Unlike diabetes and other chronic disorders, there is no single test that can detect ADHD. Rather, ADHD tests and rating scales are used in combination to discern a pattern that determines whether or not a child has ADHD. During the initial assessment, behavioral scales and questionnaires are essential to detect the presence and severity of symptoms and other learning disorders, and to determine if the child will need further testing. If you suspect that your child has ADHD, it may be helpful to have one of the tests listed below done. In addition to symptoms of the disorder, these tests are designed to measure a child’s personality, intellectual functioning, and problem-solving style. Although some of the behavioral scales listed below are free to download from the Internet, they will need to be interpreted by a professional to understand the results.

Revised Connor Rating Scales (CRS-R)

The Connor Rating Scales (revised) aim to assess and assess ADHD symptoms in children through observer ratings and self-report ratings. The CRS-R test is available in counseling offices, clinics, pediatric offices, and mental health clinics, and is usually administered during the initial interview with parents. The CRS-R comes in three parts: the self-report (to be completed by the child), the teacher’s report, and the parent’s report. All three parts come in long and short versions. As soon as the test is complete, the learning expert will display the results in easy-to-understand graphs so you can see the severity of your child’s case and the problem areas that need to be examined.

Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)

The Child Behavior Checklist is a widely used parenting behavior scale due to its high reliability. The CBCL is a fairly long assessment that includes more than 100 items on the child’s social competence and behavioral problems (eg, aggressive behavior, depression, anxiety, withdrawal, and other social problems). In addition to detecting ADHD, the CBCL is also used to detect possible comorbid psychological problems or learning disorders that will need to be addressed during treatment.

Barkley Home and School Situations Questionnaire

According to the diagnostic criteria for ADHD, a child’s inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity must be present in at least two settings: home and school. This is the basis behind the design of the rating scales for the Home Situations Questionnaire and the Barkley School Situations Questionnaire. These two scales list ADHD-like behavior in the home setting and in the school setting. The teacher and parent are asked to rate the severity of each behavior, and the scale is then given to the appropriate specialist for analysis. Most schools carry the Barkley Home and School Situations Questionnaire, along with a guide that will help parents and teachers understand the child’s situation, establish a reward system, and decrease unwanted behavior.

SNAP IV Parent Teacher Rating Scale

The SNAP-IV assessment is also a rating scale to be completed by teachers and parents. It contains 90 items that describe inattentive, aggressive, and impulsive behaviors associated with ADHD, as well as a rating scale to measure the severity of each.