Concerns about attention, restlessness, and learning difficulties often leave families unsure of what their child truly needs. Many parents struggle to understand whether these behaviours reflect normal development or signal the need for professional evaluation. Dr. Rajeshwari Ganesh, a Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician, supports families at this stage by offering structured, objective assessment rather than assumptions or trial-and-error approaches.

In her clinical work, ADHD evaluation is used to understand how a child manages focus, impulse control, and energy regulation in real-life settings. The purpose is not to label a child, but to identify the underlying neurodevelopmental pattern so that expectations, teaching methods, and support strategies can be aligned appropriately.

Research from India suggests that 7–10% of school-aged children exhibit features associated with attention-deficit and hyperactivity, yet many are repeatedly corrected or misunderstood before an accurate assessment is completed. Through comprehensive ADHD testing in Mumbai, Dr. Rajeshwari Ganesh helps families move from uncertainty to clarity, enabling informed decisions and practical, child-specific support.

Why ADHD Requires a Structured Clinical Evaluation

ADHD cannot be diagnosed by a single observation or a school complaint alone. Attention difficulties may arise from multiple causes including learning disorders, emotional stress, anxiety, or developmental immaturity.

A proper ADHD assessment therefore focuses on:

• - Consistency of symptoms across settings
• - Impact on learning and daily functioning
• - Developmental appropriateness of behavior
• - Exclusion of other overlapping conditions

This ensures that intervention is appropriate and truly beneficial for the child.

What Happens During ADHD Testing

ADHD testing is a step-by-step clinical process. During assessment, the clinician interacts directly with the child using structured activities appropriate for age and developmental level.

Observation focuses on:

• - Attention span and ability to sustain effort
• - Impulse control and response regulation
• - Task completion and organization
• - Behavioral consistency during structured tasks

This real-time interaction provides insights that questionnaires alone cannot capture.

Role of Parents and Teachers in ADHD Assessment

Children behave differently at home and school. ADHD evaluation therefore includes information from multiple environments.

Parents complete structured questionnaires that reflect behavior at home, while teachers provide feedback on classroom attention, learning behavior, and peer interaction. This combination helps confirm whether difficulties are situational or persistent across settings—an essential requirement for accurate diagnosis.

Assessments and Tests Conducted by the Doctor

ADHD evaluation is never based on a single tool. Depending on the child’s age and concerns, the following assessments may be conducted:

• Clinical ADHD Assessment – Direct observation of attention, impulse control, and task engagement through structured interaction.
• Parent Questionnaires – Standardized behavioral rating scales to understand patterns observed at home.
• Teacher Feedback Forms – School-based input to assess academic and behavioral impact in the classroom.
• IQ Testing – Conducted using WISC or Malin Intelligence Scale to evaluate cognitive abilities and rule out intellectual causes for academic difficulty.
• Psychoeducational Assessment – Combined evaluation of intelligence and academic achievement when learning difficulty is suspected.
• Learning Disorder Testing – Includes academic testing such as Woodcock–Johnson assessments to diagnose specific learning disorders.
• Autism Screening (if indicated) – Clinical observation and play-based assessment to differentiate ADHD from autism spectrum conditions.
• Autism Diagnostic Tests (when required) – ADOS, CARS, and ISA are conducted if autism features are identified.

Each assessment is selected carefully to ensure diagnostic accuracy and meaningful intervention planning.

ADHD or Learning Disorder – Why Differentiation Matters

Many children with ADHD also have learning disorders, while some children who struggle academically may not have ADHD at all. Differentiating these conditions is essential because management strategies differ significantly.

Accurate assessment helps:

• - Avoid unnecessary medication
• - Plan correct academic accommodations
• - Address the true source of difficulty
• - Support emotional well-being

Importance of Early ADHD Identification

When ADHD remains unrecognized, children may experience repeated failure, frustration, and emotional distress. Early identification helps children receive structured support before negative patterns become entrenched.

Early assessment allows families to:

• - Understand strengths alongside challenges
• - Modify expectations realistically
• - Work collaboratively with schools
• - Build the child’s confidence early

Guidance After ADHD Testing

Following the assessment, families are counselled in detail about findings and recommended next steps. Management is individualized and may include behavioral strategies, parent training, school coordination, therapy, or further developmental monitoring.

A strong emphasis is placed on parent guidance, as consistent daily support plays a central role in improvement.

Why Families Feel Reassured Under the Care of Dr. Rajeshwari Ganesh

Dr. Rajeshwari Ganesh is a Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician with comprehensive medical training that includes MBBS, DCH, MD Pediatrics, and MRCPCH, along with advanced fellowship training in Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics from the National University Hospital, Singapore.

Her clinical practice is focused exclusively on children with developmental, behavioural, and attention-related concerns. Dr. Rajeshwari Ganesh follows a careful and individualized approach to ADHD assessment, emphasizing the importance of understanding how a child functions across settings—at home, in school, and in social environments—rather than relying on isolated symptoms alone.

She also works closely with preterm children and high-risk infants, where early developmental surveillance plays a critical role in reducing the impact of later attention and learning difficulties. Her approach consistently prioritizes clarity, evidence-based decision-making, and practical family guidance, enabling parents to support their child with confidence and informed direction.

About the Clinic

Pinnacle Child Development Clinic is a specialized center for developmental and behavioral assessment in children. The clinic integrates structured clinical observation, standardized testing, and parent-teacher input to provide accurate diagnosis and individualized guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. At what age can ADHD testing be done?

Anwer: Assessment is usually appropriate from preschool age onward, depending on developmental maturity.

Q. Does hyperactivity always mean ADHD?

Anwer: No. Some children show inattentive ADHD without excessive activity.

Q. Can ADHD be mistaken for a learning disorder?

Anwer: Yes. That is why learning disorder screening is part of the evaluation.

Q. Does ADHD testing automatically mean medication?

Anwer: No. Management decisions are individualized.

Q. Is school feedback mandatory?

Anwer: Yes. ADHD symptoms must be present across settings.