Childhood ADHD Test for Adults
Did I have ADHD as a child? Reflect on your childhood experiences with this free screening.
The WURS-25 (Wender Utah Rating Scale) is an evidence-based retrospective screening tool that helps adults assess whether they experienced ADHD symptoms during childhood. Since ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins in childhood, this screening provides important context for adult ADHD diagnosis.
25 questions, takes about 5 minutes. Free, confidential, and no email required. Combined with the ASRS adult ADHD test, these two tools provide 96.4% screening accuracy.
Important Disclaimer
This is a retrospective screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. It relies on your memory of childhood, which may be incomplete. Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose ADHD. This tool is for informational and educational purposes only.
How to Answer These Questions
Think back to when you were a child (roughly ages 6-12). For each statement, rate how much it applied to you during childhood, from “Not at all or very slightly” to “Very much”. Try to answer based on your genuine recollections rather than what you think the “right” answer might be. If you are unsure, go with your gut feeling.
As a child, I had concentration problems or was easily distracted
Why Are Childhood ADHD Symptoms Important for Adult Diagnosis?
Understanding why clinicians ask about your childhood
ADHD is classified as a neurodevelopmental condition in both the DSM-5 and ICD-11. This means it develops during childhood, even if it is not recognised or diagnosed until adulthood. For a formal ADHD diagnosis, clinicians need to establish that symptoms were present during childhood:
- DSM-5 criteria: Several symptoms must have been present before age 12
- ICD-11 criteria: Onset of symptoms during the developmental period (typically childhood)
Many adults with ADHD were never identified as children. This is particularly common for women with ADHD, who often present with the inattentive type and may have been described as “daydreamers” or “scatterbrained” rather than recognised as having ADHD. Similarly, children who performed well academically through masking or compensatory strategies may have flown under the radar.
The WURS-25 helps you systematically review your childhood experiences across key areas including concentration, emotional regulation, impulsivity, social functioning, and academic performance. This information can be valuable evidence when preparing for your ADHD assessment.
What Does the WURS-25 Measure?
The three factor domains assessed by this childhood ADHD screening
Inattention and Hyperactivity
Core ADHD symptoms including concentration difficulties, fidgeting, daydreaming, trouble finishing tasks, and academic underachievement.
Mood and Emotional Regulation
Temper outbursts, moodiness, irritability, impulsive behaviour, and difficulty controlling emotions. These overlap with emotional dysregulation commonly seen in adult ADHD.
Self-Perception and Social Functioning
Low self-esteem, guilt, difficulty with peer relationships, and authority conflicts. These patterns often continue into adulthood as self-esteem difficulties and rejection sensitivity.
Important Information
Please read the following before interpreting your results
This screening tool is based on the WURS-25 and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a diagnostic instrument.
The WURS-25 relies on retrospective self-report of childhood experiences. Memory is inherently imperfect, and your recollections may not fully capture your childhood ADHD symptoms.
A high score suggests childhood symptoms consistent with ADHD but does not confirm an ADHD diagnosis. A low score does not rule out ADHD, as many people with ADHD have poor recall of childhood difficulties.
This tool is designed for adults (18+) reflecting on their childhood. It should not be used to assess current symptoms in children.
Your responses are processed entirely in your browser and are not stored, transmitted, or shared with anyone. We do not collect any personal data.
ADHD Mentor provides practical mentoring support and is not a clinical or medical service. Caitlin Hollywood is not a doctor, psychologist, or licensed therapist.
Using the WURS-25 and ASRS Together
Why combining childhood and current symptom screening gives the best results
Research by Brevik et al. (2020) found that combining the WURS-25 with the ASRS achieves 96.4% screening accuracy (AUC of 0.964). This is because each tool captures a different dimension:
WURS-25 (This Test)
Assesses childhood symptoms retrospectively. Establishes whether ADHD-related difficulties were present during development, which is required for diagnosis.
ASRS v1.1
Assesses current adult symptoms. Identifies whether ADHD symptoms are present now and causing impairment in daily life, work, or relationships.
We recommend taking both tests and sharing the results with your GP or specialist. This gives them a comprehensive screening picture covering both the developmental history and current presentation required for an ADHD diagnosis.
References
- Ward, M. F., Wender, P. H., & Reimherr, F. W. (1993). The Wender Utah Rating Scale: An aid in the retrospective diagnosis of childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 150(6), 885–890.
- Brevik, E. J., Lundervold, A. J., Haavik, J., & Posserud, M. B. (2020). Validity and accuracy of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS) symptom checklists in discriminating between adults with and without ADHD. Brain and Behavior, 10(6), e01605.
- Rösler, M., Retz, W., Thome, J., Schneider, M., Stieglitz, R. D., & Falkai, P. (2006). Psychopathological rating scales for diagnostic use in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, 256, i3–i11.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the WURS-25 childhood ADHD screening
Why do I need to assess childhood ADHD symptoms?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, which means it starts in childhood. To receive an ADHD diagnosis as an adult, clinicians need evidence that symptoms were present before age 12 (DSM-5) or caused impairment by age 7 (ICD-10). The WURS-25 helps you reflect on your childhood experiences before your assessment.
What is the WURS-25?
The Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS-25) is a 25-item self-report questionnaire developed by Ward, Wender, and Reimherr in 1993. It asks adults to rate how much they experienced various ADHD-related behaviours during childhood. It is one of the most widely used retrospective ADHD screening tools worldwide, with over 5,000 citations in academic research.
How accurate is the WURS-25?
Research by Brevik et al. (2020) found the WURS-25 has an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.956, making it one of the most discriminating ADHD self-report tools available. When combined with the ASRS for current symptoms, the two tools together achieve an AUC of 0.964, providing very strong screening accuracy.
What do the WURS-25 scores mean?
A score of 46 or above out of 100 is the validated clinical cutoff, suggesting significant childhood ADHD symptoms. A score of 30-45 may still warrant discussion with a professional, as it falls in the community screening range. Scores below 30 suggest fewer childhood ADHD-related experiences, though memory limitations mean a low score cannot rule out ADHD.
Can I take this test if I was never diagnosed as a child?
Yes, absolutely. Most adults seeking ADHD assessment were never diagnosed as children. This is especially common for women, people with the inattentive presentation, and those who performed well academically despite struggling internally. The WURS-25 was specifically designed for adults reflecting back on their childhood.
What if I can't remember my childhood clearly?
Memory of childhood is naturally imperfect. Answer as honestly as you can based on what you do remember. If possible, speaking with a parent, sibling, or someone who knew you as a child can help fill in gaps. Old school reports can also provide useful evidence of childhood difficulties.
Should I take this test alongside the ASRS?
Yes, this is strongly recommended. The WURS-25 assesses childhood symptoms while the ASRS assesses current adult symptoms. Together, they provide a comprehensive picture that clinicians find very useful. Research shows the two tools combined have a diagnostic accuracy of 96.4%.
Is this test free and confidential?
Yes. This childhood ADHD screening is completely free. Your answers are processed in your browser and are not stored, shared, or transmitted. No email is required to see your results.
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