How to Use This Checklist

• Read through each section based on your child’s age
• Tick or note any behaviours you see regularly
• Look for patterns, not one-off behaviours

Every child will show some of these behaviours at times—what matters is frequency, intensity, and impact.

​Use this with your GP or Therapist
You can bring this checklist to appointments to help explain what you’ve been noticing.

Download our ADHD Checklist

---

ADHD Checklist – Toddlers (1–3 Years)

​You may notice:

• Very high activity levels compared to peers
• Difficulty sitting still even for short periods
• Short attention span beyond what’s typical
• Frequently moving from one activity to another
• Limited response to simple instructions
• Impulsive behaviours (e.g. grabbing, climbing unsafely)

---

ADHD Checklist – Preschool (3–5 Years)
​

• Struggles to sit during group activities
• Difficulty following multi-step instructions
• Frequent interruptions or talking over others
• Impulsive decision-making
• Big emotional reactions or meltdowns
• Difficulty waiting their turn
• Constant movement or fidgeting

---

ADHD Checklist – School Age (5–10 Years)

Attention

• Easily distracted
• Difficulty completing tasks
• Frequently loses items
• Appears not to listen

Hyperactivity

• Fidgeting or squirming
• Difficulty staying seated
• Excessive talking

​Impulsivity

• Interrupting others
• Acting without thinking
• Difficulty waiting

---

What If I Only Tick a Few Boxes?

This is very common.
You do not need to tick every box for ADHD to be worth exploring.

What matters is:

• Are these behaviours happening often?
• Are they happening across different environments?
• Are they impacting your child’s learning or daily life?

​Even a few consistent patterns can be enough to seek guidance.

---

What If My Child Shows Some Signs but Not Others?

ADHD presents differently in every child.
Some children may show:

• More inattention (e.g. daydreaming, forgetfulness)
• More hyperactivity
• More impulsivity

Not all children will show all three areas.

---

When Should I Take the Next Step?

You may want to take action if:

• You’ve noticed multiple signs over time
• Teachers or caregivers have raised concerns
• Your child is struggling at school or home
• You feel unsure and want clarity

---

What Are the Next Steps?

​Step 1: Observe and Record
Start noting:

• When behaviours happen
• What triggers them
• How often they occur

Step 2: Speak to Your Child’s Teacher or Educator
They can provide insight into:

• Classroom behaviour
• Attention and learning
• Social interactions

Step 3: Speak to a GP or Health Professional
Your GP can:

• Discuss your concerns
• Provide referrals if needed

Step 4: Consider an ADHD Assessment
An assessment can help:

• Clarify whether your child meets criteria
• Identify strengths and challenges
• Guide support strategies​

ADHD Assessment

Step 5: Start Support (Even Without Diagnosis)
Support can begin early and may include:

• Occupational Therapy
• Psychology support
• Behaviour strategies
• Parent coaching

ADHD Support for children

---

Do I Need a Diagnosis to Use This Checklist?
No.
This checklist is designed to:

• Help you understand your child
• Identify patterns early
• Guide your next steps

Download our ADHD Checklist

---

Common Questions Parents Ask

“Is there an ADHD test I can do at home?”
There are screening tools, but diagnosis requires a structured assessment by a qualified professional.

“Can my child grow out of these behaviours?”
Some behaviours improve with age, but persistent patterns may benefit from support.

“Should I wait or act now?”
If you’re concerned, it’s reasonable to seek guidance early rather than wait.

---

Our ADHD Support Services

Occupational Therapy (OT)

• Attention and concentration strategies
• Sensory processing and regulation
• Daily routines and organisation
• Emotional regulation support

​Speech Pathology (SP)

• Listening and comprehension skills
• Social communication
• Following instructions
• Language processing support

Counselling

• Emotional regulation and coping
• Anxiety and self-esteem support
• Managing frustration and behaviour
• Supporting older children and adolescents

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

• Understanding behaviour patterns
• Reducing challenging behaviours
• Practical strategies for home and school
• Family and caregiver support

Psychology Assessments

• Comprehensive ADHD assessments
• Cognitive and behavioural profiling
• Diagnostic clarification
• Detailed reports and recommendations

​
Parent Support & Coaching

• Practical, real-world strategies
• Building consistent routines
• Understanding your child’s behaviour
• Ongoing guidance and support

​School Support

• Communication with educators
• Classroom strategies
• Supporting learning environments

Telehealth Across WA

• Access support from anywhere
• Ideal for rural and regional families
• Flexible support options

---

Not Sure?
If you’re unsure what your next step should be, our team can help guide you.

