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ADHD Symptom Checklist
Does your child have ADHD?

When children have problems at school or with their behavior, it is often suggested that they have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and that they should have further testing or evaluation.

These evaluations often begin with parenting and teacher checklists to see if the child has enough symptoms of inattention, and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity to meet the criteria for having ADHD. While this form can't diagnose a child with ADHD, it can be helpful to guide you to see if your child does need additional testing. When filling out this form, think about your child's behavior over at least the past six months.

Symptoms of Inattention*

Never Sometimes Often Very Often
Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities
Has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace
Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
Avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as homework)
Loses things necessary for tasks or activities (toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools)
Is easily distracted by outside stimuli
Is forgetful in daily activities

Symptoms of Hyperactivity

 Never Sometimes Often Very Often
Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
Leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
Runs about or climbs too much in situations in which it is inappropriate
Has difficulty playing quietly
Is 'on the go' or acts as if 'driven by a motor'
Talks too much

Symptoms of Impulsivity

 Never Sometimes Often Very Often
Burts out answers before questions have been completed
Has difficulty waiting his or her turn
Interrupts or intrudes on others (such as butting into conversations or games)



*Symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity are adapted from the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for ADHD.

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