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ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects teens’ ability to plan and organize. It can make it harder for them to stay focused, pay attention, and control their feelings. A full ADHD evaluation and test can help providers plan effective treatment.
There are several tests that exist to help evaluate symptoms of ADHD. TOVA testing is one popular computerized assessment used as part of the evaluation process, offering insight into how quickly teens can respond and finish tasks without getting distracted.
The TOVA test, along with other methods such as clinical interviews and behavior rating scales, can help parents and teens figure out the severity of ADHD and guide treatment planning.
Quick answer: What is the TOVA® Test for ADHD?
The TOVA Test for ADHD is short for “Test of Variables of Attention”. It is a computer-based assessment to provide measurable data on how the brain responds to repetitive tasks and distractions. Although it is not a standalone diagnostic tool, it can significantly improve clarity during the ADHD evaluation process. It is one of the most widely used and trusted programs to evaluate problems with attention and impulse control in children, teens, and adults.
ADHD in Teens: Signs & When to Seek Testing
According to CHADD, ADHD affects nearly 12% of teens aged 12 to 17. It is characterized by ongoing patterns of inattention and hyperactivity, often impacting daily functioning and development. Teens with ADHD often struggle with academic problems (e.g., forgetting to turn in assignments or struggling to sit still in class). They are also at a higher risk of struggling with mental health problems and mood swings due to interference with emotional regulation [1].
Symptoms of ADHD typically emerge before a teen turns 17, but sometimes it can go unnoticed as the signs may look like “typical” teenage behaviors (e.g., lack of impulse control) or mimic other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and even bipolar disorder [2].
Difficulty concentrating, organizing, and retaining information are some of the most common symptoms of ADHD, affecting about 8 percent of kids [3].
Other signs of ADHD in teens include:
- Trouble completing tasks or following instructions
- Restlessness, fidgeting, irritability
- Daydreaming, reduced attention span
- Interrupting others in class, blurting out answers, rushing through assignments, or making careless mistakes
- Mood swings, frustration, and other emotional challenges
- Strained relationships, isolation, and social withdrawal
How ADHD Testing Works for Teens (Step-By-Step)
There is no “one specific test” that diagnoses ADHD in teens, instead, a combination of assessments, clinical observations, interviews, and self-reports all play a part.
1. Intake & Clinical Interview
During intake and assessment, in-depth interviews are conducted with both the teen and the parent. From your teen’s perspective, the clinician will understand how ADHD affects their mental health and emotional well-being. From the parent or caregiver’s perspective, the clinician gains insight into daily habits, behaviors, and social functioning. Interviews may also be conducted with school staff and your teens’ primary care doctor.
2. Rating Scales
These are standardized questionnaires given to parents, teens, teachers, and other adults in the teen’s life to understand symptoms across multiple settings, such as home or school. It helps understand the severity of behaviors, especially in the context of relationships or peer interactions.
3. Objective Tests
Performance-based testing and executive function tests are often used to support the overall diagnostic process and clinical evaluation. Tests such as the TOVA and CPT3 measure specific functions, including attention span, reaction times, and impulsivity. The results are used alongside clinical interviews and rating scales.
4. Differential Diagnosis & Comorbidity Screen
Teens are evaluated for medical problems to rule out contributors such as sleep or seizure disorders. The clinician will also rule out other mental health problems or environmental triggers such as substance abuse or trauma. In some cases, the ASRS may be used to screen for overlapping symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
5. Feedback, Documentation, and School Plan
After the evaluation process, clinicians discuss treatment recommendations and provide a written diagnostic summary to explain test results. Your teen’s treatment team can coordinate with school staff to ensure ongoing monitoring and adjustments are made.
Cost, Insurance, and How to Schedule an ADHD Evaluation
Most insurance providers cover psychological evaluations and ADHD testing for teens. Some insurance providers may also cover neuropsychological testing to look for physical abnormalities, such as MRIs or CT Scans. For those who pay privately, ADHD diagnostic testing can range anywhere from $200 to $1,000.
