about the evaluation process. This bonus episode offers tips from parents who have been through the evaluation process at least once — and experts who have been through it hundreds of times. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at podcast@understood.org.Related resourcesHow to talk to your child about getting evaluatedWhat to say if your child is nervous about getting evaluated for special educationWhat to do if your child says “I’m dumb”  Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

“Mom, why are you making me do this?” Learn what to say to your child about getting evaluated. Hear perspectives from a psychologist (host Dr. Andy Kahn), an educator (Julian Saavedra), and a parenting expert (Amanda Morin). Get big-picture advice as well as specifics, like how to address your child’s worries about getting pulled out of class and other kids noticing. This episode also tackles one of the trickiest topics: how much of the evaluation report to share with your child. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at podcast@understood.org.  Related resourcesHow to talk to your child about getting evaluatedWhat to say if your child is nervous about getting evaluated for special educationWhat to do if your child says “I’m dumb”   Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

How often do kids need to be reevaluated for special education? What are schools looking for when they reevaluate students? Learn the basics from host Dr. Andy Kahn and special education teacher Kate Garcia. And find out key details, like why this process is extra important for high-schoolers who are thinking about going to college. Worried that the school might cut your child’s services? Get advice from parenting expert Amanda Morin on how to avoid passing those feelings on to your child. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at podcast@understood.org.  Related resourcesWhat is a reevaluation for special education?What to do if your child is losing IEP servicesEvaluation rights: What you need to know Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Dr. Ellen Braaten, an associate professor at Harvard Medical School and expert in psychological testing, joins discussions on the distinctions between private and school evaluations for special education. Discover why families sometimes opt for private testing despite the availability of free school assessments. Learn how to navigate costs and insurance, and gain insights on effectively communicating sensitive topics with children undergoing evaluations. The conversation reveals the essential roles different evaluators play and provides valuable tips for parents in these challenging situations.

Adverse impact. Eligibility determination. IEPs. 504 plans. What are these things? And what do they have to do with how school evaluation teams decide which kids need which supports? Listen as host Dr. Andy Kahn and special education teacher Lauren Jewett explain what happens after the evaluation report is done. And get tips from parenting expert Amanda Morin on how to talk with your child about next steps. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at podcast@understood.org.  Related resourcesWhat to expect at an IEP eligibility meetingThe 13 disability categories under IDEAThe difference between IEPs and 504 plans10 smart responses when the school cuts or denies servicesParent training centers: A free resource in your state   Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

The first time you look at your child’s evaluation report, you might be overwhelmed. What do all of those numbers mean? And are some numbers more important than others? Host Dr. Andy Kahn unpacks this topic with Harvard psychologist Dr. Ellen Braaten, who co-wrote Straight Talk About Psychological Testing for Kids. Get tips on how to make sense of the results. And hear from parenting expert Amanda Morin on how to share the evaluation findings with your child. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at podcast@understood.org.  Related resourcesUnderstanding evaluation results and next stepsWhat evaluation testing results mean5 conversation starters for discussing an evaluation report with teachers6 ways kids might respond to an evaluation resultParent training centers: A free resource in your state   Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give