Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) can impact every area of a person's life, from friendships and family interactions to school, self-esteem, and even personal safety.
If attention and executive functioning skills are impacted, it can affect all other areas of processing. Therefore, the evaluation of attention, concentration, self-regulation, organization, planning, and impulse control are always part of school neuropsychological evaluations.
People with attention problems are often bright and talented, but may express inattention, impulsivity, irritability, or distractibility, which can hinder progress and performance. At times, behaviors such as fidgeting, forgetting assignments and tasks, and being emotionally volatile can define a person, eclipsing other aptitudes and abilities.
An attention assessment is an integral part of all psychoeducational/school neuropsychological evaluations. Because behaviors associated with attention problems may be due to other learning or emotional issues, a complete evaluation is preferred.