Based on WHO ASRS Screening Tool

Child ADHD Parent Assessment

Concerned about your child's attention, activity levels, or impulsive behaviours? Learn about ADHD symptoms in children and when to seek professional evaluation.

View Assessment Guide Child ADHD Info

Why Trust Our ADHD Screening Tool

WHO-Based Methodology

Based on the Adult Self-Report Scale developed with the World Health Organization

Clinically Informed

Questions aligned with DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for ADHD symptoms

50,000+ Tests Taken

Trusted by thousands of UK adults seeking ADHD insights

100% Free & Private

No registration required. Your answers remain completely anonymous

Parent Assessment Tool

Child ADHD Screening for Parents

Answer 15 questions about your child's behaviour to identify patterns that may indicate ADHD. This assessment is designed for children aged 4-17.

Question 1 of 15 7% complete
Inattention

How often does your child have difficulty sustaining attention during tasks or play activities?

Parent Resource

Recognising ADHD in Your Child

Use this guide to understand whether your child's behaviours warrant professional assessment. Observe patterns across different settings over time.

Inattention Signs

  • • Difficulty concentrating on schoolwork
  • • Makes careless mistakes frequently
  • • Loses belongings regularly
  • • Doesn't seem to listen when spoken to
  • • Trouble following instructions

Hyperactivity Signs

  • • Cannot remain seated when expected
  • • Runs or climbs inappropriately
  • • Talks excessively
  • • Difficulty playing quietly
  • • Appears "driven by a motor"

Impulsivity Signs

  • • Blurts out answers
  • • Difficulty waiting their turn
  • • Interrupts conversations
  • • Acts without thinking
  • • Intrudes on others' activities

Professional Assessment Required

Childhood ADHD diagnosis requires comprehensive evaluation by qualified professionals. This includes gathering information from multiple sources, observing behaviour patterns, and ruling out other explanations. If you're concerned about your child, speak with your GP or school SENCO as a first step.

NHS ADHD Symptoms Guide

Understanding ADHD in Children

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions affecting children. Approximately 5% of children worldwide meet diagnostic criteria, with symptoms typically emerging before age 12.

Early identification enables timely intervention and support. Children with ADHD face genuine neurological differences in attention regulation, impulse control, and activity levels. These aren't character flaws or parenting failures—they're brain-based differences requiring understanding and appropriate support.

Types of ADHD Presentation

ADHD manifests in three primary presentations. Predominantly inattentive children struggle with focus and organization but may not display obvious hyperactivity. Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive children show high activity levels and difficulty with impulse control. Combined presentation—the most common—includes significant symptoms in both domains.

Distinguishing ADHD from Typical Behaviour

All children occasionally lose focus, act impulsively, or struggle to sit still. ADHD differs in several important ways:

✓ Symptoms are persistent, lasting at least 6 months
✓ Behaviours are significantly more frequent or severe than same-age peers
✓ Symptoms appear in multiple settings—home, school, and social situations
✓ Functioning is meaningfully impaired in academic, social, or family domains
✓ Symptoms emerged before age 12 (though diagnosis may occur later)

Impact on Education and Social Development

Children with ADHD often face academic challenges despite adequate intelligence. Difficulty concentrating during lessons, trouble completing homework, and disorganization affect learning outcomes. Without support, children may develop negative self-perceptions and reduced motivation.

Social relationships can also suffer. Impulsive behaviour and difficulty with turn-taking may lead to peer rejection. Many children with ADHD struggle with emotional regulation, experiencing intense frustration that impacts friendships and family relationships.

The Diagnostic Process

Assessment typically begins with your GP, who may refer to specialist services such as Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) or paediatric teams. The evaluation process involves:

1 Detailed developmental and behavioural history from parents
2 Standardised rating scales completed by parents and teachers
3 Direct observation and interaction with the child
4 Assessment for co-occurring conditions like autism, anxiety, or learning difficulties
5 Review of school reports and educational assessments

Supporting Your Child

While awaiting assessment—or alongside formal treatment—parents can implement supportive strategies. Consistent routines, clear expectations, and immediate positive feedback help children succeed. Breaking tasks into smaller steps and providing visual schedules supports organization.

Schools can provide accommodations such as preferential seating, movement breaks, and modified assignment formats. Collaboration between home and school ensures consistent support across settings. Many children with ADHD thrive with appropriate understanding and targeted strategies.

Child ADHD Questions for Parents

Answers to common concerns about ADHD symptoms, assessment, and support for children.

What are the signs of ADHD in children?
Children with ADHD may have difficulty concentrating on schoolwork, frequently lose belongings, struggle to remain seated, act impulsively without thinking of consequences, and have trouble waiting their turn. Symptoms must be present in multiple settings—such as home and school—and significantly impact functioning.
At what age can ADHD be diagnosed?
ADHD can be diagnosed from age 4, though diagnosis before age 6 requires particular care due to developmental variability. Symptoms must be present for at least 6 months and significantly impair functioning. Most children are diagnosed during primary school years when academic demands increase.
How is childhood ADHD assessed?
Assessment involves gathering information from parents, teachers, and the child. Rating scales, behavioural observations, and developmental history inform the diagnostic process. Healthcare professionals assess whether symptoms meet criteria and rule out other explanations such as learning difficulties or anxiety.
Will my child need medication?
Treatment recommendations depend on age, symptom severity, and individual circumstances. For young children, behavioural interventions are typically tried first. Medication may be recommended for moderate to severe cases, particularly in school-age children. Decisions are made collaboratively with families.
Does ADHD affect academic performance?
ADHD can impact learning through difficulties with attention, organization, and following instructions. However, with appropriate support—including classroom accommodations, educational strategies, and treatment where needed—children with ADHD can succeed academically and develop their full potential.
Can children outgrow ADHD?
Approximately one-third of children with ADHD see symptoms diminish significantly by adulthood. However, most continue experiencing some symptoms into adult life. Early intervention and skill-building help children develop coping strategies that serve them throughout life.