Checklist: Signs and Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

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If you are concerned about a child’s behavior, it is important to discuss these concerns with the child’s healthcare provider.

This checklist describes the types of symptoms that a healthcare provider will ask about in the process of deciding whether a child has ADHD. You can use this checklist to help you start the conversation.

Deciding if a child has ADHD is a process with several steps. There is no single test to diagnose ADHD, and many other problems, like anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and certain types of learning disabilities, can have similar symptoms.

The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth edition (DSM-5) is used by mental health professionals to help diagnose ADHD. The criteria are presented here in modified form in order to make them more accessible to the general public. They are listed here for information purposes and should be used only by trained healthcare providers to diagnose or treat ADHD.

Simply fill out the child’s name, age and today’s date and then check off the signs or symptoms the child has shown. Then click “Print this page.” Take the completed checklist to your child’s healthcare provider.

Don’t have time to do it now? Download and print a copy to fill out later.

Inattention

Check each item if the child showed the symptom for at least 6 months to an extent that is inappropriate for the child’s developmental level.

What do you see?

It is helpful to observe the child’s behavior in different settings, like at home, school, or with peers. Ask a relative, friend, coach, teacher, or daycare provider to tell you what they see your child doing. Print off a blank checklist or send it to them.

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Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (loses focus, gets sidetracked).
Often has trouble organizing activities.
Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn’t want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
Is often easily distracted.
Is often forgetful in daily activities.

Hyperactivity / Impulsivity

Check each item if the child showed the symptom for at least 6 months to an extent that is disruptive and inappropriate for the child’s developmental level.

Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat when sitting still is expected.
Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.
Often excessively runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents may feel very restless).
Often has trouble playing or doing leisure activities quietly.
Is often “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor”.
Often talks excessively.
Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.
Often has trouble waiting one’s turn.
Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).

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For more information on these symptoms and how they are used to diagnose ADHD, please visit the Symptoms and Diagnosis page.

Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Checklist: Signs and Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Inattention

What do you see?

Hyperactivity / Impulsivity

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Checklist: Signs and Symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Inattention

What do you see?

Hyperactivity / Impulsivity

Get Email Updates

File Formats Help: