Symptom Tests for Children

Self-Test: Could Your Preschooler Have ADHD?

Take this free screener to see if your preschooler may be showing symptoms of ADHD.

By ADDitude Editors Verified Updated on January 9, 2025
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ADHD is typically diagnosed in elementary school, when focus and attention are required to master reading and math, however its symptoms can appear in kindergarten and even preschool.

The signs of ADHD in children ages 3 to 5 are commonly related to hyperactivity and impulsivity. Preschoolers with ADHD might struggle to sit still, follow instructions, or engage in quiet play, among other behaviors, which can affect their interactions at home and in nursery school or daycare.

What distinguishes these symptoms from typical preschool behaviors? The degree to which they impair a child and family’s day-to-day functioning. Parents and clinicians should also note a child’s progress on developmental milestones to help determine whether ADHD may be in the picture. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial and can lead to better outcomes in a child’s development and learning.

Answer the questions in this self-test to assess whether your preschooler may be showing symptoms of ADHD. Share the results with your pediatrician.

My child moves quickly from toy to toy when in playtime.

My child will often interrupt me or other adults, whether we’re on the phone or having an in-person conversation.

My child struggles to follow directions and routines.

My child is highly reactive and has intense emotional responses.

My child is constantly on the go and “bouncing off the walls.”

My child reaches for hot objects, like the stovetop or a hot plate of food on the table, even when I warn them not to.

My child often engages in risky behaviors, such as jumping from tall heights at the playground and bolting across the street without looking.

My child has difficulty adjusting their behavior based on the setting (e.g., library vs. playground).

My child often makes noises while doing tasks (outside of playing with toys).

My child struggles to follow rules or take turns when playing games with other kids.

My child struggles to pay attention for 5 to 10 minutes during story time, while making arts and crafts, and while participating in other non-screen activities.

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

The questions in this ADHD in preschoolers test are informed, in part, by criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) and from the ADDitude ADHD Experts Webinar titled, “ADHD in Preschool: Early Diagnosis & Intervention for Young Children” [Video Replay & Podcast #516] with Alexis Bancroft, Ph.D., and Cynthia Martin, Psy.D., which was broadcast on August 8, 2024. This ADHD in preschoolers test is designed to screen for the possibility of ADHD symptoms in children ages 3 to 5, and it is intended for personal use only. This unofficial screener is not intended as a diagnostic tool.

Signs of ADHD in Preschoolers: Next Steps

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