ADHD Evaluation
Thorough, compassionate ADHD assessment for children in Robbinsville, Hamilton, and the Princeton area
Schedule an AppointmentComprehensive Pediatric ADHD Evaluation
If you've noticed that your child has trouble sitting still, staying focused, acting before thinking, or following instructions — you're not alone. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions in children, affecting approximately 1 in 10 kids in the United States. At Hummingbird Pediatrics in Robbinsville, NJ, we offer thorough, evidence-based ADHD evaluations so you can get answers and a clear path forward.
Important: Our Scope of ADHD Care
We provide comprehensive ADHD evaluation, diagnosis, and behavioral management guidance. We do not prescribe stimulant or other pharmaceutical treatments for ADHD. When medication management is the right next step, we refer families to qualified specialists (pediatric psychiatrists or developmental-behavioral pediatricians) and continue to support your child's overall care.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is a brain-based condition that affects a child's ability to pay attention, control impulses, and regulate activity levels. It is not a sign of laziness, bad parenting, or low intelligence — children with ADHD often have tremendous strengths, including creativity, energy, and out-of-the-box thinking.
There are three presentations of ADHD:
- Predominantly Inattentive — The child struggles mainly with focus and organization but is not particularly hyperactive. Often described as a "daydreamer." More common in girls and can be missed until later childhood.
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive — The child is physically restless, interrupts frequently, and acts before thinking, but attention itself may be less affected.
- Combined Presentation — Both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms are present. This is the most common type seen in clinical practice.
Signs That May Warrant an Evaluation
No single behavior makes a diagnosis — ADHD is identified by a pattern of symptoms that are more frequent and severe than typical for the child's age, appearing in more than one setting (home and school), and causing real difficulty in daily life. Common signs include:
Inattentive Signs
- • Frequently loses items (homework, pencils, belongings)
- • Easily distracted by unrelated sights or sounds
- • Doesn't seem to listen when spoken to directly
- • Has difficulty finishing tasks or following multi-step directions
- • Makes careless mistakes despite knowing the material
- • Avoids tasks requiring sustained mental effort
- • Forgets daily activities (chores, appointments)
Hyperactive/Impulsive Signs
- • Fidgets, squirms, or can't stay seated
- • Runs or climbs in situations where it's not appropriate
- • Talks excessively; blurts out answers
- • Has difficulty waiting for a turn
- • Interrupts or intrudes on others
- • Seems always "on the go" or driven by a motor
- • Can't play or engage in activities quietly
These symptoms must be present for at least 6 months, appear before age 12, and occur in two or more settings (e.g., at home and at school) to meet criteria for an ADHD diagnosis.
Our ADHD Evaluation Process
A thorough ADHD evaluation at Hummingbird Pediatrics is a multi-step process — not a single test or a quick observation. Here's what to expect:
Initial Consultation
We begin with a comprehensive visit to discuss your observations, your child's developmental history, school performance, family history, and any prior evaluations. We want to understand your child as a whole — not just check boxes.
Vanderbilt Assessment Scales
We use the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale — a validated, AAP-recommended tool — to gather structured information from both parents and teachers. These questionnaires help us identify ADHD symptoms across home and school environments and screen for co-occurring conditions like anxiety or learning differences.
Medical Review & Ruling Out Other Causes
We review your child's full medical history and may check for other conditions that can mimic ADHD — such as vision or hearing problems, sleep disorders, anxiety, thyroid issues, or learning disabilities.
Results & Guidance Appointment
Once all information is gathered, we meet to discuss the findings, share the diagnosis (or explain why criteria are not met), and develop a behavioral management plan. We provide guidance on school accommodations, behavioral strategies, and — when appropriate — a referral to a specialist for medication evaluation.
