ASD Testing in South Central Edmonton

What Is ADHD?

Attention‑Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that go beyond what’s typical for a person’s age and developmental level. While it is often first recognized in childhood, many individuals continue to experience symptoms into adolescence and adulthood. Clinicians categorize ADHD into three primary presentations:

• Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: Challenges with sustaining focus, forgetfulness, and difficulty organizing tasks.
  
• Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Presentation: Restlessness, excessive talking or fidgeting, and hasty decision‑making.
  
• Combined Presentation: A mix of inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms.

Understanding your specific presentation is crucial: it determines which assistance, strategies, and accommodations will best help you thrive in school, work, and everyday life.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms can look different depending on age, gender, and environment. Here are some of the most common red flags:

• Inattention: Frequently losing track of assignments, keys, or personal items, difficulty following multi‑step instructions or tendency to daydream or drift off in conversations or meetings
• Hyperactivity: An inner sense of restlessness or difficulty sitting still during meetings, meals, or lessons, constant tapping, shifting positions, or needing to get up frequently
• Impulsivity: Blurting out answers before questions are complete, interrupting others or speaking out of turn or making hasty decisions without considering consequences

To meet diagnostic criteria, these symptoms must appear in at least two settings (for example, home and school or work) and substantially impair functioning or development. In adults, hyperactivity may present as inner restlessness rather than overt fidgeting; in girls and women, inattentive symptoms often predominate and can be overlooked.

Why Seek ASD Testing In South Central Edmonton with a Psychologist?

Choosing a qualified psychologist for testing at Clarke Psychological Services ensures clarity and a roadmap for effective support:

1. Accurate Differential Diagnosis
   ASD features often overlap with conditions like ADHD, social anxiety, or language disorders. Our comprehensive assessment distinguishes Autism Spectrum Disorder from other concerns, ensuring you receive precisely the help you need.
   

2. Personalized Intervention Planning
   We combine standardized tools—such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS‑2), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS‑2), and Sensory Profile—with your developmental history to create a strengths‑and‑needs profile. From speech and language therapy to occupational therapy for sensory regulation, our recommendations are tailored to each individual.
   

3. Access to Educational & Financial Supports
   A confirmed diagnosis unlocks eligibility for Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) in schools, Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) funding, and the federal Disability Tax Credit (DTC). These resources make it easier to secure the therapies, accommodations, and equipment that promote success.
   

4. Enhanced Self‑Understanding & Family Guidance
   Knowing the “why” behind actions empowers individuals and caregivers with practical strategies—visual schedules, social stories, environmental modifications—to navigate daily life with confidence and resilience.
   

5. Early Identification of Co‑Occurring Conditions
   Up to 70% of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder also experience anxiety, ADHD, or learning differences. Our holistic assessment detects these early, enabling a unified, efficient approach to care rather than fragmented interventions.
   

Without professional testing, families and professionals may rely on trial‑and‑error techniques that only mask symptoms or leave underlying needs unaddressed. Our goal is to provide a clear path forward.

Frequently Asked Questions About ASD Testing