ADHD Checklist for Children

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If you’ve been wondering whether your child might have ADHD, this checklist can help you identify common patterns.

This is not a diagnostic tool, but it can help you decide whether further support or assessment may be helpful.

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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

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Belong Health Occupational Therapist & NDIS Support Coordination

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

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