ADHD Evaluations
For Teens & Adults
Do you wonder if ADHD might be part of what you’re experiencing?
Maybe distractions or impulsivity are making it hard to stay organized or keep up with relationships. These are common experiences for people with ADHD, often leaving you feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, or behind. Over time, it can wear you down emotionally, leading to guilt, shame, or self-doubt.
You might have tried everything—planners, reminders, sheer willpower—only to find that focus slips away again. Deadlines get missed, tasks pile up, and even small things start to feel heavy. Impulsivity can create tension with friends or family, adding to the stress.
While many clients seek an evaluation for ADHD, our assessment process also considers other factors that may contribute to similar symptoms, including autism, anxiety, depression, trauma, learning differences, and executive functioning challenges.
Getting clarity can change everything. An evaluation helps you understand how your brain works so you can move forward with the right support, tools, and direction.
ADHD is More Common Than You Might Think
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The challenges you face with focus, organization, or impulse control are not a reflection of your intelligence or abilities, they’re part of how your brain works.
ADHD also looks different for everyone. Some people struggle most with attention — staying on task, managing time, or following through. Others feel more impacted by restlessness or impulsivity. Many experience a mix of both, making it tough to find balance day to day.
Recognizing this diversity is key. Your experience is valid, and with the right tools, ADHD can be managed effectively.
Therapy can help you understand how your brain works, develop strategies that play to your strengths, and build structure that feels sustainable — so you can live with more ease, confidence, and clarity.
ADHD Evaluations
A Deeper Understanding
If you've been questioning whether ADHD, autism, or another neurodevelopmental difference might be part of what you're experiencing, you're not alone.. Many people reach a point where they want clearer answers and a better understanding of how their brain works. Throughout our evaluation process, we’re searching for what explains the client’s pattern of functioning best, not just trying to prove ADHD exists.
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Teens who are struggling in school, emotionally overwhelmed, or misunderstood
Adults who suspect they’ve been masking ADHD/Autism symptoms for years
College students facing burnout, anxiety, or trouble keeping up
Parents seeking guidance and answers for their child
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• Parent interview/history gathering
• Clinical assessment with the teen or adult client
• Standardized ADHD, autism, executive functioning, and behavioral assessment measures as clinically indicated
• Parent and/or teacher rating scales when appropriate
• Review of developmental, academic, emotional, and executive functioning patterns
• A written report with diagnostic impressions and recommendations
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For many people, an ADHD diagnosis can be empowering. It helps you understand your brain, access the right tools, and advocate for support—whether that’s academic accommodations, therapeutic strategies, or simply more self-compassion.
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Evaluations start at $800
Evaluations are completed in person at our Ashburn office and are typically completed in one extended assessment session, though additional follow-up may occasionally be recommended depending on assessment needs.
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start understanding, an ADHD evaluation may be the right next step.
What Happens After?
An evaluation is just the first step. Once you have clarity, you can move forward with the right support and strategies.
At Authentic Connections Counseling, we help you understand your results and guide you toward the next steps that best support your needs—whether that’s therapy, accommodations, or additional support.
If you choose to pursue therapy after your evaluation, we offer integrative approaches that may include cognitive, behavioral, and nervous system-based techniques to support focus, regulation, and overall well-being.
What an Evaluation Can Help You Understand
How Your Brain Processes Attention & Focus
You’ll gain insight into how your attention, focus, and executive functioning work—so you can better understand why certain tasks feel easier or harder.
Your Emotional and Regulation Patterns
You’ll better understand how ADHD may impact emotional regulation, including patterns like overwhelm, reactivity, or shutdown.
Your Strengths & Areas of Challenge
Your evaluation will highlight both your strengths and areas of difficulty, helping you move away from self-doubt and toward a more accurate, compassionate understanding of yourself.
Your Unique Neurodevelopmental Profile
You’ll gain clarity about your stengths, challenges, and patters of functioning, helping you better undersand how your brain works .
Clear Next Steps
You’ll leave with clear recommendations for support, treatment options, or accommodations based on your unique needs.
At Authentic Connections Counseling, our goal is to provide clarity, understanding, and direction—so you can move forward with confidence and the support that’s right for you.
Common Questions
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The evaluation process is typically completed in one extended in-person assessment session, followed by scoring, interpretation, and a written report. Additional follow-up sessions can be scheduled separately if desired.
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The purpose of an ADHD evaluation is not simply to determine whether you meet criteria for ADHD. The goal is to gain a clearer understanding of how your brain works and identify what best explains your experiences.
Depending on your results, your evaluation may help guide treatment planning, support conversations with medical providers, inform academic or workplace accommodations, and provide recommendations for strategies and supports tailored to your needs.
For many clients, the greatest benefit is clarity. Understanding your strengths, challenges, and patterns can help you make more informed decisions moving forward.
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If criteria are met, your evaluation will include a diagnosis along with a detailed explanation and personalized recommendations.
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You’ll receive a comprehensive written report outlining findings, strengths, and clear next steps for support, treatment, or accommodations.
Ready to Get Clarity and Understand Your Brain?
If you’re ready to stop guessing and start understanding what’s going on, take the next step.
ADHD Evaluation Specialist
Cammie Terry, LPC, NCC, ADHD-CCSP, NPT-C
Overcome Feeling Stuck
Free Guide for ADHD Demand Avoidance
Struggling to get started on tasks or feeling overwhelmed by demands? You're not alone. Download our free guide to learn simple, effective strategies for overcoming demand avoidance and taking action. With step-by-step tips, mindfulness practices, and practical tools, you’ll gain the support you need to break through the barriers and make progress—one step at a time.
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