Vanderbilt assessment

What is the purpose of the Vanderbilt evaluation?

The NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scales are used by health care providers to detect ADHD in children aged six to twelve. NICHQ is delighted to have been at the forefront of aiding children and families afflicted by ADHD since the first edition was published in 2002.

Symptoms Never Occasionally Often Very Often

1. Fails to give attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork 0 1 2 3

2. Has difficulty sustaining attention to tasks or activities 0 1 2 3

3. Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly 0 1 2 3

4. Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork 0 1 2 3

(not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand)

5. Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities 0 1 2 3

6. Avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained 0 1 2 3

mental effort

7. Loses things necessary for tasks or activities (school assignments, 0 1 2 3

pencils, or books)

8. Is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli 0 1 2 3

9. Is forgetful in daily activities 0 1 2 3

10. Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat 0 1 2 3

11. Leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining 0 1 2 3

seated is expected

12. Runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which remaining 0 1 2 3

seated is expected

13. Has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly 0 1 2 3

14. Is “on the go” or often acts as if “driven by a motor” 0 1 2 3

15. Talks excessively 0 1 2 3

16. Blurts out answers before questions have been completed 0 1 2 3

17. Has difficulty waiting in line 0 1 2 3

18. Interrupts or intrudes on others (eg, butts into conversations/games) 0 1 2 3

19. Loses temper 0 1 2 3

20. Actively defies or refuses to comply with adult’s requests or rules 0 1 2 3

21. Is angry or resentful 0 1 2 3

22. Is spiteful and vindictive 0 1 2 3

23. Bullies, threatens, or intimidates others 0 1 2 3

24. Initiates physical fights 0 1 2 3

25. Lies to obtain goods for favors or to avoid obligations (eg,“cons” others) 0 1 2 3

26. Is physically cruel to people 0 1 2 3

27. Has stolen items of nontrivial value 0 1 2 3

28. Deliberately destroys others’ property 0 1 2 3

29. Is fearful, anxious, or worried 0 1 2 3

30. Is self-conscious or easily embarrassed 0 1 2 3

31. Is afraid to try new things for fear of making mistakes 0 1 2 3