Is it ADHD Testing or ADHD Screening?

If you’ve been researching ADHD and come across terms like ADHD testing and ADHD screening, it’s easy to get confused. At first glance, they might sound interchangeable, but they represent two very different processes with very different outcomes. A screening can point out possible signs of ADHD, while testing provides the comprehensive answers and official documentation you need to move forward. At Washington Insight Solutions in Rockville, Maryland, we specialize in full ADHD testing for children, teens, and adults across Montgomery County, MD. Our goal is to help you understand the difference, know what to expect, and find clarity and confidence in your next steps.

Why This Question Comes Up So Often

If you’ve been Googling “ADHD testing vs. ADHD screening,” you’re not alone. Parents, teachers, and even adults often wonder what the difference is and which one they actually need. Both terms sound similar, but they serve very different purposes.

Here in Montgomery County, MD, many families first hear about “screenings” through a child’s school or pediatrician’s office. Screenings are quick, simple tools to flag possible concerns. But if you’re looking for clear answers, school or workplace accommodations, or a roadmap for treatment, what you really need is comprehensive ADHD testing.

At Washington Insight Solutions in Rockville, that’s exactly what we do. Our evaluations go far beyond a brief checklist. They are in-depth, data-driven, and designed to give you clarity and actionable recommendations for home, school, and daily life.

What Is ADHD Screening?

An ADHD screening is a short, surface-level tool used to see if ADHD might be present. Think of it as a quick checkpoint, not the final destination.

Screenings often include:

• Parent or teacher questionnaires about attention and behavior
• Short self-report forms for teens or adults
• Quick checklists used in pediatric offices or schools
• Observations about classroom or home functioning

What Is ADHD Testing? (What We Do at WIS)

ADHD testing, also called an ADHD evaluation, is a comprehensive psychological assessment conducted by a licensed psychologist. It gives you a full picture, not just a snapshot.

At Washington Insight Solutions, our in-depth ADHD testing includes:

• Cognitive testing: Memory, attention, reasoning, and processing speed
• Executive function measures: Planning, time management, and impulse control
• Behavioral rating scales: Multi-informant forms (parent, teacher, self)
• History & records review: School reports, medical records, and prior evaluations
• Emotional & mental health screening: To identify co-occurring issues like anxiety or depression
• Clinical interview & observations: Understanding context, patterns, and real-life impact

Which One Do You Need?

Screening is helpful if you’re looking for a quick first step, often through a pediatrician or school.

Testing is essential if:

• Symptoms affect daily life at school, work, or home

• You want an official diagnosis

• You need documentation for accommodations

• You’re an adult seeking clarity

• You want answers that go beyond “maybe”

At Washington Insight Solutions, we provide comprehensive ADHD testing. If you’ve already had a screening, we’ll include it as context but build out the full evaluation you need for real answers.

ADHD Testing in Montgomery County, MD

Here’s what local families should know:

• Schools can flag concerns and perform educational evaluations, but they cannot diagnose ADHD.

• Private evaluations (like those at WIS) provide the diagnosis schools need to create IEP or 504 accommodations.

• Testing is also available for adults, which schools don’t cover.

We serve clients from Rockville, Gaithersburg, Bethesda, Silver Spring, and across Montgomery County, Maryland.

What Happens After ADHD Testing?

A diagnosis is only part of the journey. Our reports give you next steps tailored to your needs.

1. Requesting school accommodations (IEP/504)
2. Sharing strategies with teachers or professor
3. Discussing medication options with a provide
4. Starting therapy, ADHD coaching, or executive skills training
5. Exploring workplace accommodations under the ADA (for adults)

Why Choose Washington Insight Solutions?

We specialize in providing comprehensive ADHD testing, not quick screenings. Our evaluations are conducted by licensed psychologists with extensive experience in diagnosing and understanding ADHD in children, teens, and adults. Each assessment is tailored to the individual and includes clear, detailed reports written in plain language so families, educators, and employers can easily understand the results and next steps. When you choose Washington Insight Solutions, you’re choosing clarity, professionalism, and support from a team dedicated to helping you or your loved one move forward with confidence.

Ready to Find Out Which Evaluation You Need?

So, is it ADHD testing or ADHD screening? Both exist, but they’re not the same. Screenings are a quick flag. Testing is the in-depth process that provides real answers, a clear diagnosis, and an actionable plan.  If you’re ready for clarity, Washington Insight Solutions is here to help.

Call us at (301) 828-2356 or contact us online to schedule your comprehensive ADHD evaluation. We proudly serve families across Rockville, Gaithersburg, Bethesda, Silver Spring, and the greater Montgomery County, Maryland area.