Attention issues are more than just occasional forgetfulness or restlessness. For many children and adults, persistent difficulties with focus, impulse control, and follow-through are signs of something more—often pointing to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how the brain manages tasks and attention.
Getting an accurate diagnosis is the foundation for effective support. And when it comes to diagnosing ADHD, neuropsychological testing offers a deeper, more precise understanding of how the brain is functioning day to day.
At Southeast Psych Nashville, we provide ADHD evaluations for individuals across Brentwood, Forest Hills, Green Hills, and Belle Meade, helping families and individuals find clarity and take meaningful next steps toward lasting support.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is characterized by ongoing patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with functioning in home, school, work, or social settings. These challenges often show up as:
- Difficulty focusing on tasks
- Forgetfulness or losing items
- Fidgeting, restlessness, or excessive talking
- Interrupting conversations or blurting out answers
- Struggling with time management or task completion
Symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity vary between individuals and may present differently in children and adults. Some individuals may show more inattentive behaviors, while others are more impulsive or hyperactive—or a combination of both.
Why Neuropsychological Testing Matters
While rating scales and clinical interviews are helpful tools, they often don’t tell the whole story. That’s where neuropsychological testing makes a difference. This type of evaluation goes beyond surface-level observations to assess a person’s cognitive abilities—how they process information, solve problems, manage attention, and more.
Testing provides a comprehensive view of:
- Working memory
- Impulse control
- Problem solving
- Cognitive function
- Processing speed
- Attention across various tasks
The benefits of evaluating inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in this structured way include more reliable identification of ADHD, clearer understanding of how it affects daily life, and stronger direction for next steps.
What to Expect During an ADHD Evaluation
An ADHD-focused neuropsychological assessment usually includes:
- Clinical Interviews – A detailed discussion about current concerns, history, and functioning across settings. Parents, teachers, or partners may provide additional input.
- Behavior Rating Scales – Standardized checklists completed by the individual and other observers to highlight behavior patterns.
- Neuropsychological Testing – A series of tasks measuring cognitive abilities like memory, attention, organization, and impulse control.
- Analysis and Feedback – A comprehensive report that outlines a person’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses, includes diagnostic impressions, and offers a personalized treatment strategy.
We support families across Brentwood, Forest Hills, Green Hills, and Belle Meade through each step, creating a supportive and thorough experience from consultation to final recommendations.
Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters
Because many other issues—like anxiety, learning disorders, or sleep disturbances—can mimic the symptoms of ADHD, a careful and thorough assessment is essential. Misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis can lead to ineffective interventions, frustration, and unnecessary stress.
With the testing results from a neuropsychological evaluation, families and individuals gain clarity on whether ADHD is truly present, and if so, what kind of support will be most effective.
A Cognitive Profile That Guides Treatment
Every individual with ADHD has a unique brain—and a unique experience of their symptoms. A detailed cognitive profile allows us to see not just where the struggles lie, but also where the strengths can be leveraged.
This information helps shape a targeted, strengths-based treatment strategy that may include:
- Behavioral strategies at home or school
- Executive function coaching
- Classroom accommodations (like extended time or movement breaks)
- Medication, if appropriate, as part of a broader plan
- Parent training or family support
Supporting the Whole Person
Living with ADHD can impact more than school or work—it often touches relationships, self-esteem, and overall mental health. That’s why our approach is always holistic. We look beyond symptoms to understand the full picture and help families move forward with confidence.
Whether you’re a parent navigating concerns about your child’s focus in school or an adult questioning whether your lifelong challenges with organization and attention point to undiagnosed ADHD, we’re here to help.
We offer assessments for children and adults across Green Hills, Belle Meade, Forest Hills, and Brentwood, and tailor each evaluation to the person’s age, needs, and goals.
Our Clinical Neuropsychologist: Dr. Ryan Bennett
Dr. Ryan Bennett is a Clinical Neuropsychologist at Southeast Psych Nashville with expertise in neurodevelopmental assessment. Board Certified in Assessment Psychology, he specializes in identifying and treating ADHD and executive functioning difficulties in children, teens, and adults. With a background in both clinical practice and academic research, Dr. Bennett is passionate about helping individuals understand how their brains work—and empowering them with personalized strategies to thrive.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re concerned about inattention, impulsivity, or restlessness in yourself or someone you love, reach out to Southeast Psych Nashville today.
Our team provides expert neuropsychological testing designed to clarify diagnosis and build effective treatment plans—so you or your child can move forward with understanding, support, and success.
Because with the right tools, every brain can thrive.
