Child & Teen ADHD Evaluations in Louisville, KY

Welcome to Grace Psychological Services, your trusted partner for child and teen ADHD evaluations in Louisville, KY. As a parent, watching your child struggle with focus, impulsivity, or schoolwork can be heartbreaking. You want answers and real help. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 11.4% of U.S. children aged 3 to 17 have ever been diagnosed with ADHD based on 2022 data. In Kentucky, rates are similarly elevated, affecting thousands of families. Early, accurate evaluation opens the door to effective support, better academic outcomes, and improved self-esteem.

Check out our adult ADHD testing page if you’d like to learn more about ADHD testing at Grace Psychological Services.

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts attention, executive functioning, and self-regulation. In children and teens, symptoms often appear as hyperactivity, inattention, or impulsivity that interferes with school, home life, and friendships. While some children outgrow certain behaviors, many continue to need strategies into adolescence and adulthood. At Grace Psychological Services, we specialize in comprehensive, child-friendly ADHD testing in Louisville, KY, designed to provide clarity and actionable next steps.

Our evaluations consider developmental stages, school demands, and family context. We use state-of-the-art iPads for ease of use and quicker scoring to get the results to you quicker, along with other engaging digital tools to keep children comfortable while gathering precise data. Whether your child is showing signs in elementary school or facing new challenges as a teenager, we are here to help without judgment.

Read on to learn about symptoms, our expert-led process, accommodations, and why Louisville families choose us. When you are ready, contact us for a no-obligation consultation.

Common Signs of ADHD in Children and Teens

ADHD looks different in every child, but certain patterns are common:

Difficulty sustaining attention on schoolwork or play activities
Frequent careless mistakes or losing items needed for tasks
Trouble organizing homework, chores, or belongings
Excessive fidgeting, squirming, or leaving seat when expected to remain seated
Running or climbing in inappropriate situations (more common in younger children)
Difficulty playing quietly or engaging in leisure activities calmly
Talking excessively or blurting out answers before questions are completed
Struggling to wait for their turn in games or conversations
Interrupting others or intruding on conversations

In teens, hyperactivity often becomes internal restlessness, poor time management, or risky impulsive decisions. Inattentive symptoms can lead to procrastination on major projects or forgetting important deadlines. Many children and teens also experience emotional dysregulation, low frustration tolerance, or rejection sensitivity.

These symptoms must occur across settings (home, school, extracurriculars) and cause significant impairment to meet diagnostic criteria. We also carefully assess for co-occurring conditions such as learning disorders, anxiety, or oppositional behavior.

Meet Dr. Olivia Hilchey: Leading Expert in Child ADHD Evaluations

Dr. Olivia Hilchey is the cornerstone of our child and teen ADHD evaluation services. With over a decade of specialized experience conducting ADHD assessments, she has evaluated hundreds of Louisville-area children and adolescents. Dr. Hilchey was recognized as one of the top 3 psychologists in Middletown, KY, reflecting her clinical excellence and patient-centered approach.

Her warm, playful style helps even anxious or shy children feel safe during testing. She expertly adapts assessments to each child’s age and developmental level, ensuring accurate results. Dr. Hilchey stays current with the latest ADHD research and guidelines from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and CHADD. Families consistently praise her thoroughness, clear communication, and genuine investment in their child’s success.

Our 4-Step Child & Teen ADHD Evaluation Process

We follow a structured, evidence-based process to deliver reliable diagnoses and helpful recommendations.

Step 1: Initial Intake and Semi-Structured Interview The process begins with a detailed 90-minute intake session ($350) involving parents (and the child or teen when appropriate). Dr. Hilchey conducts a semi-structured clinical interview covering developmental history, current symptoms, family dynamics, school performance, and medical background. This step establishes rapport and identifies key areas for testing. Dr. Hilchey will recommend the battery of tests and provide a fee arrangement for the cost of everything moving forward.
Step 2: Administration of Research-Backed Tests Over one or more sessions, we administer a battery of standardized, research-supported measures using Q-Global and Q-Interactive digital platforms. These often include engaging iPad-based tasks. Tests assess attention, executive functioning, impulse control, and cognitive abilities while incorporating parent and teacher rating scales (such as Vanderbilt scales) and behavioral observations.
Step 3: Comprehensive Final Report Written by Dr. Hilchey Dr. Hilchey personally integrates all data into a detailed, easy-to-understand report. This official psychological report includes diagnosis (if applicable), strengths and challenges, differential diagnosis explanations, and tailored recommendations for home, school, and treatment.
Step 4: Feedback Session We schedule a dedicated feedback appointment to review the report together. Dr. Hilchey explains findings in plain language, answers questions, discusses next steps, and helps families plan accommodations, therapy, or referrals. This session empowers parents with knowledge and confidence.

