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Innovative Attention Screener (IA) Formerly (ADHD) Screening Tool

Understanding Focus & Energy Strengths & Challenges

Section 1: Introduction & Purpose

Welcome to the Innovative Attention Screener (IA) Formerly (ADHD) Screening Tool. This resource is designed to help individuals, parents, and professionals gain a clearer understanding of potential ADHD symptoms related to inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, alongside identifying unique strengths.

Who is this Screening Tool For?

This screener is for individuals of all ages (children, young adults, and adults) who experience persistent challenges with attention, focus, impulsivity, or hyperactivity that impact their daily life, education, or work.

It is managed by a professional (e.g. teacher, SENCo, psychologist, psychiatrist, support worker, or parent) to help guide the process and discuss the results.

What Will This Tool Do?

This tool will help to:

Identify if experiences align with common indicators of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Highlight individual's unique strengths (e.g. creativity, hyperfocus, energy, spontaneity, resilience, problem-solving) often associated with ADHD.
Provide practical insights into learning and working preferences and effective strategies for managing attention and energy.
Guide recommendations for further assessment (e.g. by a specialist ADHD service or psychiatrist), educational adjustments, or workplace accommodations.

Important Information:

It is vital to understand that this is a screening tool, not a formal diagnostic assessment for ADHD. It is designed to inform support and identify the need for further investigation, not to label.

A formal diagnosis of ADHD can typically only be provided by a qualified medical or mental health professional (e.g. paediatrician, psychiatrist, psychologist) with expertise in ADHD.

Our Strengths-Based Approach:

We believe everyone has strengths and unique ways of thinking. This screener, in line with The Dynamic Development Plan framework, focuses on understanding the individual's whole profile. It is not just about identifying challenges, but about recognising their resilience, unique energy, and other talents that can help them thrive.

Let us begin to explore their unique potential!

Section 2: Background & ADHD History

This section helps us understand the individual's history with attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, and how these manifest now. Please complete all relevant fields.

Individual Details & Current Context

1. Full Name of Individual Being Screened:

2. Age:

3. Relationship to Individual (if completing for someone else):

4. Current Education Level / Main Activity:

5. Name of Professional Administering Screener:

6. Date of Screening Tool Completion:

ADHD History & Manifestation

7. Have symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity been present since early childhood (before age 12)?

Yes, since childhood No Not sure

8. Is there any family history of ADHD or related conditions (e.g. learning difficulties, other neurodevelopmental conditions)?

Yes No Not sure

9. Has the individual received any previous support, interventions, or medication for ADHD-like symptoms?

Yes No Not sure

Section 3: Core ADHD Indicators & Observations

Observe or discuss the individual's symptoms related to inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Note their frequency and intensity across different settings.

FOR PROFESSIONAL/PARENT USE ONLY: Observe/discuss and record observations/notes below.

Inattention Symptoms

1. Describe inattention symptoms (e.g. difficulty sustaining attention, easily distracted, often loses things, forgetful, struggles to follow instructions, avoids tasks requiring sustained mental effort):

Hyperactivity & Impulsivity Symptoms

2. Describe hyperactivity symptoms (e.g. fidgets, restless, difficulty staying seated, talks excessively, 'driven by a motor'):

3. Describe impulsivity symptoms (e.g. blurts out answers, interrupts, difficulty waiting turn, acts without thinking, takes risks):

Impact on Functioning

4. How do these symptoms impact daily functioning (e.g. academic performance, social relationships, self-organisation, work productivity)?

5. Overall Observations from Professional/Parent (Optional, but highly recommended):

Note any general observations: patterns across different settings, specific triggers or calming strategies used, variability of symptoms.

Section 4: Strengths & Coping Strategies

This section explores the individual's unique strengths and existing ways of managing ADHD-related challenges.

Individual Strengths

1. Describe the individual's cognitive strengths (e.g. creativity, hyperfocus on interests, problem-solving, spontaneity, energy, resilience, divergent thinking):

2. Describe the individual's social-emotional strengths (e.g. charisma, empathy, humour, enthusiasm, ability to think on feet, resilience):

3. Does the individual have any particular interests or talents where their energy or focus is highly productive?

Existing Coping Strategies

4. What strategies or tools does the individual currently use to try and manage their attention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity?

(e.g. using planners/reminders, fidget toys, exercise, breaking tasks down, seeking active roles, specific routines)

Section 5: Findings & Recommendations

FOR PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY: Use this section to interpret findings and outline actionable recommendations based on the individual's responses and observations.

Overall Profile & Strengths:

Based on all sections, what are the individual's unique strengths and positive attributes?

Potential Indicators of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):

Based on the screening observations, are there consistent indicators of ADHD symptoms (inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity)? (Refer to specific observations from Sections 2, 3, and 4). Avoid definitive diagnosis. Note age-specific manifestations.

Immediate Practical Strategies & Support (The Dynamic Development Plan in Action):

Suggest immediate, practical strategies for home, education, or workplace to support attention, organisation, and energy management. Focus on leveraging strengths and creating supportive environments.

Recommendations for Next Steps & Future Well-being:

What should happen next? Choose one or more options below and provide details.

Recommended Next Steps: Consult with GP/Family Doctor for referral to specialist ADHD service
Discuss with school SENCo/pastoral team for educational support
Explore ADHD coaching or organisational skills training
Explore assistive technology (e.g. reminder apps, dictation)
Consider workplace accommodations (e.g. flexible working, quiet space)
Other (please specify below)

Thank you for completing the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Screening Tool.

This tool is designed to empower you with understanding and practical pathways for your future.

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Innovative Attention Screener (IA) Formerly (ADHD) Screening Tool

Section 1: Introduction & Purpose

Who is this Screening Tool For?

What Will This Tool Do?

Important Information:

Our Strengths-Based Approach:

Section 2: Background & ADHD History

Individual Details & Current Context

ADHD History & Manifestation

Section 3: Core ADHD Indicators & Observations

Inattention Symptoms

Hyperactivity & Impulsivity Symptoms

Impact on Functioning

Section 4: Strengths & Coping Strategies

Individual Strengths

Existing Coping Strategies

Section 5: Findings & Recommendations

Overall Profile & Strengths:

Potential Indicators of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):

Immediate Practical Strategies & Support (The Dynamic Development Plan in Action):

Recommendations for Next Steps & Future Well-being:

DDP Generated Report

Sign up for Newsletter

Innovative Attention Screener (IA) Formerly (ADHD) Screening Tool

Section 1: Introduction & Purpose

Who is this Screening Tool For?

What Will This Tool Do?

Important Information:

Our Strengths-Based Approach:

Section 2: Background & ADHD History

Individual Details & Current Context

ADHD History & Manifestation

Section 3: Core ADHD Indicators & Observations

Inattention Symptoms

Hyperactivity & Impulsivity Symptoms

Impact on Functioning

Section 4: Strengths & Coping Strategies

Individual Strengths

Existing Coping Strategies

Section 5: Findings & Recommendations

Overall Profile & Strengths:

Potential Indicators of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):

Immediate Practical Strategies & Support (The Dynamic Development Plan in Action):

Recommendations for Next Steps & Future Well-being:

DDP Generated Report

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