ADHD Questions & Answers
Straight answers about what the screening can tell you, what it cannot tell you, and how to use the results responsibly.
These answers are meant to reduce confusion around online ADHD screening. They explain the questionnaires we use, the limits of self-report tools, privacy basics, and practical next steps.
About Our ADHD Tests
What is an ADHD screening test?
It's a questionnaire that helps you reflect on ADHD-related patterns in attention, impulsivity, and activity level. We use widely used screening questionnaires—the WHO ASRS-v1.1 for adults and SNAP-IV for children. These tests can't provide an official determination, but they can help you understand your responses and decide whether to learn more or talk with a qualified professional.
Learn more about ADHDHow accurate are these tests?
They can be useful for spotting patterns, but they are not definitive. The adult test references ASRS-v1.1, and the child test references SNAP-IV. A real evaluation also considers history, context, impairment, and other possible explanations.
Is my information kept private?
Your test answers and results are processed in your browser and are not stored on our servers. The site does use analytics and Adsterra advertising scripts, which may process technical data such as page views or device/browser information. We do not send your local test answers to those services.
Do I need to create an account?
No. You can take the screening without signing up or entering an email. Your answers and results are saved with browser local storage on your device.
Is there a cost?
No. The screening is free to use, and there is no paid result page.
Can I retake the test?
Yes. Retaking it can be useful if your routines, sleep, school/work demands, or supports have changed. Try to answer based on recent patterns rather than on one unusually difficult day.
Understanding ADHD
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition involving persistent patterns of inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity that interfere with daily life. People may notice trouble with focus, organization, time management, restlessness, or acting before thinking. Experiences vary widely across kids and adults.
How common is ADHD?
Estimates vary, but surveys often report roughly 8-10% of children and 4-5% of adults worldwide as having ADHD-related patterns. Interestingly, many adults only put a name to their experience later in life when they start connecting the dots.
What are the different types of ADHD?
Clinicians commonly describe three presentations: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. The presentation can change over time, and many people have strengths alongside the areas that cause friction.
Can ADHD be managed?
Many people find practical supports helpful, such as planning systems, routines, skills training, coaching, school/work accommodations, and supportive communities. The best mix depends on your goals, environment, and what feels sustainable.
Explore ADHD resourcesWhen should I seek extra support for ADHD?
Consider reaching out for extra support if ADHD-related patterns are interfering with your work, school, relationships, or daily life. If you're struggling with organization and time management, feeling overwhelmed, or if people close to you have expressed concerns about your attention or behavior, it can help to talk with a qualified professional.
Do adults get ADHD, or is it just for kids?
ADHD is usually understood as beginning in childhood, but many people are not recognized until adulthood. Adult life can make patterns more visible because there is less external structure and more responsibility to manage.
Do I have to use one specific approach for ADHD?
No. People use different combinations of strategies and supports. Many start with practical, low-risk steps—sleep, routines, planning tools, and environment tweaks—and then add more structured support if needed.
About Our ADHD Screening Tests
Which test should I take?
If you're 18 or older and wondering about your own symptoms, take the Adult ADHD Test (ASRS-v1.1). If you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver evaluating a child or teen under 18, take the Child ADHD Test (SNAP-IV).
How long does the test take?
The adult test has 18 questions and takes about 5-7 minutes. The child test has 26 questions and takes about 8-10 minutes.
Can I save my progress and come back later?
Yes. Your progress saves automatically in your browser. You can close the page and pick up where you left off later. Just note that clearing your browser data will erase your saved progress.
What do my results mean?
Your results summarize how your answers fit the scoring bands for this screening. A higher score means more ADHD-related patterns were endorsed, not that ADHD is confirmed. A lower score also does not rule out concerns if daily life is still being affected.
Can I share my results with someone?
Yes. You can print or screenshot results if you want to bring them to a coach, counselor, school support staff, or clinician. It helps to add concrete examples from daily life, because a score alone is limited.
What's the difference between screening and a formal assessment?
Screening is brief and pattern-focused. A formal assessment is more detailed and may include developmental history, impairment across settings, interviews, collateral information, and consideration of other explanations such as sleep, anxiety, depression, trauma, or learning differences.
Getting ADHD Support
How do I find ADHD support?
Start with CHADD's directory, local coaching or counseling directories, school support services, or employee assistance programs. Many people also find good support through recommendations from others with ADHD.
Find ADHD resourcesWhat if I can't afford professional support?
There are options. Community organizations and university training clinics may offer lower-cost services, and many providers offer sliding-scale rates. CHADD runs free support groups, and peer communities can also be a helpful place to learn practical strategies.
Can I get accommodations at school or work?
Yes. Students can get accommodations through an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or 504 plan. At work, you can request reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)—things like flexible schedules, written instructions, or a quiet workspace.
What if I'm in crisis?
If you're in immediate danger, call 911. For crisis support, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line. Both are available 24/7, free, and confidential.
View complete crisis help guideHow should I prepare for my first conversation with a professional?
Write down what you're noticing and when it started, bring examples of how ADHD affects your daily life, gather school or work notes if you have them, and be ready to talk about what you've already tried. Being honest and specific helps you get more useful guidance.
What if my current supports aren't working?
ADHD supports often need iteration. You might adjust routines, try different tools, or work with a coach or counselor on new skills. If you're working with a professional, share what's not helping so you can refine the plan.
Technical Questions
Which browsers work with this site?
The site is designed for current versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Keeping your browser updated helps local storage, charts, and accessibility features work reliably.
Can I take the test on my phone?
Yes. The test is designed to work on phones, tablets, and desktop browsers.
Why isn't my progress saving?
Progress saves using your browser's local storage. Make sure cookies and local storage are enabled in your browser settings. Note that private/incognito mode might prevent saving, and clearing your browser data will erase saved progress.
Is there an app I can download?
No. This is a web-based tool, so you can use it from a browser without installing an app.
What languages do you support?
We currently offer the ADHD screening tests in English and Spanish. You can switch languages using the language selector in the navigation menu.
Ready to Start?
Choose the adult or child screening and review the summary when you're done.
Start ADHD TestThis FAQ provides general information only and isn't professional advice. For personalized guidance, consider talking with a qualified professional.