At Grace Psychological Services, we specialize in ADHD testing in Louisville, providing expert comprehensive ADHD evaluations tailored to your needs. Led by Dr. Olivia Hilchey, our practice offers state-of-the-art neuropsychological testing for accurate attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosis. Dr. Hilchey utilizes Q-Interactive, a cutting-edge digital platform that enhances precision and efficiency, often incorporating state-of-the-art iPads for ease of use and quicker scoring to get the results to you quicker. These evaluations may include IQ testing to provide a holistic view of cognitive strengths and challenges, while ruling out other diagnoses that mimic ADHD symptoms, such as anxiety or learning disorders.

We offer two flexible options to meet varying needs and budgets (pricing depends on whether additional IQ/achievement testing is needed):

Focused Version: 4 to 6 hours targeting core ADHD symptoms. Ideal for initial diagnosis confirmation or medication referral support.
Longer Comprehensive Version: 6 to 8.5 hours across multiple sessions, providing a full cognitive profile (attention, memory, executive functioning, processing speed). This is the gold standard for school accommodations, IEPs, or detailed treatment planning.

Researched Tests Used in Our Evaluations

Our child and teen ADHD evaluations follow evidence-based guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), CHADD, and the DSM-5 criteria for diagnosis. The AAP’s Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents emphasizes a comprehensive assessment that includes multi-informant input (parents, teachers), clinical interviews, and tools to rule out co-occurring conditions while confirming symptoms across settings. CHADD recommends using validated rating scales and behavioral observations as key components, noting that no single test diagnoses ADHD but a combination ensures accuracy. DSM-5 criteria require persistent symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that impair functioning, present before age 12, and occur in multiple settings.

We select research-backed, standardized tools aligned with these guidelines to assess core ADHD symptoms, executive functioning, cognitive strengths/weaknesses, and potential co-occurring issues like learning disorders. Common tests include:

WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fifth Edition) — Primary IQ/cognitive measure for ages 6:0–16:11; identifies patterns like lower working memory/processing speed often seen in ADHD.
WIAT-III or WIAT-4 (Wechsler Individual Achievement Test – Third/Fourth Edition) — Assesses academic skills (reading, math, writing) for children/adolescents; used to identify achievement gaps or learning issues co-occurring with ADHD.
KTEA-3 (Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement – Third Edition) — Measures key academic areas for children/adolescents; helps evaluate learning strengths/weaknesses in ADHD assessments.
Conners 4 (Conners 4th Edition) — Leading ADHD-specific rating scale for ages 6–18 (parent/teacher) and 8–18 (self-report); evaluates core symptoms (inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity), impairments, and co-occurring issues via multi-informant forms.
BASC-3 (Behavior Assessment System for Children – Third Edition) — Broad behavior/emotional rating scale for ages 2–21 (with child/adolescent focus); includes ADHD-related scales for comprehensive behavioral profiling.
Brown EF/A Scales (Brown Executive Function/Attention Scales) — Targets executive function and attention deficits for ages 3+ (with child/adolescent forms up to 18); screens for impairments linked to ADHD beyond core symptoms, including DSM-5 aligned items.
Other ADHD Assessments — Additional scientifically backed tests may be used if needed for accommodations (such as extended time on standardized tests or school supports) or to further clarify the diagnosis in complex cases. Our testing psychologist, Dr. Hilchey, will determine if other ADHD-specific tests are necessary based on your child’s unique situation and the goals of the evaluation.

These tools, combined with our clinical expertise, ensure a thorough, guideline-aligned evaluation that differentiates ADHD from other conditions and informs personalized recommendations.

School Accommodations and Support

Dr. Olivia Hilchey deeply understands the requirements for ADHD-related school accommodations. Our comprehensive reports are specifically designed to support:

504 Plans with accommodations like extended time on tests, preferential seating, or movement breaks
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students needing specialized instruction
Standardized testing modifications (ACT, SAT, AP exams)
Behavioral intervention plans and organizational supports

Dr. Hilchey can guide families through school meetings and documentation requirements, helping children access the tools they need to succeed academically.

Why Families Choose Grace Psychological Services for Child ADHD Evaluations in Louisville, KY

Parents trust us because we deliver:

No lengthy waitlist. Start quickly when you need answers
Flexible scheduling, including evenings and telehealth options
Veteran-owned practice with over 100 years of combined team experience
Consistently top-rated therapy and evaluation services in the region
Convenient Middletown location serving all of Jefferson County and surrounding areas
Private-pay practice (out-of-network) with dedicated assistance for insurance reimbursement. A large majority of clients with private insurance successfully receive reimbursement

Dr. Hilchey’s developmental expertise and school-focused reports give families an advantage over less specialized providers.

