ADHD Self-Test

You have been wondering for a while. Maybe a friend mentioned it, maybe you read an article that made everything click, maybe you have just always known your brain works differently. A short self-test is often the first useful step.

About this self-test

The questions below come from the World Health Organisation Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), the same screening questionnaire used by GPs and clinicians. It takes about five minutes and asks eighteen questions about your day-to-day life.

It is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. Only a clinician can diagnose ADHD. What this test can do is give you a clear sense of whether the patterns of adult ADHD show up in your life, and whether it is worth taking the next step.

What to expect

You will see your score on screen straight away. You will also receive a PDF of your full results by email, with a short note about what your result might mean and what to do next. We do not share your details, and you can unsubscribe from the follow-up email at any time.

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Does your mind feel like it is always buzzing? Do you find it hard to focus, stay organised, or follow through on things?

This 18-question self-assessment is based on the World Health Organisation Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS). It covers common ADHD-related experiences like memory, distractibility, restlessness, and organisation.

If you have AuDHD (ADHD and autism together), many of these experiences will also be familiar.

Note: This is a starting point for self-reflection, not a diagnosis. Only a thorough assessment by a qualified clinician can provide that.

1. How often do you have trouble wrapping up the final details of a project, once the challenging parts have been done?(Required)

I struggle with jobs that demand focus for an extended period. I dislike routine and repetitive tasks. I hate paperwork. But when I’m interested, I'm super focused.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very Often

2. How often do you have difficulty getting things in order when you have to do a task that requires organisation?(Required)

I struggle to finish large complex tasks — even leisure activities. I may do something else. Or I end up doing several things at once.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very Often

3. How often do you have problems remembering appointments or obligations?(Required)

I often lose track of what I was supposed to be doing. I'm bad with dates, names, or appointments, or forget to bring something I need. I’ve bought things then realised I already own one.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very Often

4. When you have a task that requires a lot of thought, how often do you avoid or delay getting started?(Required)

I struggle to finish large complex tasks — even leisure activities. I may do something else. Or I end up doing several things at once.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very Often

5. How often do you fidget or squirm with your hands or feet when you have to sit down for a long time?(Required)

I fidget, tap my foot, doodle, or shift in my seat to help focus. I often feel restless during long meetings or classes. I pace when I’m on the phone. It’s like I have a dynamo inside me.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very Often

6. How often do you feel overly active and compelled to do things, like you were driven by a motor?(Required)

It often seems like I’m always on the go, driven by a motor. Until I crash. I get into one hobby after another. When something interests me, I am totally immersed, enthused, wanting to know everything... for a while. I’m more of a sprinter than a marathoner.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very Often

7. How often do you make careless mistakes when you have to work on a boring or difficult project?(Required)

I prefer to jump right in, rather than read the instructions, guides, or recipes.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very Often

8. How often do you have difficulty keeping your attention when you are doing boring or repetitive work?(Required)

I struggle to stick to routines, schedules, or plans. I know what to do, I just don’t seem to do it.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very Often

9. How often do you have difficulty concentrating on what people say to you, even when they are speaking to you directly?(Required)

I often tune out during long conversations. I may appear to be listening, but my mind wanders, and I miss what’s being said. Sometimes, I even lose track of what I’m saying, or go off on tangents.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very Often

10. How often do you misplace or have difficulty finding things at home or at work?(Required)

I often misplace my bank card, phone, keys, or TV remote. “I just had it a minute ago!” I lose important paperwork. My home or workspace is cluttered, piles everywhere so I can find things; otherwise, I’ll forget them.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very Often

11. How often are you distracted by activity or noise around you?(Required)

I’m easily distracted by conversations, noises, or activity around me. I’m often lost in thought, one idea after another, imagining ideas or situations. I’m smart, but a bit absent-minded. I’m a ‘day-dreamer.’

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very Often

12. How often do you leave your seat in meetings or other situations in which you are expected to remain seated?(Required)

I wish I could pace during meetings. I tend to walk quickly. Sitting still and listening quietly, is a challenge. Doing nothing is agitating.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very Often

13. How often do you feel restless or fidgety?(Required)

My mind is always going. Falling asleep is difficult. I’m curious, always on to the next idea or interest. Seeking novelty. I’ve had a lot of different jobs and/or moved around more than most people.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very Often

14. How often do you have difficulty unwinding and relaxing when you have time to yourself?(Required)

I find it hard to unwind and relax. Small talk is boring. I love trying new things, then get bored, and change them up to make them fun. I often rush jobs, even if it isn’t urgent. Been there, done that, Next!

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very Often

15. How often do you find yourself talking too much when you are in social situations?(Required)

I can be talkative and tend to dominate conversations because I’m enthused and interested.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very Often

16. When you’re in a conversation, how often do you find yourself finishing the sentences of the people you are talking to, before they can finish them themselves?(Required)

I tend to interrupt people or feel the need to add my two cents. I’ll answer questions before the person is finished.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very Often

17. How often do you have difficulty waiting your turn in situations when turn taking is required?(Required)

I hate long queues in shops, drive-through windows, or the ATM. Slow traffic is frustrating. I hate waiting for other people. Small talk is boring. I get impatient. Just give me the highlights.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very Often

18. How often do you interrupt others when they are busy?(Required)

I tend to interrupt people or feel the need to give my input. I am full of ideas – my mind races and I have to get my ideas out.

Never

Rarely

Sometimes

Often

Very Often

Your results will appear on the next page. If you would like a copy sent to you by email, add your details below.

Your first name(Required)

Your email address(Required)

To make sure your results arrive, add linda@theadultadhdcoach.com to your contacts.

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I consent to my responses being used to generate my results. I understand this is a self-awareness tool, not a clinical diagnosis.

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Understanding your result

If your result shows a strong likelihood of ADHD: you have a clear pattern that aligns with adult ADHD. The next step many people take is asking their GP for a referral for formal assessment, or working with an ADHD coach to start understanding what would help in practice.

If your result shows a moderate likelihood: the patterns are there, but mixed. Some people in this band are clearly ADHD, others have ADHD-like patterns from stress, burnout, hormonal changes, or another underlying cause. A conversation with a coach or clinician is often the most useful next step.

If your result shows little likelihood: ADHD is unlikely to be the right frame for what is going on. That is also useful information. Other things can affect the same areas of life, and many of those are easier to work with once ruled out.

What to do next, whatever your result

Most people take one of these paths:

• If you want to understand your specific cognitive strengths and where to lean, take the Executive Function Strength Profile (£39). More detailed than this self-test.
• If you want a quiet, supportive place to learn at your own pace, the ADHD Toolkit Membership brings together ADHD-friendly assessments, bite-sized courses, and downloadable resources for your ADHD brain.

There is no rush. Whatever the result, you have time.

About me

This self-test is hosted by Linda Fox, an ICF-ACC credentialled ADHD Life & Business Coach with 26+ years of experience and lived experience of ADHD. The questions are taken directly from the WHO Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale used in clinical practice. The interpretation is mine, drawn from coaching hundreds of adults through their first conversation about ADHD.