ADHD Evaluation and Treatment for Children and Teens

Medically reviewed by [Name], MD, board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist · Last reviewed October 2026

Every child is distracted or restless sometimes. With ADHD, trouble paying attention, sitting still or controlling impulses happens more often than in other children the same age, shows up in more than one setting, and gets in the way of school, friendships and family life.

Ally Psychiatry provides thorough ADHD evaluations for children and teens and ongoing care that may include medication, behavior strategies and school support.

Worried about your child? Call 1-833-269-2559 (1-833-B-MY-ALLY) or request an appointment online. Request an Appointment

Signs of ADHD in children and teens

Children and teens with ADHD may:

• Have trouble focusing on schoolwork or following directions
• Make careless mistakes and lose track of assignments
• Lose things often, such as homework, jackets and water bottles
• Seem not to listen when spoken to directly
• Fidget, squirm or have trouble staying seated
• Talk excessively or interrupt others
• Have trouble waiting their turn
• Act before thinking about consequences

Having some of these does not mean your child has a diagnosis. A psychiatric evaluation is the best way to understand what is going on and what will help.

How we treat ADHD in children and teens

ADHD care is built around how symptoms affect your child at school, at home and with friends. Your child’s plan may include:

• Comprehensive evaluation. Interviews with you and your child, rating scales from parents and teachers, and screening for conditions that can look like ADHD, such as anxiety, learning differences or sleep problems.
• Medication management. Stimulant and non-stimulant medications, with regular follow-ups to check focus, sleep, appetite and growth.
• Behavior strategies and parent training. Practical tools for routines, homework and behavior at home. For preschool-age children, parent training in behavior management is the first recommended step.
• School support. We can provide documentation to help you request supports such as a 504 plan or IEP.

Working with your child’s school

Teachers see your child for hours each day, so their input is part of an ADHD evaluation. After a diagnosis, school supports such as extra time, preferential seating or check-ins can make a big difference. With your written permission, we can share recommendations with your child’s school.

What to expect at your first visit

1. Call or request an appointment. Our team completes a short intake call with you to gather your child’s history and insurance.
2. Bring what you have. Insurance card, current medications, report cards or teacher notes, and any past evaluations.
3. Meet the provider together. The first visit covers your concerns, your child’s development, health, school and home life. Teens also spend time alone with the provider. Plan for about 60 minutes.
4. Leave with a plan. You decide next steps together, which may include therapy, medication, school support or further evaluation.
5. Follow up. Regular visits track progress and adjust the plan as your child grows.

Why families choose Ally Psychiatry

• Appointments in days, not months. Our scheduling team moves new patients in quickly, so your child is not left waiting.
• In person or telehealth. Visit one of our clinics in Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama or South Carolina, or meet by secure video.
• Care that includes the family. Parents are part of the plan, and teens get time to speak with their provider privately.
• We work with your child’s team. With your permission, we coordinate with your pediatrician, therapist and school.
• Most insurance accepted.

Frequently asked questions

What can ADHD look like in a child’s everyday life?

Childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can affect learning, daily routines, and friendships. Some children seem constantly in motion; others quietly lose track of what’s happening around them.

Do any of these sound familiar?

• “I have to repeat directions several times.” Your child starts getting dressed or packing their bag, then gets distracted before finishing.
• “Homework takes much longer than expected.” They frequently lose their place, leave their seat, or need help returning to the task.
• “They know the material, but miss details.” Your child skips questions or overlooks instructions, even when they understand the lesson.
• “We’re always searching for something.” Jackets, pencils, water bottles, or homework regularly go missing.
• “Their teacher says they seem to be daydreaming.” Your child appears quiet but misses instructions or struggles to stay engaged.
• “Sitting through a meal is difficult.” They fidget, squirm, or get up repeatedly when staying seated is expected.
• “They answer before the question is finished.” Your child blurts things out, interrupts conversations, or struggles to wait their turn.
• “Playtime can become challenging.” Interrupting games or acting before thinking leads to misunderstandings with other children.
• “They start chores but get sidetracked.” You find several unfinished activities between the bedroom and the kitchen.

Understanding your child’s needs starts with looking at the whole picture.

Do these signs mean my child has ADHD?

Children naturally vary in attention and activity level. An ADHD evaluation considers whether difficulties persist, exceed what is expected for your child’s developmental stage, and interfere with life in more than one setting. Sleep problems, anxiety, and learning difficulties may also need consideration.

At Ally Psychiatry, we listen to your concerns and learn about your child’s strengths and challenges to help guide appropriate care.

Let’s talk about how we can support your child.

At what age can ADHD be diagnosed?

ADHD can be diagnosed as early as age 4, though most children are diagnosed once they are in school and attention and behavior can be compared across settings.

Is ADHD medication safe for children?

ADHD medications have been studied in children for decades and are effective for most. Your child’s provider starts with a low dose and checks sleep, appetite, mood, heart rate and growth at follow-ups.

Do you prescribe stimulants for children?

When appropriate after an evaluation, yes. Stimulants are controlled substances, so they require regular follow-up visits and may require in-person visits under federal and state rules. Non-stimulant options are also available.

What should I bring to my child’s ADHD evaluation?

Report cards, teacher comments or completed rating forms, any past testing or IEP/504 documents, and a list of current medications. Notes on what you see at home are also helpful.

What ages do you treat?

We see children and teens ages [confirm minimum age] through 17. Young adults 18 and older can continue care with our adult providers, so families do not have to start over somewhere new.

Does my child need a referral?

No referral is needed to schedule. Some insurance plans require one for specialist visits, so check your plan or call 1-833-269-2559 and our team will help you find out.

Do you accept insurance for child psychiatry?

Yes. Ally Psychiatry is in-network with most major health insurance plans. Call 1-833-269-2559 to verify coverage before the first visit.

Do parents attend the appointment?

Yes. A parent or legal guardian attends the first visit and must consent to treatment for children under 18. Teens usually also spend part of each visit alone with the provider.

Can my child be seen by telehealth?

Yes. Many follow-up visits can be done by secure video from home in Alabama, Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee. Some visits must be in person, including initial appointments, annual visits, follow-ups after a hospital stay, and specialized treatments.

Related conditions we treat in children and teens

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bipolar disorder

Take the first step. Call 1-833-269-2559 (1-833-B-MY-ALLY) to schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment. Most new patients are seen within a day. Request an Appointment

In crisis? If your child is thinking about harming themselves or is in immediate danger, call or text 988 or go to the nearest emergency room. Ally Psychiatry is not an emergency service.

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