Call your teen’s pediatrician or a mental health professional to set up an ADHD evaluation. They can either give you a referral or schedule an appointment directly. AACAP and CHADD are two ADHD organizations with online directories to help you find and read reviews of specialists.
After Testing: Treatment, School Supports, and Next Steps
After testing, if your teen receives an ADHD diagnosis, there are several steps to take to ensure they are connected to the proper medical, academic, and social supports.
- Stimulants like Adderall, Ritalin, or Concerta are good medicines for ADHD because they work on the biological causes of the disorder.
- Therapies such as CBT can help teens become aware of how their thoughts influence behaviors and practice coping skills for emotional regulation and managing stress or impulsivity.
- Individualized Education Planning (IEP) is often created through coordination with the treatment team and school staff to provide academic support and ensure teens with ADHD don’t fall behind in class.
What Is TOVA Testing? What it Measures and What It Doesn’t
The Test of Variables of Attention, or TOVA for short, is a type of test called a continuous performance test (CPT). It is a computerized system used in ADHD testing to see how well someone stays focused, reacts to cues, and controls their impulses.
The TOVA gives objective, standardized data, which is different from rating scales or clinical interviews that are based on subjective impressions. It is often used with other ADHD tests for adults and children, like the Conners’ CPT, but it is unique because it is so simple and accurately tracks attention-related variables in real time.
TOVA is not a standalone diagnostic tool, however, it greatly improves diagnostic clarity when used as part of a comprehensive ADHD evaluation. It helps tell the difference between inattention, impulsivity, or both, which is important for customizing treatment [4].
FAQs: TOVA® and Teen ADHD Testing
Is There a “TOVA Test Online Free” Option?
There is no legitimate free option available for taking the official TOVA test. The TOVA is a specialized, FDA-approved, computerized assessment tool used by healthcare professionals in clinical settings.
How Long Does TOVA® Take?
For teens, the TOVA test lasts 21.6 minutes. For children, the test is usually shorter, lasting 10.8 minutes.
Do Schools Accept TOVA® Alone?
Schools do not accept TOVA as a standalone diagnostic for ADHD, but take it as part of a comprehensive, official ADHD diagnosis.
Behavioral Interventions and ADHD Treatment for Teens in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
Clearfork Academy is a network of behavioral health facilities in Texas committed to helping teens recover from behavioral addictions, substance abuse, and mental health disorders. Our licensed and accredited facility is dedicated to providing comprehensive, evidence-based care and education for parents and caregivers of youth.
We provide residential treatment to help stabilize destructive behaviors and ongoing outpatient care with services including medication management, therapy for executive dysfunction disorders, educational support, and behavioral interventions tailored for ADHD.
We help teens overcome symptoms of ADHD, including reduced attention, irritability, and lack of impulse control. Contact our admissions team today to help your teen overcome symptoms of ADHD paralysis.
Sources
[1] CHADD. About ADHD – Overview.
[2] CDC. 2024. Diagnosing ADHD.
[3] MedStar Health. 2018. How to Spot ADHD Symptoms in Teens.
[4] TOVA Company. Test of Variables of Attention.
Austin Davis, LPC-S
Founder & CEO
Originally from the Saginaw, Eagle Mountain area, Austin Davis earned a Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Ministry from Lee University in Cleveland, TN and a Master of Arts in Counseling from The Church of God Theological Seminary. He then went on to become a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor in the State of Texas. Austin’s professional history includes both local church ministry and clinical counseling. At a young age, he began serving youth at the local church in various capacities which led to clinical training and education. Austin gained a vast knowledge of mental health disorders while working in state and public mental health hospitals. This is where he was exposed to almost every type of diagnosis and carries this experience into the daily treatment.
Austin’s longtime passion is Clearfork Academy, a christ-centered residential facility focused on mental health and substance abuse. He finds joy and fulfillment working with “difficult” clients that challenge his heart and clinical skill set. It is his hope and desire that each resident that passes through Clearfork Academy will be one step closer to their created design. Austin’s greatest pleasures in life are being a husband to his wife, and a father to his growing children. He serves at his local church by playing guitar, speaking and helping with tech arts. Austin also enjoys being physically active, reading, woodworking, and music.
