Imagine a bright, energetic third grader who can talk for hours about the science of black holes but can’t sit through a 30-minute math lesson or do their homework without a battle. Teachers describe this child as “inattentive” and “impulsive.” In this scenario, parents, teachers, and a pediatrician will often complete surveys that lead to an ADHD diagnosis, which provides some clarity, but rarely answers all the questions parents have about how best to support their child. The family will likely move forward with a few standard strategies, and some things improve, but others do not.
This is a common experience because most kids don’t fit neatly into a box. When a child has trouble focusing, staying regulated, or making progress in school, there’s frequently more going on than symptoms and behaviors alone can explain.
The Diagnosis Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story
Research shows that the behaviors leading to an ADHD diagnosis—distractibility, fidgeting, trouble completing tasks—can result from at least five distinct patterns of brainwave activity. Two children may receive the same diagnosis, but their brains may function differently.
The same is true for learning differences and emotional or behavioral diagnoses. Whether a child struggles with reading, executive functioning, mood regulation, or sensory overload, there is more than one possible explanation as to why.
That’s when a quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) evaluation may be in order. The qEEG looks at the brain itself and can offer a fuller picture.
For example, a child who frequently has emotional outbursts might be labeled as oppositional, but a qEEG (also referred to as a “brain map”) might reveal that they are using tremendous cognitive energy throughout the school day simply to stay focused. Their brain may be too depleted by the end of the day to manage emotional regulation. The difference matters.
When we understand why a behavior occurs, we can respond with empathy and effective strategies.
Understanding Brain Mapping
Most psychoeducational evaluations are designed to assess how a child is performing. They reveal patterns in behavior, processing speed, academic skills, or self-regulation, and they rely heavily on checklists and questionnaires. But these tools can only observe manifestations, not the underlying brain activity driving them.
Brain mapping offers a window into the brain’s actual functioning. During a qEEG, sensors are placed on the scalp to record the brain’s electrical activity. The data is then compared to a large age-based data set of typical brain activity, allowing providers to identify:
- Regions of the brain that are under- or overactive
- Whether the brain is communicating effectively across regions
- Brainwave patterns associated with attention, anxiety, processing, or learning challenges
While traditional evaluations measure what a child can or can’t do, a qEEG tells us how the brain is doing the work—and how that might be different from what’s typical for children of a similar age. It can highlight areas that need support, and reveal areas of strength that can be harnessed, helping parents, teachers, and therapists not just work around deficits, but work with strengths.
A Foundation for Targeted Intervention
Understanding how your child’s brain functions allows for more individualized and informed support. For example:
- If medication is part of the treatment plan, a qEEG can help ensure it’s targeting the actual brain activity contributing to the child’s challenges.
- Traditional options like CBT, executive functioning coaching, or speech and language therapy can be better tailored based on neurological insights.
- Neurofeedback and biofeedback protocols can be custom-designed to train specific patterns rather than using a one-size-fits-all model.
- School supports and accommodations can be crafted with a deeper understanding, making IEPs and 504 plans more aligned with brain-based needs.
This isn’t about discarding traditional interventions—it’s about starting them with more clarity and confidence.
What to Expect During the Process
A qEEG is safe, noninvasive, and entirely painless. Your child will wear a cap that looks a bit like a swim cap, fitted with sensors that record brain activity while they rest quietly. The session typically lasts 45–90 minutes. No electricity is sent into the brain—only information is gathered.
Once recorded, the data is analyzed and compared to that age-normed database, generating maps and visualizations that reflect how your child’s brain functions in comparison to what’s typical.
You’ll receive a report and a consultation explaining the findings, along with recommendations for next steps.
Looking Beneath the Surface
Identifying what’s happening in the brain doesn’t replace your understanding of your child—it adds to it. It helps you connect the dots, understand the “why,” and chart a course that’s responsive to who your child really is. When families understand the brain, they’re better equipped to support the whole child.
A qEEG evaluation can be useful in many situations, including when:
- A child has a diagnosis (e.g., ADHD or anxiety) but isn’t responding to typical treatment
- Symptoms are inconsistent with the child’s cognitive potential or behavior
- Traditional evaluations were inconclusive or failed to identify the root cause
- A family wants to explore neurofeedback or other brain-based interventions
- Parents want more clarity before pursuing costly and/or time-consuming interventions
- For a child involved in contact sports, a qEEG provides a baseline to compare post-concussion function if needed
- A high-performing student is looking to enhance focus, reduce stress, or overcome performance anxiety in academics, the arts, or athletics.
Jenna Prada, M.Ed, a certified teacher and administrator, is the Director of Learning at Sadar Psychological.