ADHD Test - TOVA

Although there isn't a single test that can detect ADHD like a virus, there are several tests that provide objective measures of the symptoms in a child. One of these tests is known as the Test of Variables of Attention, or TOVA. TOVA is a computer program that measures inattention and impulsivity through a very simple 21-minute game. The objective of the game is to complete certain tasks that measure the test-taker's response to certain stimuli. The results of a test-taker with ADHD are compared to the results of individuals without ADHD. Although the TOVA is typically used to help a clinician evaluate ADHD in a child, it may also be administered to check the efficacy of treatment plans.

How the TOVA works

The problem with many ADHD tests is that they are often biased towards a particular culture and language. TOVA minimizes the effects of these differences by using culture-neutral geometric stimuli. The two parts of the test, target frequent and target infrequent, also help efface cultural and language-based differences. The target infrequent part of the test involves a repetitive task that measures inattention. A target is shown infrequently and randomly, which means that the test-taker has to pay close attention to spot the infrequent target. The test-taker gets a point for inattention if he or she does not respond to the target. The target frequent part of the test measures impulsivity by flashing a target more frequently. The test-taker will thus have to show more restraint to avoid clicking on the non-target. A point for impulsivity is scored if the child clicks on a non-target.

After the test is done, the TOVA measures several variables: response time, consistency, impulsivity, errors of omission, and post-commission response times. The score is tallied and compared to scores from an age- and gender-specific group.

Benefits of taking the TOVA

The TOVA brings a number of benefits to both the test-taker and the clinician evaluating the child. First of all, it has great diagnostic accuracy due to its objective measures of inattention and impulsivity, which cannot be obtained from behavior ratings and the child's history. By itself, the TOVA has been able to determine ADHD in 86% of the test-takers.

Since the TOVA is an objective measure of inattention and impulsivity, you'll be able to understand your child's condition and the measures that need to be taken for effective treatment. With continued retesting throughout treatment, it will be easy for you and the clinician to track your child's progress and see if the treatment plan needs any adjustments.

Limitations of the TOVA

Although the TOVA has a high rate of detecting ADHD, you need to note that the test itself does not make the diagnosis - the clinician does. TOVA is simply an instrument used by the clinician to determine the presence and severity of ADHD symptoms. As with most tests, TOVA should be one component of a comprehensive testing protocol. The results of the TOVA are merely a description of the condition; they do not identify the causes of ADHD nor do they unmask other disorders that share the same symptoms. Regardless of how your child scores in the TOVA test, he or she will have to go through further testing for the clinician to determine the cause of the disorder.