ADHD Screening Test for Children
This parent-friendly screening questionnaire helps identify signs of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children aged 4-17. Based on validated screening instruments, it evaluates patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity across home and school settings. This screening tool takes approximately 10 minutes to complete and provides immediate guidance on whether a professional ADHD evaluation may be recommended.
Important: This is a screening tool, not a diagnostic test. A positive screen does not mean your child has ADHD — it means a comprehensive professional evaluation is warranted. Only a qualified clinical psychologist or developmental pediatrician can diagnose ADHD through detailed assessment including standardized testing, behavioral observation, and clinical interviews.
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How This Screening Works
Answer each question based on your child's behavior over the past 6 months. Consider whether each behavior is significantly more frequent or intense than what you observe in other children the same age. Rate each item as "Never/Rarely," "Sometimes," or "Often/Very Often."
Inattention Signs
Does your child often fail to pay close attention to details or make careless mistakes in schoolwork? Do they have difficulty sustaining attention during tasks or play activities? Do they seem not to listen when spoken to directly? Do they fail to follow through on instructions or finish homework and chores? Do they have difficulty organizing tasks, materials, and belongings? Do they avoid or strongly dislike tasks requiring sustained mental effort (homework, reading)? Do they frequently lose things needed for activities (school supplies, toys, assignments)? Are they easily distracted by unrelated sights, sounds, or thoughts? Are they forgetful in daily activities and routines?
Hyperactivity-Impulsivity Signs
Does your child fidget with hands/feet or squirm when seated? Do they leave their seat in situations where sitting is expected (classroom, dinner table)? Do they run or climb in situations where it's inappropriate? Are they unable to play or engage in activities quietly? Do they seem "driven by a motor" — always on the go? Do they talk excessively? Do they blurt out answers before questions are completed? Do they have difficulty waiting their turn? Do they interrupt or intrude on others' conversations or activities?
Interpreting Results
If you answered "Often/Very Often" to 6 or more items in either the Inattention section OR the Hyperactivity-Impulsivity section, and these behaviors have been present for at least 6 months and cause problems in two or more settings (home, school, social), a professional ADHD assessment is recommended. If you answered "Often/Very Often" to items in both sections, your child may have Combined Presentation ADHD — the most common type.
What Happens After Screening?
If this screening suggests ADHD, the next step is a comprehensive professional assessment at Cadabam's CDC. Our ADHD evaluation includes a detailed developmental history interview with parents, standardized ADHD rating scales completed by parents AND teachers (Conners-3), cognitive testing (WISC-V) to rule out other causes, attention and executive function testing, screening for co-occurring conditions (anxiety, learning disabilities), and a comprehensive report with diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can ADHD be diagnosed from a screening test alone?
No. Screening tools identify children who may have ADHD and need further evaluation, but diagnosis requires a comprehensive professional assessment. ADHD symptoms overlap significantly with anxiety, sleep disorders, learning disabilities, and other conditions. Only a thorough clinical evaluation can differentiate these and provide an accurate diagnosis.
At what age can ADHD be screened?
ADHD can be reliably screened from age 4 onwards. Some signs may be apparent earlier, but the diagnostic criteria require symptoms to be present across multiple settings, which is difficult to assess before a child enters structured environments like preschool. At Cadabam's CDC, we can assess children from age 4 through adolescence.
My child has some ADHD signs but seems fine at school — should I still get assessed?
Yes. Some children — particularly girls and those with primarily inattentive ADHD — compensate effectively at school but struggle significantly at home, or vice versa. They may appear fine on the surface but are working much harder than their peers to maintain performance. A professional assessment can identify these "hidden" presentations.
Book a Professional ADHD Assessment | Call: +91 95355 85588
Screening tool developed by Cadabam's CDC Clinical Team | Last Reviewed: March 2026