ADHD & Neurodiversity · ~10 min · 18 items · Printable form

Vanderbilt: NICHQ Vanderbilt ADHD Rating Scale (Parent/Teacher)

Printable parent and teacher rating form for children aged 6–12, covering the 18 DSM ADHD symptoms with subscale scoring rules.

Medical disclaimer: this is a validated screening questionnaire, not a diagnostic test. Only a qualified health professional can diagnose a condition. Your answers are processed in your browser and are never sent or stored.

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Each rating should consider the child's behavior over the past 6 months. Child's name: ______________ Rater: Parent / Teacher (circle)

1.Does not pay attention to details or makes careless mistakes with, for example, homework
Never (0)Occasionally (1)Often (2)Very often (3)
2.Has difficulty keeping attention to what needs to be done
Never (0)Occasionally (1)Often (2)Very often (3)
3.Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
Never (0)Occasionally (1)Often (2)Very often (3)
4.Does not follow through when given directions and fails to finish activities (not due to refusal or failure to understand)
Never (0)Occasionally (1)Often (2)Very often (3)
5.Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
Never (0)Occasionally (1)Often (2)Very often (3)
6.Avoids, dislikes, or does not want to start tasks that require ongoing mental effort
Never (0)Occasionally (1)Often (2)Very often (3)
7.Loses things necessary for tasks or activities (toys, assignments, pencils, or books)
Never (0)Occasionally (1)Often (2)Very often (3)
8.Is easily distracted by noises or other stimuli
Never (0)Occasionally (1)Often (2)Very often (3)
9.Is forgetful in daily activities
Never (0)Occasionally (1)Often (2)Very often (3)
10.Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
Never (0)Occasionally (1)Often (2)Very often (3)
11.Leaves seat when remaining seated is expected
Never (0)Occasionally (1)Often (2)Very often (3)
12.Runs about or climbs too much when remaining seated is expected
Never (0)Occasionally (1)Often (2)Very often (3)
13.Has difficulty playing or beginning quiet play activities
Never (0)Occasionally (1)Often (2)Very often (3)
14.Is "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"
Never (0)Occasionally (1)Often (2)Very often (3)
15.Talks too much
Never (0)Occasionally (1)Often (2)Very often (3)
16.Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
Never (0)Occasionally (1)Often (2)Very often (3)
17.Has difficulty waiting his or her turn
Never (0)Occasionally (1)Often (2)Very often (3)
18.Interrupts or intrudes in on others' conversations and/or activities
Never (0)Occasionally (1)Often (2)Very often (3)

Vanderbilt scoring guide

Score	Interpretation	Suggested action
Items 1–9	Predominantly inattentive	≥6 of items 1–9 rated 2 or 3, plus a performance problem.
Items 10–18	Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive	≥6 of items 10–18 rated 2 or 3, plus a performance problem.
Both	Combined presentation	Criteria met for both subscales.

Clinical background

What it measures

The NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scales are completed by parents and teachers of children aged 6–12. Items 1–9 cover inattention and items 10–18 cover hyperactivity/impulsivity, mirroring the DSM ADHD criteria.

How it is scored

A symptom counts when rated 2 (Often) or 3 (Very often). Six or more counted symptoms in a subscale, together with impairment in at least one performance area, is consistent with that ADHD presentation. Ratings from more than one setting (home and school) are required for diagnosis.

Reference: Wolraich ML, Lambert W, Doffing MA, et al. Psychometric properties of the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale. J Pediatr Psychol. 2003;28(8):559–568. NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scales, American Academy of Pediatrics / NICHQ.