Book a free 20-minute call with our team
Contact us to discuss your concerns or explore support options.
Our team is here to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us an email here

​Your Support​ Matters
If you find these resources helpful, please support us in creating more valuable content by leaving a review on Facebook and Google.
Your feedback helps us continue to provide support and information that benefits our community.
​Stay updated with our latest resources and tips by liking us on Facebook!

Have a question? or need more information

Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us a message

Frequently Asked Questions – ADHD Checklist for Children

What is an ADHD checklist?
An ADHD checklist is a screening tool that helps parents, caregivers, and educators identify behaviours that may be associated with ADHD.
It can help highlight patterns that may warrant further investigation, but it cannot diagnose ADHD on its own.

Can an ADHD checklist diagnose ADHD?
No.
An ADHD checklist is not a diagnostic tool.
While checklists can help identify behaviours commonly associated with ADHD, a formal diagnosis requires a comprehensive assessment completed by an appropriately qualified health professional.

My child scored highly on the checklist. Does that mean they have ADHD?
Not necessarily.
Many ADHD-related behaviours can also occur in children without ADHD, particularly when they are tired, stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or experiencing other developmental challenges.
A high score may indicate that further assessment could be helpful, but it does not confirm a diagnosis.

What are the most common signs of ADHD in children?
Some common signs include:

• Difficulty sustaining attention
• Forgetfulness
• Losing belongings
• Impulsivity
• High activity levels
• Difficulty waiting
• Frequent interruptions
• Challenges following instructions
• Emotional regulation difficulties

Every child presents differently.

What are the 3 main types of ADHD?
ADHD is generally grouped into three presentations:

• Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
• Combined Presentation

Every child is unique, and ADHD traits can vary significantly between individuals.

What are the first signs of ADHD in a child?
Some early signs may include:

• Difficulty sustaining attention
• Frequent impulsivity
• High activity levels
• Difficulty waiting
• Challenges following instructions
• Emotional regulation difficulties
• Trouble completing tasks

Assessment considers patterns, severity, and impact over time.

At what age can ADHD be identified?
ADHD traits often become noticeable during the preschool and primary school years.
However, some children are not identified until later childhood, adolescence, or adulthood.
Assessment considers developmental expectations and how behaviours impact everyday functioning.

What is the difference between ADHD and normal childhood behaviour?
Many children are active, energetic, impulsive, and occasionally inattentive.
ADHD is generally considered when these behaviours occur more frequently than expected for age, across multiple environments, and significantly affect participation at home, school, or in social situations.

Is my child just energetic or could it be ADHD?
Many children are naturally active, curious, and energetic.
ADHD is generally considered when difficulties with attention, impulsivity, or activity levels occur more frequently than expected for age and significantly affect participation across multiple settings such as home, school, and social environments.

Can girls have ADHD?
Yes.
Girls can and do have ADHD, although their traits may sometimes be less obvious.
Girls may be more likely to experience:

• Inattentiveness
• Daydreaming
• Organisational difficulties
• Emotional overwhelm
• Internalised anxiety

Because these presentations may be less disruptive, ADHD can sometimes be identified later in girls.

What does ADHD look like in girls?
ADHD in girls may look different from common stereotypes.
Some girls may:

• Appear quiet or distracted
• Daydream frequently
• Have difficulty staying organised
• Experience emotional sensitivity
• Work hard to mask difficulties
• Feel exhausted from trying to meet expectations

Every child presents differently regardless of gender.

What is inattentive ADHD?
Inattentive ADHD primarily affects attention, organisation, and task completion rather than hyperactivity.
Children may:

• Appear distracted
• Forget instructions
• Lose belongings
• Daydream frequently
• Struggle to complete tasks
• Have difficulty staying focused

What are ADHD symptoms at school?
Some children with ADHD may experience:

• Difficulty staying focused
• Forgetting instructions
• Incomplete schoolwork
• Disorganisation
• Difficulty sitting for extended periods
• Impulsivity during classroom activities
• Emotional regulation challenges

The impact varies between children and educational environments.

