Caveat Academic Services
Special education · Free checklist
Free checklist · Grades 6 to 12

ADHD checklist for parents

Six common signs of ADHD in middle and high school students, written by a special education teacher. Answer for the last three months and see whether an evaluation is worth asking for, and what to do next. Not a diagnosis.

About ADHD. ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) affects attention, impulse control and activity level, and often executive function: planning, starting and finishing work. Signs need to show up in more than one setting, such as home and school, and to get in the way of daily life.
This is a checklist, not a test. It lists common signs that a special education teacher looks for, so you can decide whether to ask for an evaluation. It is not a validated screening instrument and it cannot diagnose anything. Only a qualified professional can. Nothing you enter leaves this device.
Who is answering?
Grade
What would you like to check? Pick any or all.

For each sign, think about the last three months compared with other students the same age.

A little more context

How long have you noticed these things?

How much do they get in the way of school or home life?

Has extra help been tried?

Has this student been evaluated before?

Has this student talked about wanting to die or hurting themselves, or have you seen signs of it?

Checklists by area: dyslexia · dysgraphia · dyscalculia · language · ADHD · autism · anxiety

General information from Caveat Academic Services, not medical, psychological or legal advice, and not a diagnosis. Many things can cause these signs, including hearing or vision problems, sleep, stress and gaps in teaching. A qualified professional sorts that out. If a student is in danger, call 911. For a mental health crisis, call or text 988.

Checking more than one area? Use the full checklist. Next steps: who evaluates ADHD · ask the school for an evaluation.

Want help with this part? Your Caveat advisor, a special education teacher, can look at the results with you and plan the evaluation and the school conversation.

Book a free 20-minute call See evaluation help

This tool is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Each college decides admission, aid and how credit counts, and requirements change; check each college's own pages. Examples are examples, not promises. Caveat Academic Services is an independent college preparation company. Students do all of their own work.