At a glance
- No questionnaire alone diagnoses ADHD. A clinician assesses symptoms, impairment, development, and other possible causes.
- Assessment needs information from more than one setting, such as home and school, including how daily life is affected.
- The clinician checks that symptoms have lasted at least 6 months and that some were present before age 12.
- Sleep difficulties, anxiety, depression, learning difficulties, and hearing or vision problems may need assessment alongside ADHD.
- Support may combine parent behavior training, school accommodations, and medication selected with the clinician. For children under 6, parent behavior training is recommended first.
- Compare the same questionnaire version and reporter over time. Review everyday goals, appetite, sleep, growth, pulse, blood pressure, and side effects with the clinician.
Assessment and recognition
No questionnaire alone diagnoses ADHD. A clinician assesses symptoms, impairment, development, and other possible causes.
The clinician checks that symptoms have lasted at least 6 months and that some were present before age 12.
Sleep difficulties, anxiety, depression, learning difficulties, and hearing or vision problems may need assessment alongside ADHD.
Care and follow-up
Support may combine parent behavior training, school accommodations, and medication selected with the clinician. For children under 6, parent behavior training is recommended first.
Compare the same questionnaire version and reporter over time. Review everyday goals, appetite, sleep, growth, pulse, blood pressure, and side effects with the clinician.
School and everyday life
Assessment needs information from more than one setting, such as home and school, including how daily life is affected.
Choose a small, achievable behavior goal. Use clear instructions, a predictable routine, specific praise, and a reward agreed with the child.
Common questions
Can an online test diagnose ADHD?
No questionnaire alone diagnoses ADHD. A clinician assesses symptoms, impairment, development, and other possible causes.
How is ADHD treated in children?
Support may combine parent behavior training, school accommodations, and medication selected with the clinician. For children under 6, parent behavior training is recommended first.
Why does the teacher need to complete a form?
Assessment needs information from more than one setting, such as home and school, including how daily life is affected.
What can look like ADHD?
Sleep difficulties, anxiety, depression, learning difficulties, and hearing or vision problems may need assessment alongside ADHD.
Sources
Written for Pedemy in our own words from the sources above; checked October 2026. For education only, not medical advice. Pedemy is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by the organizations cited.