What to Bring to Your Child's Evaluation
- Any previous evaluations, IEP/504 documentation, or school reports
- A list of current medications and supplements
- Teacher and parent Vanderbilt forms (we'll send these to you before the visit)
- Your observations: specific examples, when symptoms started, what makes them better or worse
What Ages Do We Evaluate?
We evaluate children from age 4 through 18. For younger children (ages 4–5), we use age-appropriate tools and are thoughtful about diagnosis, since many preschool behaviors that look like ADHD are developmentally normal at this stage. For older children and teenagers, we recognize that inattentive ADHD in particular may not be identified until middle or high school when academic demands increase.
Behavioral Strategies We Share With Families
Whether or not medication is ultimately part of the picture, behavioral strategies are foundational for every child with ADHD. We provide guidance on:
- Creating structure and predictable routines at home
- Breaking tasks into small, manageable steps
- Using positive reinforcement and reward systems consistently
- Setting up a homework-friendly environment
- Communicating effectively with teachers and school staff
- Managing screen time and sleep, both of which significantly affect ADHD symptoms
School Accommodations & 504 Plans
Children with diagnosed ADHD may qualify for a 504 Plan or an IEP (Individualized Education Program) through their school. We can provide documentation and support letters for families navigating the accommodation process in school districts throughout Robbinsville, Hamilton, East Windsor, West Windsor, and the surrounding area.
A Note for Parents
Seeking an ADHD evaluation is not labeling your child — it's getting them the answers and support they deserve. Many children with undiagnosed ADHD struggle silently with low self-esteem, frustration, and the feeling that they're "not trying hard enough." An accurate diagnosis opens the door to targeted strategies that can make a real difference in your child's confidence and daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can ADHD be diagnosed?
ADHD can be diagnosed as early as age 4, though we are careful with very young children since many preschool-age behaviors overlap with typical development. Most diagnoses are made between ages 6–12, but inattentive ADHD is often not identified until middle school or later. There is no upper age limit — teens can be evaluated and diagnosed as well.
How long does the ADHD evaluation process take?
The evaluation typically requires 2–3 visits spread over several weeks. The first visit is the consultation; we then send out Vanderbilt forms for parents and teachers to complete; and then we schedule a follow-up to discuss results. Gathering teacher input takes time, which is why we encourage starting the process sooner rather than later — especially before a new school year.
Does insurance cover the ADHD evaluation?
Most insurance plans cover pediatric ADHD evaluation visits as they would any medical visit. Coverage varies by plan, so we recommend verifying your benefits in advance. Our office accepts most major insurance plans serving the Robbinsville, Hamilton, and Princeton area communities. Contact our office at (609) 808-3123 for specific billing questions.
Do you prescribe ADHD medication?
We do not prescribe stimulant or non-stimulant medications for ADHD. Our role is to provide thorough evaluation, diagnosis, and behavioral guidance. When medication is appropriate, we refer families to pediatric psychiatrists or developmental-behavioral pediatricians who specialize in medication management, and we continue to support your child's overall care.
What if my child's teacher refuses to fill out forms?
Teacher input is an important part of a thorough ADHD evaluation, but it isn't always easy to obtain. If your child's teacher is unavailable or unresponsive, discuss this with us — we can sometimes proceed with parent-only forms combined with a review of school records, report cards, and any previous academic assessments.
What if the evaluation doesn't confirm ADHD?
A negative result is valuable information too. If criteria for ADHD aren't met, we'll discuss what the evaluation did find — whether that's anxiety, a learning difference, sleep problems, or simply a developmental stage — and guide you toward the right next steps. Our goal is to understand your child, not simply to confirm a diagnosis.
Ready to Schedule an ADHD Evaluation?
If you have concerns about your child's attention, focus, or behavior, don't wait. Early evaluation and support lead to better outcomes in school and at home. Call us or request an appointment online — we serve families throughout Robbinsville, Hamilton, East Windsor, West Windsor, and the Princeton area.
Want to learn more first? Read our guide: Signs of ADHD in Children →
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