ADHD Rating Scale IV - Preschool Version
Child’s Name: ___________________ Sex: M F Age: _________
Completed By: ___________________ Relationship: _________________
Rarely
Circle the number that best describes the child’s behavior over Some- Very
or Often
the past 6 months. times often
never
Fails to give close attention to details (i.e. rushes through activities,
1. 0 1 2 3
makes careless mistakes)
2. Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat (taps hands or feet) 0 1 2 3
3. Has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities 0 1 2 3
Leaves seat in classroom, during meals, or in other situations in which
4. 0 1 2 3
remaining seated is expected
5. Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly (tunes you out) 0 1 2 3
6. Runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate 0 1 2 3
Does not follow through on instructions or fails to finish tasks (i.e. “go
7. 0 1 2 3
upstairs, get your shoes and socks”; has difficulty with transitions)
8. Has difficulty playing quietly (alone or in groups) 0 1 2 3
Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities (i.e. choosing an activity,
9. 0 1 2 3
getting materials, doing steps in order)
10. Is “on the go” or acts as if “driven by a motor” 0 1 2 3
Avoids tasks that require sustained mental effort (i.e. puzzles, learning
11. 0 1 2 3
ABC’s, writing name)
12. Talks excessively 0 1 2 3
Loses things necessary for tasks or activities (i.e. mittens, shoes,
13. 0 1 2 3
backpack)
14. Blurts out answers before questions have been completed 0 1 2 3
15. Is easily distracted 0 1 2 3
16. Has difficulty awaiting turn 0 1 2 3
17. Is forgetful in daily activities (i.e. forgets papers, forgets directions) 0 1 2 3
18. Interrupts or intrudes on others 0 1 2 3
Adapted and reprinted with permission from Guilford Press.
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Scoring the ADHD Rating Scale IV - Preschool Version
Scoring Cutoffs for 3-5 year old Children
Odd numbered items: Inattention
Even numbered items: Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
Total Score: All items added together
Scores above the 93%ile are suspicious for but not diagnostic of preschool ADHD.
93rd Percentile score cutoff responses for Boys
Parent Teacher
Inattention: 14 Inattention: 18
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity: 17 Hyperactivity/Impulsivity: 22
Total Score: 32 Total Score: 38
93rd Percentile responses for Girls
Parent Teacher
Inattention: 12 Inattention: 11
Hyperactivity/Impulsivity: 14 Hyperactivity/Impulsivity: 13
Total Score: 24 Total Score: 24
Above data from: McGoey, K. E., DuPaul, G. J., Haley, E., Shelton, T. L. (2007). Parent and
teacher ratings of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in preschool: The ADHD rating scale-
IV preschool version. Journal of Psychopathological and Behavioral Assessment, 29:269-276.
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