Could It Be ADHD? What to Do If You Suspect Your Child Has ADHD (Even Without a Diagnosis)
Do you have a sneaking suspicion that your child might have ADHD—but you're not sure what to do next?
Maybe you’ve noticed that they’re constantly moving, interrupting, or melting down over small things. Maybe they’re struggling at school, unable to follow directions, or forgetting everything (even things they love). You’ve googled symptoms, talked to friends, and now you’re wondering:
Is it ADHD?
Getting an official diagnosis can feel overwhelming. The process is often long, expensive, and emotional. And meanwhile, you're left managing the daily chaos without clear answers or support.
That’s why I created this guide—to help you take the next right step.
If your child is struggling, you’re likely struggling too. You deserve clarity, confidence, and a plan. Let’s walk through it together.
My 3-Step Guide for Parents Who Suspect ADHD (But Don’t Have a Diagnosis Yet)
Step 1: Start with a Screener
Before jumping straight to appointments, start with a research-backed screener. I recommend using the free ADHD checklist developed by Dr. Russell Barkley, one of the top experts in the field.
You can find it here
This simple tool can give you a quick snapshot of whether your child shows patterns consistent with ADHD—and whether it’s worth pursuing formal evaluation.
Step 2: Get on a Waitlist for a Psychological Evaluation
If the screener points to ADHD, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with a pediatric neuropsychologist or clinical psychologist as soon as possible.
Here’s why:
Many parents start by going to their pediatrician, and while that’s not a bad place to begin, most pediatricians don’t do comprehensive assessments. Often, they’ll diagnose based on observation, a few questionnaires, or even a medication trial.
But true diagnostic clarity comes from full psychological testing. A qualified psychologist will evaluate:
Executive functioning
Attention and memory
Emotional regulation
Co-occurring concerns (like anxiety or learning disorders)
These assessments give you the full picture—not just a label.
⚠️ Note: There’s often a waitlist for testing, so don’t delay in making the call.
Step 3: Don’t Wait to Get Help—Start with Parent Coaching
Here’s the truth: You don’t need a diagnosis to start helping your child—and yourself.
As many as 62% of kids with ADHD are diagnosed and prescribed medication without ever being referred to parent behavior training or family therapy, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. That’s a huge missed opportunity.
In a recent survey by ADDitude Magazine, 57% of parents said they had participated in some form of parent training—and 93% of those parents recommended it. That’s a powerful endorsement.
Why is this such a big deal?
Because parents have the greatest influence on their child’s environment, routines, and emotional regulation. And let’s be honest—raising a child with ADHD can be really hard.
It’s easy to fall into patterns of:
Constant frustration and yelling
Making excuses for inappropriate behavior
Or just giving up and walking on eggshells to avoid the next meltdown
This is where Behavioral Parent Training (BPT)—or as I like to call it, parent coaching—can change everything.
You don’t need to wait for an official diagnosis to start learning strategies that actually work for your neurodivergent child. In fact, parent training is the most effective first-line treatment for kids with ADHD ages 3–11—and it’s one of the few interventions that improves outcomes for the entire family.
That’s why I created my coaching program:
To give overwhelmed parents the tools, support, and confidence they need to turn daily chaos into calm—and reconnect with their child in the process.
Whether your child ends up with an official diagnosis or not, these strategies can bring peace, clarity, and connection to your home starting now.
Common Questions from Parents Like You
Q: “My child’s pediatrician says we can just try medication to see if it helps. Is that enough?”
Medication can absolutely be helpful—but it’s not a reliable way to confirm an ADHD diagnosis. Just because meds help doesn’t mean your child has ADHD. And just because they don’t help doesn’t mean they don’t.
A proper diagnosis gives you clarity, guidance, and long-term tools—far beyond medication.
Q: “Can my child’s school do the testing?”
Your school psychologist can do helpful screeners and observations, but they’re not diagnosing. Their job is to determine whether your child qualifies for academic supports—not to give a formal diagnosis.
School assessments are great for flagging concerns, but for a full understanding of your child’s needs, a clinical or neuropsychological evaluation is key.
Q: “I’m nervous about getting a diagnosis. Won’t it just label my child?”
This is such a valid concern—and one I’ve personally wrestled with.
When my husband and I considered testing for our son, we had long conversations about whether a diagnosis would be helpful or harmful. No parent wants to “label” their child unnecessarily.
But what I’ve learned—and what research backs up—is this:
A diagnosis isn’t a label. It’s a roadmap.
It gives you insight into how your child’s brain works. It opens doors to accommodations, therapies, and tools. And most importantly, it helps your child understand themselves.
Without a diagnosis, kids often internalize their struggles: “I’m lazy,” “I’m bad,” “Something’s wrong with me.”
A diagnosis can help them shift from shame to self-awareness.
You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone
If you're reading this, it’s because you care deeply about your child and want to do the right thing. But the path forward might feel foggy.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore ADHD or you're knee-deep in school struggles, meltdowns, and parenting exhaustion—I want you to know this:
Support is available. And it works.
Ready for Clarity and Confidence?
Watch my free training: “How to Support Your Struggling Child (Even Without a Diagnosis)”
Learn the exact framework I teach inside my coaching program.
Let’s get you the answers—and peace—you’ve been looking for.