Signs and Symptoms
of ADHD Checklist
If you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver wondering whether a child might be showing signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), you're not alone. That’s why I've created a free, printable ADHD checklist for toddlers, preschoolers, and adolescents—to serve as a helpful resource for early detection and informed conversations with healthcare professionals. Many families struggle to identify whether their child's high energy, distractibility, or impulsive behavior is simply part of normal development or something more.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that commonly begins in childhood and can continue into adulthood. It affects a child’s ability to regulate attention, control impulses, and manage hyperactivity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ADHD is one of the most common childhood conditions, yet it is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed.
Because symptoms can vary widely from child to child, and often mimic behaviors seen in other conditions or typical childhood development, it’s important to approach the topic with care, education, and support.
Why an ADHD Symptoms Checklist Can Help
This ADHD checklist for children is designed as an observational tool to help parents, teachers, and caregivers track behaviors that could be associated with ADHD. While this tool is not a substitute for a professional diagnosis, it offers a strong starting point to determine whether further evaluation by a pediatrician, child psychologist, or developmental specialist may be necessary.
You can download and print this ADHD checklist to use at home, in the classroom, or at pediatric appointments. It’s especially helpful for collecting feedback from multiple people who interact with the child, such as teachers, babysitters, and coaches.
Common Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Children
Recognizing ADHD in children can be challenging because many of its symptoms overlap with behaviors typical of young children, especially during times of stress, transition, or excitement. However, when these behaviors are persistent, disruptive, and occur across different settings (home, school, social environments), it may be time to take a closer look.
Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of ADHD in toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children:
1. Inattention
- Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
- Frequently makes careless mistakes in schoolwork
- Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
- Often avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort
- Frequently loses items needed for tasks (e.g., toys, pencils, books)
- Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
- Forgetfulness in daily activities
2. Hyperactivity
- Fidgets with hands or feet; squirms in seat
- Has trouble staying seated when expected
- Runs or climbs excessively in inappropriate situations
- Talks excessively and loudly
- Seems constantly in motion, as if “driven by a motor”
3. Impulsivity
- Blurts out answers before questions are completed
- Has difficulty waiting their turn
- Interrupts or intrudes on others' conversations or games
- Acts without considering consequences
- Demonstrates emotional outbursts or frustration
What This Checklist Is — And What It’s Not
This checklist is not meant to diagnose ADHD or replace professional consultation. It is a supportive tool for parents and caregivers to observe patterns and collect examples of concerning behaviors. Sharing these observations with a pediatrician or specialist can help provide a clearer picture during an official evaluation process.
Sometimes, behaviors that look like ADHD can actually be caused by other underlying factors. It’s important to consider the full context of a child’s behavior, including:
- Sleep deprivation – Children who aren’t getting enough rest may show signs of hyperactivity and inattention.
- Dietary influences – Sensitivities to food additives like Red Dye 40 have been linked to behavior changes in some children.
- Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) – SPD can cause overstimulation or under-responsiveness to sensory input, which can look similar to ADHD.
- Stress or emotional difficulties – Major life transitions, trauma, or anxiety can also mimic ADHD symptoms.
One personal example: I once thought my son might only have sensory processing issues. It wasn’t until we met with an experienced occupational therapist that we began to understand his behaviors more clearly. That education made all the difference.
How to Use the ADHD Checklist
The checklist is designed for flexibility and ease of use:
- Download and print the checklist.
- Observe your child over a period of days or weeks.
- Check off any behaviors you notice frequently.
- Share the completed checklist with your child’s doctor, teacher, or therapist.
- Encourage other caregivers, such as babysitters or grandparents, to fill it out as well.
This multi-perspective approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of your child’s behavior patterns and whether they might meet criteria for further evaluation.
A Resource for Parents, Teachers, and Professionals
While this checklist is primarily aimed at parents of young children, it’s equally useful for teachers, daycare providers, school counselors, and pediatric professionals. Early identification and intervention can make a significant difference in helping children with ADHD succeed both academically and socially.
Keep in mind that each child is unique, and ADHD symptoms can present differently depending on age, gender, and environment. Girls, for example, are often underdiagnosed because they may exhibit more inattentive symptoms and fewer hyperactive behaviors.
Final Thoughts: Support and Next Steps
If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. Parenting a child who may have ADHD can be both challenging and emotionally exhausting. But there is hope, help, and a path forward. The ADHD signs and symptoms checklist is just the beginning—a tool to empower you with information and clarity.
If you suspect ADHD may be affecting your child, speak with a pediatrician or licensed mental health professional. Early detection and intervention can lead to better long-term outcomes.
Downloadable ADHD Checklist
Fill out the form below to download your free printable ADHD symptoms checklist. Use it to track behaviors, inform your conversations with professionals, and bring clarity to your child’s developmental journey.
You will need Adobe Reader (the latest version is recommended) installed on your computer in order to open and print the ADHD checklist. You can get Adobe Reader here (a new window will open so you can download it without leaving this page, but you will need to temporarily disable any pop up blockers to open the new window and the checklist).
If you want to open the file in your browser window, just click on the chart. However, if you want to download the file to view later, then right-click on the link and choose "Save Target As" or "Save File As." Then select where you want to save the file on your hard drive.
Once you have saved the file, locate where you saved it, and double click to open.
In order to print, open the downloaded file, and select the "Print" option.
If you haven't already, be sure to check out my ebooks, now on Amazon!
 |
 |
References
1. American Psychiatric Association: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition. Arlington, VA., American Psychiatric Association, 2013.