Does a Parent or a School Request an ADHD Test?

The Question Every Parent Asks 

If your child is struggling with attention, organization, or classroom behavior, you may be wondering: Should I wait for the school to suggest ADHD testing, or should I initiate the process myself?

This is one of the most common questions we hear at Washington Insight Solutions in Rockville, Maryland. The short answer is that both parents and schools can request an evaluation, but the type of testing, how it is conducted, and the purpose behind it often differ significantly.

Understanding your options is the first step toward getting your child the support they need.

The Question Every Parent Asks

If your child is struggling with attention, organization, or classroom behavior, you may be wondering: Should I wait for the school to suggest ADHD testing, or should I initiate the process myself?

This is one of the most common questions we hear at Washington Insight Solutions in Rockville, Maryland. The short answer is that both parents and schools can request an evaluation, but the type of testing, how it is conducted, and the purpose behind it often differ significantly.

Understanding your options is the first step toward getting your child the support they need

Can a School Request ADHD Testing?

Public schools in Montgomery County and throughout Maryland play an important role in identifying academic and behavioral challenges. When concerns arise, teachers and school staff may:

• Observe signs of inattention, impulsivity, or disruptive behavior
• Recommend that the child be evaluated for learning or developmental differences
• Involve school psychologists or educational teams to conduct an assessment

However, schools cannot diagnose ADHD. Only a licensed clinician—such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or pediatrician—can provide a formal ADHD diagnosis.

What School-Based Evaluations Can Do

• Identify whether a student qualifies for special education services
• Determine eligibility for classroom accommodations through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a Section 504 Plan
• Evaluate how symptoms affect learning within a school setting

What School-Based Evaluations Cannot Do

• Provide a clinical diagnosis of ADHD
• Fully assess emotional or mental health factors
• Offer detailed insights into executive functioning or home-related challenges

Can a Parent Request ADHD Testing? 

Yes. In fact, parents often take the lead in seeking ADHD testing, especially when concerns extend beyond the classroom.

You have two primary pathways:

1. Request Through the Public School System

Parents can submit a formal written request for an educational evaluation through their child’s school. This process is free, but it can take several months to complete. In many cases, school evaluations focus solely on academic functioning and may not capture the full picture.

2. Schedule a Private ADHD Evaluation

At Washington Insight Solutions, we offer comprehensive, private ADHD evaluations for children, teens, college students, and adults. This route offers several key advantages:

• Faster scheduling with no long school waitlists
• In-depth assessment that includes emotional, behavioral, and cognitive components
• Personalized feedback and actionable recommendations
• Documentation that is accepted by most schools for IEP and 504 planning

Why Many Parents Choose Private ADHD Testing in Montgomery County

Private ADHD evaluations offer a broader view of your child’s strengths, struggles, and needs—both in and out of the classroom. At Washington Insight Solutions, each evaluation includes:

• Cognitive assessments to evaluate memory, processing speed, and attention
• Executive function testing focused on planning, organization, and self-control
• Behavior rating scales completed by parents, teachers, and (if applicable) the child
• Screenings for related conditions such as anxiety, depression, or learning differences
• A clear, comprehensive written report with next steps for home, school, and treatment

This level of detail simply cannot be matched by most school-based assessments.

What’s the Best Approach? Parent and School Collaboration

The most effective outcomes occur when parents, schools, and clinical professionals work together.

• Parents bring insight into behavior at home and often initiate formal testing
• Schools offer valuable teacher observations and classroom context
• Clinicians provide the diagnostic expertise and recommendations

When all three work in partnership, children receive the most well-rounded support possible, both at home and in the classroom.

Frequently Asked Questions About ADHD Testing Requirements

Can a school in Maryland diagnose ADHD?
No. Schools can identify concerns and provide academic assessments, but only a licensed healthcare provider can diagnose ADHD.

Will my child’s school accept a private ADHD evaluation?
Yes. Most public and private schools in Montgomery County accept private evaluations as the basis for accommodations such as IEPs or 504 Plans.

Should I wait for the school to begin the process?
You can, but school evaluations often take months to schedule and complete. Private testing is typically faster and more comprehensive.

Can adults request ADHD testing?
Absolutely. We provide ADHD evaluations for adults experiencing focus, time management, or organizational challenges at work or in daily life.

Local Advantage: ADHD Testing in Montgomery County, MD 

Washington Insight Solutions is conveniently located in Rockville, serving families and individuals across:

• Gaithersburg

• Bethesda

• Silver Spring

• Potomac

• Greater Montgomery County, Maryland

Our evaluations are compassionate, thorough, and designed to provide you with meaningful, actionable answers.

Final Thoughts

So, does a parent or school request an ADHD test? Both can—but they serve different purposes. Schools can initiate educational assessments, but parents often need to lead the way when it comes to obtaining a clinical diagnosis and fully understanding what their child needs.

At Washington Insight Solutions, we help families navigate this process with clarity, empathy, and professionalism. Whether you are seeking support for a child, teen, or adult, we are here to provide the insight and answers you need.

Ready to Schedule Your ADHD Evaluation?

Call us today at (301) 828-2356 or contact us online to get started.

We proudly serve families and individuals across Montgomery County, MD with high-quality ADHD testing in Rockville.