Symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity are often the traits that many people associate with ADHD. However, while its symptoms can be subtler and easy to miss, inattentive ADHD is actually the most common type of ADHD.
In an interview with Dr. Leah Nathan, Founder and CEO of The Mind Center, we see how objective testing helps clinicians diagnose ADHD even in complex cases where patients exhibit subtle symptoms that rating scales may miss.
Speaker info:
Ashlea Johnson: Business Development Manager, Qbtech
Leah Nathan: Founder and CEO of The Mind Center
Key takeaways from the video:
- Digital ADHD testing can help identify symptoms missed in rating scales
- Objective data aids schools in better supporting students with ADHD
- Results from QbCheck can help parents and patients visualize ADHD symptoms
How do digital ADHD tests help clinicians uncover hidden or missed symptoms?
Rating scales are integral to the ADHD assessment process at most clinics. At The Mind Center, however, clinicians have found that the information gained from rating scales can only go so far in helping to test for ADHD. As Dr. Leah Nathan explains, “using rating scales is one part, but it was missing this other bigger picture of the story that the computerized tests capture.”
The team found that rating scales often failed to capture the subtler symptoms of inattentive ADHD. They noted that teachers were missing identifying the inattentive type, because those cases are not like the classic kids who are fidgeting or bouncing out of their seats.
Dr. Nathan shares the example of a high school student who came to the clinic with their parent, who felt that something wasn’t right. All teacher rating scale results were within normal limits, and only by taking a QbCheck test were symptoms of inattentiveness identified.
Watch the complete interview:
How does objective data support IEPs and accommodations for students with ADHD?
Dr. Nathan shares the experience of another recent patient, whom the College Board declined accommodations despite the patient being on medication for ADHD. However, they were able to provide additional data by completing an objective test; “It’s this level of detail that the College Board looks for,” Dr. Nathan explains.
At elementary and middle school grades, clarification on ADHD symptoms from objective testing has helped schools to write more informed Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and Section 504 (of the Rehabilitation Act) plans. These plans can help ensure that students with ADHD get the necessary accommodations they need to thrive.
“This is really one of the best investments that you could make for your private practice and for the families that you work for.”
At elementary and middle school grades, clarification on ADHD symptoms from objective testing has helped schools to write more informed Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and Section 504 (of the Rehabilitation Act) plans. These plans can help ensure that students with ADHD get the necessary accommodations they need to thrive.
How do ADHD tools help parents visualize and understand their child’s ADHD?
The digital market for ADHD testing services is growing rapidly. The clinic decided to adopt QbCheck because they’d received lots of requests from parents for virtual ADHD testing, and clinicians can administer QbCheck remotely.
Dr. Nathan describes the results as “game-changing.”
Part of the successful integration of QbCheck into the clinic has come about from the combination of onboarding support, training, and clinical support offered. It’s enabled The Mind Center to quickly adopt objective testing in the pathway, and patients have been delighted with the results.
For clinics looking to digitize their ADHD diagnosis process, The Mind Center’s experience shows how objective, remote ADHD testing can improve both clinician confidence and patient outcomes.
“We've had a 100% hit rate with parents being really happy. It clears up a lot of frustration for them. I literally had parents saying, ‘Can I screenshot this graph?’ Like they were mind blown from just like the visual depiction in the interpreter's report of this is how severe your kid’s ADHD is, or this is where the lever is for inattentiveness or hyperactive impulsivity type.”
About The Mind Center
The Mind Center has clinics in Washington, DC, Virginia, and on the Maryland & DC border. They’re dedicated to helping kids, parents, and schools with mental health support. ADHD testing is an important element of the work they do.