October is ADHD Awareness Month—a time to shine a light on a condition that affects children and adults, often in ways that are easy to miss. If you wonder about ADHD symptoms or whether you or a loved one should get tested, you’re not alone. Testing is the first step toward understanding, support, and hope.
What do symptoms of ADHD look like?
ADHD doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some common signs and symptoms include:
- Trouble focusing or paying attention
- Restlessness or trouble sitting still
- Acting impulsively or interrupting others
- Difficulty organizing tasks and managing time
- Forgetfulness or losing things often
Children with ADHD often can’t sit still, struggle to focus in class, or react with strong emotions. Adults with ADHD may face chronic disorganization, trouble at work, or tense relationships.
These difficulties can be overwhelming and confusing, especially since ADHD symptoms often overlap with anxiety, depression, or sleep problems.
Diagnosing ADHD in children vs. adults
The main difference between diagnosing ADHD in children and adults is the number of symptoms. Adults or adolescents over 16 years must show five (instead of six) symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity and impulsivity.
That’s why a thorough evaluation matters.
Testing helps you:
- Confirm whether ADHD is truly present and affecting daily life.
- Rule out other causes, like sleep issues, stress, or depression.
- Spot any additional conditions that may shape treatment, such as learning disabilities, anxiety, or mood disorders.
An accurate diagnosis is the first step to real support. It opens the door to targeted strategies and treatment so children, teens, and adults can do their best at school, work, and in life.
How Family Care Center educational testing can help
During ADHD Awareness Month, it’s essential to know about resources that support your journey. Family Care Center offers educational testing for children, adolescents, and young adults—a powerful tool for understanding how academic challenges, such as ADHD and learning differences, may affect daily life. Once ADHD is properly diagnosed, effective treatment can begin, helping individuals build strategies to manage symptoms, improve focus and executive functioning, and navigate challenges at school, work, and in relationships.
Our educational evaluations assess:
- Academic achievement
- Cognitive strengths and challenges
- Attention and executive functioning
- Behavioral and emotional well-being
Our team of highly trained licensed psychologists are here to listen, understand, and provide insights tailored to your unique story.
Why it matters for ADHD diagnosis and treatment
ADHD can impact learning, emotions, and behavior. Our educational testing helps pinpoint whether ADHD is the underlying cause, if other learning differences are involved, or if emotional factors are at play. With this clear picture, you get recommendations tailored just for you or your child—at home, school, or work.
What families receive:
- In-depth cognitive, academic, and attention assessments
- Behavioral and emotional screenings
- A comprehensive report with specific recommendations
- Support with school accommodations, like individualized education programs (IEPs) or 504 Plans
Our services are available at several clinic locations, including in Arizona, Colorado, Tennessee, and Texas. While educational testing is typically self-pay for academic or accommodation purposes (and may not be covered by insurance), we offer flexible payment plans and convenient appointment times.
Moving forward with ADHD treatment
Once testing brings clarity, you’re ready to build a treatment plan that fits your life. Effective ADHD treatment often blends:
- Medication management to regulate attention and impulse control
- Therapy or counseling to build coping skills
- Coaching for organization and time management, so you have a more productive mindset
- Family education and support to foster teamwork and understanding
- Play therapy to help children express emotions, develop social skills, and practice coping strategies in a safe, supportive setting
With proper care, people with ADHD can thrive—in school, at work, and in daily life.
Breaking the stigma, together
ADHD isn’t a personal failing. It’s a medical condition, and support makes all the difference. This ADHD Awareness Month, let’s replace stigma with open conversation and real hope. If you or someone you care about is struggling with focus or impulsivity, consider starting with ADHD testing.
Insight opens the door to understanding, treatment, and a better quality of life. And Family Care Center is here to walk that path with you.