Can ADHD affect emotional regulation?
Yes.
Many children with ADHD experience difficulties managing strong emotions.
This may involve:

• Frustration
• Impulsivity
• Emotional overwhelm
• Difficulty calming after becoming upset
• Strong reactions to disappointment or change

Emotional regulation challenges are commonly reported by families of children with ADHD.

Can anxiety look like ADHD?
Sometimes.
Anxiety and ADHD can share similar characteristics, including:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Restlessness
• Forgetfulness
• Emotional overwhelm
• Difficulty completing tasks

Assessment helps identify the factors contributing to a child's experiences and whether ADHD, anxiety, or another explanation may be present.

Can ADHD affect learning?
Yes.
ADHD can impact skills that support learning, including:

• Attention
• Working memory
• Organisation
• Planning
• Task completion
• Following instructions

Many children with ADHD are capable learners but may require additional supports and accommodations.

Can ADHD affect reading, writing, and maths?
Yes.
Some children with ADHD experience challenges with:

• Reading comprehension
• Written expression
• Completing written tasks
• Organisation of ideas
• Mathematics tasks requiring sustained attention

ADHD can also occur alongside dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia.

Can a child have both ADHD and a learning difficulty?
Yes.
ADHD commonly occurs alongside learning difficulties and Specific Learning Disorders.
A child may experience ADHD as well as:

• Dyslexia
• Dysgraphia
• Dyscalculia
• Language difficulties
• Other learning differences

Assessment can help identify the factors contributing to a child's challenges.

Can ADHD occur alongside Autism?
Yes.
Many children are both autistic and ADHD.
Because there can be overlap in some traits, comprehensive assessment is often important to better understand a child's strengths, support needs, and developmental profile.

What causes ADHD?
Research suggests ADHD is influenced by a combination of genetic, neurological, developmental, and environmental factors.
ADHD is not caused by poor parenting, lack of discipline, screen time, or a child's motivation.

Does ADHD run in families?
ADHD often occurs within families.
Research suggests genetic factors play a significant role in the development of ADHD.
However, not every child with ADHD has a known family history.

Who can diagnose ADHD in Australia?
ADHD diagnosis may involve:

• Clinical Psychologists
• Paediatricians
• Psychiatrists

Assessment pathways vary depending on the child's age, presentation, and circumstances.

What does an ADHD assessment involve?
A comprehensive ADHD assessment may include:

• Parent interviews
• Developmental history
• Behaviour questionnaires
• School feedback
• Clinical observations
• Standardised assessment tools

The process varies depending on the clinician and assessment pathway.

Does ADHD affect intelligence?
No.
ADHD occurs across all levels of intelligence.
Many children with ADHD have average, above-average, or gifted intellectual abilities.
ADHD affects attention regulation, executive functioning, and self-management rather than intelligence itself.

What if I am not sure whether my child has ADHD?
You do not need to figure it out on your own.
Many developmental, learning, communication, and emotional differences can overlap.
Speaking with a health professional can help determine whether assessment or support may be beneficial and guide you toward the most appropriate next steps.

Does Belong Health provide ADHD assessments and support?
Yes.
Belong Health offers a range of services that may support children with ADHD, including:

• ADHD Screening Assessments
• Comprehensive ADHD Assessments
• Occupational Therapy
• Speech Pathology
• Counselling
• Positive Behaviour Support
• Developmental support services

Our team can help guide you toward the most appropriate assessment and support pathway for your child.

