Dr. Kot is trained in the areas of both Clinical and School Psychology and provides comprehensive assessments for AD/HD in both children and adults. Utilizing the most contemporary and well respected instruments in the field coupled with knowledge of current research in the area, Dr. Kot  believes he provides some of the most comprehensive and valid assessments of AD/HD in the area.

Given the proliferation of literature in the popular media concerning AD/HD in both children and adults, Dr. Kot understands that the relative dearth of information on this often misunderstood diagnosis can be confusing and even distressing. As part of his assessment, Dr. Kot offers an educational component to answer any questions that may arise which is based on his clinical experience and knowledge of current research. In this way, a client may make a truly informed decision whether to proceed with testing or explore other options.

There is no one test that can distinguish the presence of AD/HD.  In fact, reliance on a limited number or inappropriate types of tests can lead to a misdiagnosis. In some instances, the symptoms of AD/HD are in fact better accounted for by other disorders such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or even Learning Disabilities. The issues of misdiagnosis and stigma cannot be overstated as they determine course of treatment and ultimately an individual’s view of themselves.

Dr. Kot believes in a comprehensive, systematic, and objective approach to AD/HD assessment that evaluates the areas that can be impacted most by this disorder: intelligence, memory, attention, behavior, and personality. Academic achievement may also be included in this battery if appropriate.  By attaining convergent validity with state-of-the-art instruments and weighing clinical judgment, Dr. Kot believes he provides a contemporary and verifiable assessment battery to reach an accurate diagnosis.

A typical comprehensive battery for AD/HD is comprised of several components:

• Clinical Interview
  The clinical interview is a process of reviewing both past and present history in order to determine the frequency and severity of presenting symptoms.  At this time both the client and psychologist determine need and set goals for testing, treatment, or both. 
• Intelligence Testing
  The client’s intelligence is estimated using the most current and respected individually administered instruments available. Estimated intelligence is necessary to determine cognitive strengths and weaknesses and predict performance on memory tasks. 
• Memory Testing
  Using an individually administered test assessing both auditory and visual memory, an individual’s results are compared to their estimated intelligence in order to detect the presence of impairment.
• Continuous Performance Testing
  Computerized testing of attention and vigilance is an important adjunct to the diagnosis of AD/HD. A client’s performance on this task is compared to a standardized group of individuals with AD/HD and without AD/HD.
• Behavioral Surveys
  Using the most validated and current instruments in the field, an individual’s behavior is assessed via rating scales. In this way, convergent observations can be made to determine not only where problem behavior most likely occurs, but how an individual is impacted. Behavioral surveys aid in determining impairment across environments.
• Personality Measurement
  Keeping with modern thinking in the assessment of personality, Dr. Kot uses both objective and projective measures combined with thorough clinical interviews to gain a telling and plausible description of an individual’s personality.

The battery of tests described above usually takes between four to six hours of face-to-face test administration. Following the actual administration, a comprehensive report is generated that integrates all testing results and provides a diagnosis, as well as recommendations for remediation.  The report is then discussed at a feedback session.