The Waitlist for the Comprehensive Diagnostic Assessment Center (CDAC) is closed as of March 4th, 2024 for an indefinite period of time. We will update this once the waitlist has reopened.

The CDAC offers strength-based, comprehensive evaluations for Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Learning Disabilities (including dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia). Services are available to children (age 7 and older), adolescents, college students and adults. Advantages of completing a comprehensive diagnostic assessment at the CDAC clinic are many, including:

• Participation in a strength-based, culturally responsive assessment with tailored recommendation based in current research
• Access to innovation best practices, such as the integration of new technology in cognitive and psychological assessment
• Connection to the HEDCO clinic and university wide treatment services

Why a comprehensive diagnostic assessment?

Attention and learning can be impacted by a wide range of factors including mood (such as anxiety and depression), cognition (such as slow processing speed), and environment (such as stress, poor sleep or life transitions). A comprehensive evaluation considers all factors which can impact attention and learning, similar to gathering all the puzzle pieces to put together a more comprehensive and strength-based picture.

Within the Comprehensive Diagnostic and Assessment Center, the supervising licensed psychologist and advanced student clinicians work together to look at all the “pieces of the puzzle” and work in a collaborative manner with individuals and families in putting those pieces together. We pride ourselves in taking a whole person approach and seeing our clients as individuals in a larger context.

If you are a college student at the UO, we work in collaboration with the UO Accessible Education Center help you get connected with accommodations and supports.

If you are a parent, we will provide evidence-based recommendations for both home and school, including suggested supports and accommodations.

What should I expect?

Intake appointment
The first meeting is an opportunity to meet with the clinician, discuss main concerns, gather some basic background information, and go over the next steps in the assessment process.

Evaluation Appointments
Evaluation appointments are scheduled in two-three sessions (approximately 2-3 hours per session) to gather the following information:

• Detailed information on past and current concerns, relevant history, and previous assessments.
• A range of cognitive and academic testing to assess attention, thinking and learning
• Attention, behavioral and emotional self-reports

Feedback Appointment
In this session the clinician will go over results, diagnosis and recommendations in a collaborative, strength-based manner. You will also be given a comprehensive written report that includes the results of the evaluation and recommendations to help you or your child be successful.

What types of assessment are used?

Cognitive Testing
Cognitive testing is an essential part of understanding strengths and weaknesses in language, attention, memory, visual-spatial skills, abstract reasoning and cognitive proficiency. We assess both overall cognitive abilities and specific abilities shown to be connected to certain disorders, such as auditory memory, processing speed and fluid reasoning.

Academic Testing
Academic testing includes an in-depth look at a range of reading factors (such as accuracy, fluency, and phonological awareness), math factors (such as calculation and math problem solving), and writing factors (such as sentence construction and writing organization). We also assess other academic factors, such as listening comprehension, reading fluency, and math problem-solving.

Behavior and Executive Functioning
A comprehensive evaluation requires a complete picture of all factors that might be impacting a person’s attention and learning. Our clinic uses evidence-based attention and behavior rating scales to take a closer look at how a person is functioning in a range of areas, from attention to anxiety.

What is ADHD? What are Learning Disabilities?

ADHD is a chronic condition that begins in childhood and lasts into adulthood. ADHD symptoms include difficulties with executive functioning, such as attention, concentration, organization and impulsivity. There are also many positive attributes of ADHD, including creativity and divergent thinking. Children and adults with undiagnosed ADHD are often accused of daydreaming or being lazy. Other factors, such as anxiety or learning disorders, can cause similar difficulties as seen in ADHD. Correct diagnosis of ADHD is an essential first step to developing effective approaches to ensure future success.

Learning disabilities can be difficult to easily identify as we know individuals have a range of reading, math and writing abilities. Undiagnosed learning disabilities can lead to low self- esteem, school refusal, depression. and a range of behavioral difficulties. Our testing is informed by current research and best practices. The comprehensive evaluation process offered by our center ensures that a wide range of cognitive, academic, and psychological factors are all assessed.