ADHD/ADD Testing at MindWell Psychology
Doctoral-level, Evidence-based Evaluations for Children, Teens, and Adults in the DMV
Struggles with focus, organization, or impulsivity can affect school, work, and family life. ADHD is a complex neurological disorder that has a pervasive impact across areas of a person’s life.
People with ADHD have been found to have differences in how their brain functions, including how it uses energy and maintains levels of neurotransmitters (chemicals that pass information from brain cell to brain cell).
MindWell Psychology has been combining meticulous, doctoral-level ADHD testing based in Fairfax with specialized therapy and coaching tailored to every stage of life since 2004. We don’t offer “quick ADHD tests.” Our team provides comprehensive, 1:1 evaluations by licensed doctoral psychologists to understand what’s really going on and deliver clear, practical next steps.
What Are the Forms of ADHD?
Individuals with ADHD tend to struggle in ‘core’ areas, including: sustaining attention, ignoring distractions, working memory, processing speed, organization, and working strategically.
ADHD can be present differently in every individual, but can take three major forms, including:
- Inattentive Type ADHD (people who struggle most with focusing and ignoring distractions)
- Hyperactive Type ADHD (people who struggle with boredom, the need to move their bodies, and self-control)
- Combined Type of ADHD, where inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms are present.
What Are the Symptoms of ADHD?
Unless a person has been hyperactive from early childhood, teachers are often the first to recognize the symptoms of ADHD. Teachers may describe hyperactive ADHD symptoms in terms of complaints about the child’s impulsive behavior, disorganization, or careless work habits.
Inattentive type ADHD is often first noticed when a teacher complains of the student daydreaming and not completing work. It’s essential to determine if these problems are actually ADHD, and if there’s a co-occurring learning disability or emotional problem as well:
- Hyperactivity, restlessness, impulsivity
- Trouble sustaining attention to tedious or uninteresting tasks
- Underachievement in school and work
- Trouble with organization and time management
- Overly passive, slow to process information and react
- Knowing what to do, but not being able to act on that knowledge
Given this pattern of chronic underachievement, and the daily struggle to meet expectations designed for those without learning difficulties, people with ADHD are at higher-risk for emotional and behavior problems.
Individuals with ADHD often have poor self-concept, and are vulnerable to anxiety and depression. Adolescents and adults with ADHD often have difficulties linked to their years of frustration, and may be at higher risk for dropping out of college, substance abuse, and employment problems. Early intervention and support for ADHD are key to managing this disability.
Call us today to schedule a consultation at our Chantilly, VA office to discuss options.
ADHD Testing Options Based in Fairfax, VA
The best way to understand if the problems you have recognized are actually ADHD is to have testing done by a licensed psychologist or developmental pediatrician. A clear diagnosis requires more than screening questionnaires or checklists.
There are many reasons why a person can have symptoms that might look like ADHD. Anxiety disorders, sleep problems, low/high intellectual ability, depression, or language disabilities can all create similar problems as ADHD. It’s essential to have the correct diagnosis in order to plan an effective treatment plan. Each person with ADHD is different. Some may need special education help, psychotherapy, coping help, or even medication.
Without psychological testing, people with ADHD are unlikely to get the targeted support they need to unlock their potential. Our psychologists based in Fairfax, VA can also work with school professionals on-site to ensure that the child’s needs are being met in the classroom (e.g. designing positive behavioral interventions and supportive accommodations)
Support Services: What do you do?
Psychoeducational / Neuropsychological Testing
- Evaluates attention, executive functioning, memory, and learning (e.g., dyslexia) and is often what schools require for services or accommodations.
Comprehensive Testing
- Comprehensive Testing clarifies complex presentations (e.g., “Is attention affecting reading?”) by integrating cognitive, academic, emotional, and behavioral data.
Developmental Testing (under 5)
- Examines early development and attention; may include autism rule-in/rule-out when appropriate.
Emotional/Behavioral Testing
- Clarifies anxiety, mood, and behavior concerns that often co-occur with—or mimic—ADHD, so you get the right plan.
When autism is a question
- MindWell offers ADOS-2 and MIGDAS, considered the 'gold standard' observational measures, alongside other tools.
Moving Families from Coping to Thriving
MindWell Psychology doesn’t just diagnose; we empower you to move from coping to thriving. With over 20 years of experience and numerous success stories across the DMV, our independent psychologists reject standardized checklists in favor of customized, evidence-based evaluations designed to answer your specific questions.
