Assessments - T.O.V.A. - Test of Variables of Attention

The T.O.V.A. is a computerized continuous performance test. The T.O.V.A. is a standardized, objective, and well normed test that is used to assess an individual's attention abilities and performance. The T.O.V.A. is a useful tool for parents, educators and clinicians. It can be a major component in evaluating how to address difficult issues such as ADHD, ADD, Anxiety Disorders, Depression, and Reactive Attachment Disorder.

Among other things, the T.O.V.A. can:

  • Screen for disorders of attention
  • Help in identifying disorders of attention
  • As a measure of attention in neurological injuries and disorders
  • As a tool to monitor the person's response to medication over time
  • As a way to titrate medication

T.O.V.A. is a non-language based assessment tool that is culturally sensitive. It is available in both visual and auditory versions, and requires no left-right discrimination or sequence. The T.O.V.A. is a diagnostic tool that provides highly accurate information that is useful in any multifaceted, multidisciplinary assessment of children, adolescents and adults.

Visual T.O.V.A.

is a non-language based computerized test that asks the subject to press a specially designed microswitch (rather than a mouse or keyboard) where the appropriate "target" or stimulus appears on the screen. The target is where a little square appears in the upper portion of another square. The non-target is where a little square is in the bottom portion of the bigger square. Every two seconds a stimuli will flash on the screen and the subject responds to the targets and non-targets. Error of omission (inattention), errors of commission (impulsively), response times, variability of response times, post-commission response time, anticipatory, and multiple response are all recorded for each 5-minute quarter and 10­minute halfs, as well as overall total scores for each variable. Scores are compared to standardized norms and an interpretation of the data is reported in printable format.

Auditory T.O.V.A.

is designed for use in the diagnosis and treatment of children and adults with auditory processing problems or attentional problems including ADHD. The auditory vision was developed to increase the diagnostic "hit rate" for individuals with ADD who perform within normal limits on the Visual Version (especially if high IQ and savvy computer game players). It was normed with 2550 children ages 6-19. It is recommended that clinicians continue to use the visual T.O.V.A. as the primary evaluation and treatment tool and supplement with the Auditory Version. Note that both tests were normed in mornings only and before the subject was fatigued. It is recommended that the two tests be administrated on two different mornings.