Free pre-identification tool

Child ADHD screening for parents

A free, five minute pre-identification tool for parents and carers, mapped to the DSM-5-TR ADHD criteria as used in the SNAP-IV and NICHQ Vanderbilt parent rating scales.

Step 1 of 3

23 short statements

Answer with one child in mind, thinking about how they usually are over the past six months and across both home and school, rather than on one particular day.

This is a free pre-identification tool. It is not a diagnostic instrument, it does not confirm or rule out a diagnosis, and it is not a substitute for a full assessment. The items are adapted from the DSM-5-TR ADHD criteria as presented in the freely available SNAP-IV and NICHQ Vanderbilt parent rating scales, so the published cut-offs for those scales do not apply.

0 of 23 answeredNever to Very often

Inattention

My child misses details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities.

My child finds it hard to keep their attention on tasks or play activities.

My child does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.

My child does not follow through on instructions and does not finish schoolwork or jobs at home.

My child finds it hard to organise tasks and activities.

My child avoids or is reluctant to take part in tasks that need sustained mental effort.

My child loses things they need, such as school equipment, books, coats or bottles.

My child is easily distracted by things going on around them.

My child is forgetful in everyday activities.

Hyperactivity

My child fidgets with their hands or feet, or squirms in their seat.

My child leaves their seat when staying seated is expected.

My child runs about or climbs when it is not appropriate, or seems very restless.

My child finds it hard to play or take part in activities quietly.

My child is always on the go, as if driven by a motor.

Impulsivity

My child talks a great deal.

My child blurts out answers before a question has been finished.

My child finds waiting for their turn very difficult.

My child interrupts or joins in on other people's conversations or games.

Onset, setting and impact

These experiences have been present for at least six months.

These experiences were noticeable before my child was twelve years old.

These experiences happen in more than one setting, such as home and school.

School or nursery has raised similar observations.

These experiences affect my child's learning, friendships or family life.

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Please answer every statement so the summary reflects the full picture.

What this screener is based on

Our screeners are free pre-identification tools. They are designed to help you decide whether to explore a full assessment. They are not diagnostic instruments, they do not confirm a diagnosis and they cannot exclude one.

SNAP-IV and NICHQ Vanderbilt parent rating scales — The eighteen core items are mapped to the DSM-based inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity domains used in these two freely available parent rating scales.
DSM-5-TR ADHD criteria — Six-month duration, age of onset and cross-setting items follow the DSM-5-TR criteria structure.
NICE NG87: ADHD diagnosis and management — Referral and next-step wording follows NICE guideline NG87.

Items are adapted rather than reproduced, so the published cut-off scores of the instruments above do not apply to this tool. All trademarks and copyright remain with their owners.