Ask the clinic what the appointment needs
Before the visit, ask who should attend, whether the child needs to be present throughout, and whether the clinician wants forms or school information beforehand. Confirm the appointment format and any records you should bring. These details depend on the clinic and the child’s needs.
If you have previous evaluations, school support plans, or relevant medical information, ask how to provide them through the clinic’s approved process. Keep copies for your own reference.
- Who should attend?
- What should be completed before the appointment?
- Which records are useful?
- How should records be sent?
Gather observations from everyday settings
Write down concrete examples from home, school, and other activities. Note when difficulties happen, what seems to make them easier or harder, and what the child does well. A child’s evaluation may include information from parents, teachers, and other caregivers.
Ask the clinician what observations from school would be helpful. A brief account of the situation, behavior, and effect can be more useful than an unsupported conclusion. Different adults may see different things; bring those differences into the conversation.
- An example of a difficult situation
- Its effect on learning, relationships, or routines
- Supports already tried and what happened
- Strengths and activities that go well
Prepare to discuss age-appropriate care
ADHD assessment includes considering other possible explanations for symptoms. Ask how sleep, learning, mood, or other health concerns will be assessed and whether any further evaluation is needed.
If ADHD is diagnosed, treatment recommendations depend on age and individual needs. For children younger than six, parent training in behavior management is recommended before medication. For school-age children, care may involve medication, behavioral approaches, and school supports.
Ask what the recommended plan involves for your family, how benefits and side effects will be reviewed, and who to contact with questions. Nothing in this worksheet guarantees a diagnosis or prescription; use it to prepare for a collaborative clinical discussion.