Doctoral-Level, 1:1 Care
All testing is performed directly by a licensed PhD or PsyD psychologist—never by students or technicians.
A Whole-Person Approach
Inattention/restlessness can also stem from anxiety, learning differences, sleep issues, mood concerns, language differences, or giftedness. We evaluate the full picture before diagnosing.
Actionable, Respected Reports
You’ll receive a comprehensive written report in straightforward language. By bridging clinical insights with real-world strategies, we provide the solid foundation and practical tools you need to advocate for IEPs, workplace accommodations, and success at home.
Locally Savvy Expertise
Our clinicians actively collaborate with surrounding public and independent schools, and we’re contracted Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) providers for several local school systems.
Flexible and Convenient
While clinical testing days are conducted in person to ensure accuracy, we offer the flexibility of virtual or in-person appointments for your initial intake and final feedback sessions.
Who We Help
- Young Children (under 5): Early attention and communication profiles; autism rule-out when indicated.
- School-Age & Teens: Focus, organization, executive function, and learning concerns (dyslexia/dysgraphia/dyscalculia), plus documentation schools commonly request.
- College Students & Adults: Attention/executive skills at school or work; Admissions/Advanced Academics testing including WAIS-IV (16+) used for standardized-test/college accommodations.
ADHD Testing for All of Fairfax, VA and Beyond
MindWell Psychology’s office is in Chantilly, VA within Fairfax County. Our specialists are dedicated to helping local residents get the answers they need from areas including but not limited to:
Burke, Burke Centre, Chantilly, Clifton, Crosspointe, Dunn Loring, Fair Oaks, George Mason, Great Falls, Herndon, Lorton, McLean, Merrifield, Oakton, Reston, South Run, Springfield, Vienna, West Springfield, Wolf Trap and more.
For residents outside of Fairfax within the DMV, our specialists are happy to provide Telehealth services so you’re able to get the answers and care you need.
Meet OurSpecialists Based in Fairfax, VA
Meet the dedicated professionals committed to your mental well-being. Blending expertise with empathy, we guide you toward lasting growth.
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Discover Clarity With ADHD Testing Based in Fairfax, VA
Whether you’re seeing early warning signs or years of frustration, MindWell Psychology can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Reach out today to schedule your consultation to start the journey for yourself, your child, or teen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fairfax, VA ADHD Testing
MindWell assessments are very thorough – do they take longer to complete?
No. In fact, we deliver detailed, custom assessments months sooner than with other testing providers. Although we invest many hours in creating truly comprehensive, completely custom assessments, we still deliver reports within about a month, compared to 4 months for Children’s or other assessment sources. This means that a minimum of time (including the school year) is lost waiting for answers. Often, in about two weeks from the assessment, you can be learning what’s going on and what interventions you can begin making immediately.
Should I bring anything to the assessment?
If your child has had previous school testing, an individual education plan, or has related medical records, please bring or send this information and records to the psychologist for review.
What should I tell my child about the assessment?
What you tell your child about this assessment depends on how much he or she can understand. Be simple and brief and relate your explanation to a problem that your child knows about such as “trouble with spelling,” “problems following directions,” or “feeling upset.” Reassure a worried child that an assessment involves no “shots.” Tell your child that you are trying to understand his or her problem to make things better. Do not tell a young child they are coming for a play date.
Why do some children with ADHD need more physical activity than others?
Some children require increased physical movement in order to focus, while other children may actually benefit more from intentional downtime rather than constant activity.
Is it ADHD or a Learning Disability, or both?
Learning issues generally fall into two major categories: problems with academics, known as Learning Disabilities, and problems with executive functioning or attention, which include Executive Functioning Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. A Learning Disability involves a neurologically based processing problem that interferes with mastering specific learning skills.
In contrast, ADHD involves long-standing issues with hyperactivity, inattention, distractibility, and impulsivity that are observable at school, home, and with peers. The list of possible learning disabilities can include ADHD and Executive Functioning alongside conditions like Dyslexia or Dyscalculia. Individuals can experience overlapping challenges. Testing, such as psychoeducational, developmental, or neuropsychological evaluations, can help better understand the exact underlying causes of the learning problem.
Why is it so important to diagnose ADHD?
A thorough and accurate diagnosis is the key to successfully taking control of ADHD symptoms. Without it, individuals are at a significantly higher risk for academic and professional underachievement, as well as anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, and self-destructive behaviors. Once an accurate diagnosis is established, your medical, psychological, and educational team can be highly effective in providing the support and treatments—such as cognitive behavioral therapy and coaching—needed to help the individual achieve their full potential.