ADHD Testing in Portland, Maine
Comprehensive ADHD evaluations for children, teens and young adults, ages 5 to 21
Clear answers about attention, focus and behavior
If your child is struggling to focus, stay organized or manage impulses, you may be wondering whether ADHD is the reason. A comprehensive ADHD evaluation at Beacon Light answers that question and looks at the bigger picture, so you understand what's really going on and what will help.
ADHD often overlaps with anxiety, learning disorders and other concerns that can look similar. Our evaluations look at all of these, then give you a clear diagnosis (if appropriate) and practical recommendations for home and school.
Signs it may be time for an ADHD evaluation
Every child is easily distracted sometimes. An evaluation may help when these patterns show up in more than one setting, last for months, and get in the way of school, friendships or family life.
Ages 5 to 7
- Constantly on the go or hard to settle
- Trouble following directions or waiting a turn
- Frequent meltdowns over transitions
- Teachers raising concerns about behavior or attention
Ages 8 to 12
- Careless mistakes or unfinished work
- Losing things and forgetting assignments
- Homework battles that take far too long
- Blurting out, interrupting or acting before thinking
Ages 13 to 21
- Procrastination and missed deadlines
- Grades that don't match ability
- Trouble managing time and responsibilities
- Struggling with the jump to high school, college or work
Why a comprehensive evaluation matters
Trouble paying attention is a symptom, not a diagnosis. Many things besides ADHD can make it hard to focus, sit still or finish work. Before calling it ADHD, it's important to rule out these other explanations, and that takes a thorough look.
Shows whether ADHD symptoms are present
- Relies mostly on checklists and rating scales
- Can confirm that attention problems exist
- May not explain why they're happening
- Can miss a learning disorder, anxiety or another cause, especially when more than one is present
Explains why, and what will help
- Combines interviews, rating scales and standardized testing
- Rules out other factors that can look like ADHD
- Identifies co-occurring concerns, which are common with ADHD
- Leads to recommendations that fit the real cause
Other factors that can affect attention
Getting the diagnosis right matters. It shapes the treatment, school supports and expectations that follow, and it helps avoid treating the wrong problem.
What a comprehensive ADHD evaluation looks at
To get a complete picture, we use standardized testing, interviews and input from home and school across these areas:
What you'll walk away with
How the evaluation works
Free 15-minute call
Talk with Dr. DiGiovanni about your concerns and whether an evaluation makes sense.
Paperwork from home
Consent and background forms, completed online.
Intake interview · 1–1.5 hours
By Zoom, with parents, or with you if you're a young adult.
Testing · 3–5 hours
At our downtown Portland office, with breaks as needed.
Feedback · 1–2 hours
Usually in person. We go over results, any diagnoses and recommendations.
Your written report
Within a few days of feedback, ready to share with a school, college or doctor.
Every evaluation at Beacon Light follows this same comprehensive process and price. Learn about our evaluations →
- Includes the intake, all testing, scoring and interpretation, feedback and a full written report
- $400 at intake and the rest at testing
- HSA and FSA funds welcome, and CareCredit financing is available
- Superbill provided for possible out-of-network reimbursement
Common questions about ADHD testing
Can't my pediatrician diagnose ADHD?
Yes, many pediatricians diagnose ADHD. A comprehensive evaluation is especially helpful when the picture isn't clear, when there may be other concerns like anxiety or a learning disorder, when treatment isn't working as expected, or when you need detailed documentation for school or college accommodations.
Why not just do a quick ADHD screening?
A screening can show that attention problems are present, but not always why. Anxiety, learning disorders, sleep problems and other factors can look a lot like ADHD, and many children have more than one. A comprehensive evaluation rules these out so the diagnosis and recommendations fit what's really going on.
What ages do you test for ADHD?
We evaluate children, teens and young adults ages 5 to 21.
Will the evaluation help my child get school accommodations?
Our written report includes specific recommendations you can share with your child's school to support a 504 plan or IEP. For teens and young adults, it can also support requests for accommodations in college or on standardized tests.
How long does it take to get results?
We go over results with you at the feedback session, and your full written report is usually ready within a few days after that.
Do you prescribe ADHD medication?
No. Our psychologists don't prescribe medication. If medication may be helpful, we can share results and recommendations with your child's pediatrician or another prescriber.
Is an ADHD evaluation covered by insurance?
We're a private-pay practice and don't bill insurance directly. We provide a superbill you can submit for possible out-of-network reimbursement. HSA and FSA funds and CareCredit financing are also options. See our rates and reimbursement guide.
Wondering if it's ADHD?
Book a free 15-minute call with Dr. DiGiovanni to talk through your concerns and whether an evaluation makes sense.