ADHD Testing in Boulder: Looking Beyond the Label to Find The Root Causes
The Challenge of Focus in Today’s World
These days, it can feel like everyone struggles to focus. Between constant notifications, screens, and the pace of modern life, our attention is being pulled in a thousand directions. It’s no wonder many parents ask, “Does my child have ADHD?”
But while distraction is a normal part of modern life, some children truly struggle in ways that go far beyond the everyday “busy brain” and scattered focus most of us experience.
Children with classic ADHD often face hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulties with executive functioning, things like planning, organization, and self-control. Others have a more inattentive type (ADD), struggling more with inattention, motivation, and follow-through.
When these challenges appear to be more pervasive and begin to interfere with schoolwork, friendships, or home life, it’s time to take a closer look.
What ADHD Testing Typically Involves
Traditional ADHD testing includes rating scales completed by parents and teachers, along with a psychiatric evaluation to determine whether a child meets the diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5. This evaluation also helps rule out other mental health conditions such as anxiety, mood disorders, autism, OCD etc.
Sometimes, neuropsychological testing is used to provide more objective information about attention and executive functioning to make the diagnosis. A formal diagnosis can open doors to valuable support, such as a 504 Plan or IEP at school, and can also guide decisions about medication. If you’re seeking more information and resources for the Neurodiversity community in the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD), this is a great place to start.
However, I don’t believe this should always be the first step.When a Diagnosis Isn’t the First Step
You may be wondering why I say that. The reason is simple: before labeling or treating ADHD, it’s essential to understand what’s happening beneath the surface. Children show ADHD symptoms for many reasons, and identifying the true root causes allows us to choose the most effective, personalized treatment plan.
Looking Beneath the Surface: Root Causes of ADHD Symptoms
ADHD is a genuine neurodevelopmental condition, but its symptoms can be worsened, or even triggered by underlying biomedical factors.
Many children with ADHD-like symptoms have higher needs for specific nutrients, vitamins, or minerals that support the nervous system, often due to genetic vulnerabilities. Others may have gut health issues that disrupt the microbiome, which in turn affects neurotransmitter production, particularly dopamine and serotonin.
Because every child is unique, an approach that only looks at surface symptoms may overlook key contributors to behavior and attention difficulties. Imagine if we treated everyone with the symptoms of pneumonia with penicillin! We might be right occasionally but more often than not, we would be on the wrong track because we have not identified the offending organism! .
That’s why my motto is simple: test, don’t guess.
I am not referring to typical ADHD testing. It’s deeper, biomedical testing that can uncover genetic, nutritional, inflammatory, or gastrointestinal factors contributing to your child’s challenges.
A Stepwise Approach That Works
After years of practicing traditional psychiatry, I’ve found that addressing the biomedical foundations should always be Step One.
When we support the body’s systems and correct underlying imbalances, we often see meaningful improvements in focus, mood, and behavior, sometimes enough that a diagnosis or medication becomes less necessary.
Step Two is parent coaching. Parenting a child with ADHD symptoms can be exhausting. Coaching helps parents shift unhelpful patterns, find calm, and build stronger connections, creating a home environment that supports healing and growth.
Finally, Step Three, if needed, may involve a formal diagnosis and medication. In those cases, I refer families to a trusted Child Psychiatrist to complete that part of care. If your child is already working with another psychiatrist, I find our roles can be highly complementary, and I always welcome collaboration to ensure the best outcomes for your child.