13 Littleton st, Falcon

Phone: 08 9586 3934

EMAIL US

OFFICE HOURS:         MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8:30am - 4:30pm

BELONG HEALTH'S Paediatric Occupational Therapy SERVICES FOR Perth region

A: Alexander Heights, Alfred Cove, Applecross, Applecross North, Ardross, Armadale, Ascot, Ashby, Ashfield, Attadale, Atwell, Aubin Grove, Aveley
B: Balcatta, Balga, Ballajura, Banjup, Banksia Grove, Baskerville, Bassendean, Bateman, Bayswater, Beaconsfield, Beckenham, Bedford, Bedfordale, Beechboro, Beeliar, Beldon, Belhus, Bellevue, Belmont, Bennett Springs, Bentley, Bibra Lake, Bicton, Booragoon, Boya, Brabham, Brentwood, Brigadoon, Broadway Nedlands, Brookdale, Bull Creek, Burns Beach, Burswood, Bushmead, Butler
C: Canning Vale, Cannington, Carabooda, Carine, Carlisle, Carramar, Caversham, Champion Lakes, Churchlands, City Beach, Claremont, Clarkson, Cloverdale, Cockburn Central, Como, Connolly, Coogee, Coolbellup, Coolbinia, Cottesloe, Craigie, Crawley, Currambine
D: Daglish, Dalkeith, Darch, Darlington, Dayton, Dianella, Dog Swamp, Doubleview, Duncraig
E: East Cannington, East Fremantle, East Perth, East Victoria Park, Eden Hill, Edgewater, Ellenbrook, Embleton
F: Ferndale, Floreat, Forrestdale, Forrestfield, Fremantle
G: Gidgegannup, Girrawheen, Glen Forrest, Glendalough, Glengarry, Gnangara, Gosnells, Greenmount, Greenwood, Guildford, Gwelup
H: Hamersley, Hamilton Hill, Hammond Park, Harrisdale, Haynes, Hazelmere, Heathridge, Helena Valley, Henderson, Henley Brook, Herdsman, Herne Hill, High Wycombe, Highgate, Hilbert, Hillarys, Hilton, Hocking, Hovea, Huntingdale
I: Iluka, Inglewood, Innaloo, Jandabup, Jandakot, Jane Brook, Jindalee, Jolimont, Joondalup, Joondanna
K: Kallaroo, Karawara, Kardinya, Karragullen, Karrakatta, Karrinyup, Kelmscott, Kensington, Kenwick, Kewdale, Kiara, Kings Park, Kingsley, Kingsway, Kinross, Koondoola, Koongamia
L: Landsdale, Langford, Lathlain, Leederville, Leeming, Lexia, Lockridge, Lynwood
M: Maddington, Madeley, Mahogany Creek, Maida Vale, Malaga, Manning, Marangaroo, Mariginiup, Marmion, Martin, Maylands, Melaleuca, Melville, Menora, Merriwa, Middle Swan, Midland, Midvale, Millendon, Mindarie, Mirrabooka, Morangup, Morley, Mosman Park, Mount Claremont, Mount Hawthorn, Mount Lawley, Mount Nasura, Mount Pleasant, Mount Richon, Mullaloo, Munster, Murdoch, Myaree
N: Nedlands, Neerabup, Nollamara, Noranda, North Beach, North Coogee, North Fremantle, North Lake, North Perth, Northbridge, Nowergup
O: O'connor, Ocean Reef, Orange Grove, Osborne Park
P: Padbury, Palmyra, Parkerville, Parkwood, Pearsall, Peppermint Grove, Perth, Piara Waters, Pinjar, Queens Park, Quinns Rocks
R: Red Hill, Redcliffe, Ridgewood, Riverton, Rivervale, Roleystone, Rossmoyne, Rottnest Island
S: Salter Point, Samson, Sawyers Valley, Scarborough, Seville Grove, Shelley, Shenton Park, Sinagra, Sorrento, South Fremantle, South Guildford, South Lake, South Perth, Southern River, Spearwood, St James, Stirling, Stoneville, Stratton, Subiaco, Subiaco East, Success, Swan View, Swanbourne
T: Tamala Park, Tapping, The Vines, Thornlie, Treeby, Trigg, Tuart Hill
U: Upper Swan
V: Victoria Park
W: Wangara, Wanneroo, Warwick, Waterford, Watermans Bay, Wattle Grove, Wattleup, Welshpool, Wembley, Wembley Downs, West Leederville, West Perth, West Swan, Westfield, Westminster, White Gum Valley, Whiteman, Willagee, Willetton, Wilson, Winthrop, Woodbridge, Woodlands, Woodvale, Wungong
Y: Yangebup, Yokine​