Free ADHD Behavior Charts –
A Powerful Tool to Help Manage Challenging Behaviors
One of the most effective non-medication strategies you can implement for a child with symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is the use of ADHD behavior charts. If you're parenting or working with a diagnosed child, then you understand the daily challenges that can arise—especially when it comes to behaviors like hyperactivity, impulsivity, aggression, and defiance. Designed specifically to help children regulate their actions and recognize the consequences of their choices, behavior charts can support long-term success when used consistently.
We offer free downloadable ADHD behavior charts that are tailored for children with hyperactivity, impulsivity, and more intense behaviors such as hitting, biting, yelling, or talking out of turn. These printable charts differ from traditional reward systems in that they incorporate both positive reinforcement and accountability for undesirable behaviors through a structured point system.
Why Use an ADHD Behavior Chart?
Children with ADHD often struggle with impulse control, emotional regulation, and maintaining attention. These challenges can lead to frequent disruptions at home, in the classroom, or during social interactions. A well-structured ADHD behavior chart provides a clear framework for helping children understand expectations and track their progress in real-time.
The main goals of using an ADHD behavior chart are:
- To reinforce desirable behaviors (e.g., completing homework, using kind words, following instructions).
- To discourage inappropriate or harmful behaviors (e.g., hitting, interrupting, refusing tasks).
- To provide visual feedback for both the child and caregiver.
- To offer motivation through achievable rewards.
- To support consistency across home and school environments.
These charts are not just about rewarding good behavior—they also include a structured way to address and reduce undesirable behaviors by deducting points when necessary. This dual approach makes them especially useful for children with ADHD who respond well to concrete expectations and consistent reinforcement.
How the ADHD Behavior Chart Works
Our free downloadable ADHD behavior charts are easy to use and fully customizable based on your child’s specific behavioral needs. Here’s how they work:
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Identify Target Behaviors
Begin by choosing a few behaviors you would like to increase (e.g., brushing teeth without being asked, completing homework, following instructions) and those you want to decrease (e.g., talking out of turn, aggressive outbursts, refusing to listen). -
Assign Point Values
Assign a point value to each behavior. More severe behaviors (such as hitting) can be worth more points, while minor infractions (like interrupting) may be worth fewer. Positive behaviors earn points, while negative ones lose points. Make sure you clearly indicate how much each behavior is worth on the chart. -
Set a Daily or Weekly Goal
Establish a goal for the number of points your child needs to earn in order to receive a predetermined reward. This goal can be adjusted as your child progresses or as new behaviors are introduced. -
Choose Motivating Rewards
Rewards should be meaningful and age-appropriate. These can include screen time, a special activity, a toy, or a treat. The key is to find something your child is excited to work toward. -
Track Progress Daily
Each day, sit down with your child and go over their behavior chart. Add or deduct points accordingly. This daily review helps reinforce accountability and builds trust between you and your child. -
Celebrate Successes
When your child meets their goal, celebrate their achievement! Consistent positive reinforcement is key to long-term behavioral improvement.
The immediate presentation or loss of points is considered to be one of the most effective treatments for children with symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder because of their need for immediate gratification. You just want to make sure you are able to add or remove a point at the moment in time the behavior occurs. If it is too delayed it will not be effective. I would have a designated time frame that your child knows about using a timer if needed (eg. every hour during class for high rates or if you have generally low rates you might be able to do the entire day.). You may want to print and laminate this using a dry erase marker that can be erased after the designated time frame is up, or print multiples that you can use.
Offer praise when giving points, but avoid any type of scolding or use of words when removing them. If the behavior is attention seeking you may unintentionally reinforce it. This will cause it to increase even if there is a loss involved or the reward isn't earned. Have the chart where the child can see it and simply mark an X in one of the boxes whenever necessary while avoiding any direct eye contact or looking at the child. At the end of the time frame, if the reward is not earned, simply say "Oh that's so sad, we can try again." Then move onto the next segment. This is not the time to give any kind of lecture as this may offer attention that could be reinforcing.
Download and Use Your ADHD Behavior Chart
To get started, download our free ADHD behavior chart using the form below and an email will be sent with links to download.
You'll need Adobe Reader to open the file. If you don’t have it, you can download the latest version of Adobe Reader here. (Please note: You may need to temporarily disable pop-up blockers.)
Instructions to Access the Chart:
- Click the download link for the ADHD behavior chart.
- Save the file to your computer or device.
- Locate the file and double-click to open in Adobe Reader.
- Print the chart and begin customizing it based on your child's needs.
These charts are designed with simplicity and clarity in mind so that both parents and children can easily understand and use them consistently.
Download ADHD Behavior Charts Here:
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