How to Prepare for Your Child’s ADHD Testing Appointment

Preparing for your child’s ADHD evaluation at Grace Psychological Services helps make the day calmer and more productive for your child and for the whole family. When you come prepared, Dr. Olivia Hilchey can gather the clearest information to give you accurate insights and useful recommendations. The process follows AAP and CHADD guidelines, focusing on understanding your child across home and school settings. Here is a simple guide to help you get ready.

Talk to Your Child About the Appointment

Explain the visit in a gentle, positive way that fits their age.

For younger children (ages 3 to 8): Tell them it is a fun visit with games and puzzles to learn how their brain works best. Skip words like “test” that might worry them.
For older kids and teens: Be straightforward. Say this appointment will help figure out why focusing or sitting still can sometimes be tricky, and that it is not their fault. Let them know it can lead to helpful tools and support.

Reassure them the visit is friendly and private. If they are anxious, practice a few deep breaths together or plan a favorite activity afterward.

Gather Information About Your Child

Think about their history and behaviors. Simple notes make the conversation easier.

When did you first notice challenges (for example, restlessness in preschool or trouble finishing homework in elementary school)?
How do things look different at home compared to school (such as interrupting at home but daydreaming in class)?
Jot down a few recent examples (use a notebook or phone note to record triggers like transitions or group activities).
Consider family patterns. ADHD often runs in families, so recall any similar traits in relatives.

What to Bring

Collect these items to support a complete evaluation.

School documents (report cards, teacher comments, or any existing IEPs/504 plans).
Any previous psychological reports or summaries from their therapist.
Family mental health history.
Developmental notes (milestones from baby books or early observations about focus, activity level, or impulsivity).
Comfort items (a favorite toy, book, blanket, water, and snacks for breaks. Sessions last 4 to 8.5 hours with breaks).
Practical items (comfortable clothes and shoes for movement breaks).

Practical Tips for the Day

Keep the morning routine normal. A good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast make a difference.
Limit screens and sugary foods to help keep results true to their usual functioning.
No caffeine until testing is done for the day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child & Teen ADHD Evaluations in Louisville, KY

How much does child ADHD testing cost?
The first step is a 90-minute intake at $350. Overall pricing depends on whether additional IQ/achievement testing is needed and the option chosen (focused or comprehensive), with typical ranges between $2000 to $3750. We can provide a personalized estimate after the initial consultation.
Is ADHD testing covered by insurance?
We are a private-pay, out-of-network practice. This means we do not bill insurance directly, but we provide a detailed superbill (a specialized invoice with all necessary diagnostic and procedure codes) that you can submit to your insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement. Most clients find it an easy process to get reimbursed. You can contact your insurance company ahead of time to ask about your out-of-network benefits for psychological testing, but in our experience, the large majority of our clients with private insurance successfully receive partial or substantial reimbursement simply by submitting the superbill we provide.
How long does the full evaluation take?
It depends on which version of testing you prefer. If you need it primarily for diagnostic clarification, then the shorter focused version (4 to 6 hours) is likely sufficient. If you need it for accommodations (such as school supports), then you’ll likely need the longer comprehensive battery of tests (6 to 8.5 hours).
What ages do you evaluate for ADHD?
Children from age 3 through adolescents up to age 17. We also have dedicated ADHD testing for adults. Check out our adult ADHD evaluation page.
How accurate is the diagnosis?
Our multi-method, research-backed approach yields highly reliable results.
What if ADHD is not the issue?
We identify alternative or co-occurring conditions and provide appropriate recommendations.
How does child testing differ from adult testing?
Child evaluations rely heavily on parent/teacher input, school observation, and developmental considerations, while adult testing emphasizes self-report and work/relationship impacts.

Ready to Get Answers for Your Child? Schedule Your ADHD Evaluation Today

If you have noticed your child struggling with focus, school performance, or emotional regulation, a comprehensive ADHD evaluation at Grace Psychological Services can provide the clarity and support your family needs. With flexible options, including in-person in Louisville and telehealth appointments, we make it easy to start. Dr. Olivia Hilchey and our team are here to guide you every step of the way, from testing to personalized next steps like school accommodations.

Call or text us at 502-203-0838or book an appointment on our contact page. No waitlist at Grace Psychological Services means you can begin sooner.

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12802 Townepark Way, Suite 100, Louisville, KY 40243

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