Symptom Tests for Children

[Self-Test] Could My Child Have ADHD?

Does my child have ADHD? Only a licensed clinician can diagnose attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but if you suspect that your child has symptoms of ADHD, take this self-test and share the results with your child’s doctor when requesting a thorough evaluation.

By ADHD Editorial Board Medically reviewed by Sharon Saline, Psy.D. on October 2, 2019

ADHD Symptoms in Kids: A Self-Test

Only a mental-health professional can tell for sure whether symptoms of distractibility, impulsivity, and hyperactivity are severe and persistent enough to suggest a positive diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. But if you are concerned that your child demonstrates ADHD symptoms, take this test to better measure his or her behaviors and to understand how ADHD in children is diagnosed.

This questionnaire is designed to determine whether your child demonstrates symptoms similar to those of attention deficit disorder (ADHD). If you answer yes to a significant number of these questions, consult a physician and a licensed mental health practitioner. An accurate diagnosis can only be made through clinical evaluation. 

Based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association.

My child talks a lot, even when she/he has nothing much to say.

1 out of 17

My child forgets to do things, even when constantly reminded.

2 out of 17

My child fails to complete an activity before moving to the next activity.

3 out of 17

My child has difficulty waiting patiently to take turns, and butts ahead in lines or grabs toys from playmates.

4 out of 17

It's very difficult for my child to stay focused on homework or other tasks.

5 out of 17

My child tries to avoid activities that require sustained concentration and a lot of mental effort

6 out of 17

My child makes careless mistakes.

7 out of 17

Even the smallest distractions can throw my child off task.

8 out of 17

Even when spoken to directly, my child seems to not be paying attention.

9 out of 17

My child constantly seems to be fidgeting.

10 out of 17

My child interrupts other peoples' activities and conversations.

11 out of 17

In class or at home, my child blurts out answers to questions before they are fully asked.

12 out of 17

My child is disorganized and, even with my help, can't seem to learn how to become organized.

13 out of 17

My child has problems remaining seated even when she/he is supposed to.

14 out of 17

My child loses things like homework and personal belongings.

15 out of 17

My child interferes in the classroom because she/he has difficulty engaging in quiet activities without disturbing others.

16 out of 17

My child acts as if she/he is driven by a motor.

17 out of 17

(Optional) Would you like to receive these ADHD symptom test results — plus more helpful resources — via email from ADDitude?

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

ADHD in Children: Next Steps

1. Take This Test: Inattentive ADHD Symptoms in Children
2. Take This Test: Hyperactive and Impulsive ADHD Symptoms in Children
3. Take This Test: Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Children
4. Take This Test: Sensory Processing Disorder in Children
5. Find an ADHD specialist nearby in our ADDitude Directory
6. Consult Our ADHD Treatment Guide for Children

Updated on October 2, 2020

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  1. Do you have a test geared towards toddlers?

    Questions about homework do not pertain to toddlers. Fidgeting does not seem age appropriate either. “Fidgeting” assumes that you can get the child to sit for some amount of time, but that the child moves a little bit while in the sitting process. A very young child will just plain refuse to sit and run around until they are completely exhausted and then lay down.

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