ADHD Assessment for Adults
The Adult Self-Report Scale (ASRS) Screener is a 6-question multiple-choice assessment (takes 2-4 minutes) that highlights common signs and symptoms of adult ADHD. Here’s how it works:
Read each question carefully and choose the answer that best reflects your experience. Once you’ve answered everything, do not close the page. Your answers will be reviewed instantly, and you will be told whether it is likely that you have ADHD or not. Keep in mind, this is not an official diagnosis.
What you do with that info? Totally up to you.
Consider this a starting point, not a diagnosis. You get to decide whether you want to explore things further with a medical professional, or if you would rather do some self-work.
Who Is This ADHD Test For?
This test is designed for adults 18 and over who haven’t been officially diagnosed with ADHD but are curious whether it might be playing a role in their lives. It doesn’t matter your gender, background, or where you live; if you want more clarity about possible ADHD symptoms, this tool is for you.
Adult ADHD is more common than you think... about 4.4% of adults in both Canada and the U.S. meet the criteria. The problem? Most never realize ADHD is at the root of their challenges, so they end up battling the fallout without knowing what’s actually going on.
How Accurate Is It?
Let’s be real: this test is a starting point, not a diagnosis. Think of it as a checklist of common ADHD symptoms, not a crystal ball. You won’t get a full evaluation from an online quiz or a 10-minute doctor’s visit.
Why? Because other conditions can look a lot like ADHD. That’s why only a qualified professional can rule things out, dig deep into your medical and psychiatric history, and give you an actual diagnosis. If the test results hit home, the next step is connecting with someone trained to do a thorough assessment.
Who Created It?
The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS-v1.1) Symptom Checklist was developed in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Workgroup on Adult ADHD that included the following team of psychiatrists and researchers: • Lenard Adler, MD Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Neurology New York University Medical School • Ronald C. Kessler, PhD Professor, Department of Health Care Policy Harvard Medical School • Thomas Spencer, MD Associate Professor of Psychiatry Harvard Medical School. Content of the questionnaire also reflects the importance that DSM-IV places on symptoms, impairments, and history for a correct diagnosis.
Support
So... What even is Adult ADHD Coaching?
Adult ADHD coaching is like having a strategy partner for your brain. It’s not therapy, it’s about helping you cut through the chaos of daily life and get stuff done. A coach helps you set goals, build routines, and design systems that work for you now, and for the long-term. From managing emotion, money and time to navigating relationships and career moves, ADHD coaching gives you practical tools, accountability, and a little extra fire under your butt so you can stop spinning your wheels and start moving forward.
How to Get the Most Out of ADHD Coaching
ADHD coaching works best when you’re ready to roll up your sleeves. That means:
Owning the fact that something isn’t working.
Actually wanting to make changes (not just collecting strategies like Pinterest boards you never use).
Being willing to carve out time to build new systems.
And most importantly... actually trying out those systems instead of ghosting them after a week.
Now, sometimes life throws curveballs that can make coaching more complicated. When that happens, it doesn’t mean coaching “failed” and it doesn't mean you are "un-coachable"... it just means you might need extra support from a medical or mental health pro. Situations like:
You’ve been given strategies but haven’t applied them consistently, even with reminders.
You’re dealing with additional untreated conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, substance use, or personality disorders.
You’re in the middle of major life stress (divorce, grief, relationship upheaval) and could benefit more from licensed therapy.
You’re managing a serious illness or chronic health condition that demands more attention right now.
In those cases, a coach should collaborate with the other professionals on your team (doctors, therapists, whoever’s in the mix), because the best results often come from a combo of approaches. Sometimes that means medication or therapy alongside coaching. And sometimes it means hitting pause on coaching altogether and focusing on medical or therapeutic care first.
The goal is always the same: making sure you get the kind of support that actually moves the needle in your life.
How is Coaching Different from Therapy ?
Sometimes coaching looks a lot like traditional ADHD interventions... Think goal-setting, prioritizing, motivation, organization, planning, problem-solving, stress management, impulse control, confidence-building, communication skills, and memory tricks. The difference? Coaching runs on a wellness model.
Licensed mental health pros—psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, nurse practitioners, marriage and family therapists are trained (and required by law) to diagnose and treat conditions like depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and other complex emotional or relational struggles.
Coaches bring structure, accountability, and real-world strategies, and habits that make day-to-day life smoother. That can mean everything from managing your money, running your household, and sticking to routines, to building healthier habits around food, movement, and sleep.
Different lanes, different training, different goals—but both can play an important role depending on what kind of support you’re looking for.
If you are looking for a diagnosis or confirmation that you have ADHD, you need to work with a licensed mental health professional. But if what you need is a safe space to ask questions and find solutions to your challenges that is where I can help.
How to Choose an ADHD Coach?
Step 1: Know What You Want
Coaching is a two-way street, so finding the right match matters. Knowing your preferences upfront helps you avoid mismatches and wasted time. Before you start shopping around, ask yourself:
Do I want sessions face-to-face, or am I cool with phone, Zoom, or text check-ins?
Do I care whether my coach is male, female, or non-binary?
Would I benefit from someone with a background in business, academia, parenting, or another area that overlaps with my life?
Do I want a coach who’s big on energy, or someone with a calmer, steadier vibe?
Is humour important to me, or would I prefer someone who keeps it strictly serious?
Step 2: Do Your Homework
Compile a shortlist of ADHD coaches who have actual training in ADHD coaching. Use reputable directories, check out neurovetted.com, local ADD.org or CHADD chapters, or ask trusted medical, mental health, or educational professionals for referrals. Then research like you mean it! Read their websites, check their credentials, and don’t be shy about interviewing them (via email or zoom if they offer). Some smart questions to ask:
What’s your education and training background?
How long have you been coaching?
How many ADHD clients have you worked with?
Did you receive formal training or certification in ADHD coaching?
Do you have experience with people in my situation (college, career, parenting, relationships, etc.)?
What’s your coaching style and philosophy?
What’s your confidentiality policy?
What are your fees, packages, and expectations?
Step 3: Trust Your Gut
Take notes on the answers, but also pay attention to how you feel during the interaction. Did you feel like their answers demonstrated they 'get you"? Did their style fit your personality? Were they clear about expectations, or did they dodge your questions?
Step 4: Choose the Coach and Book!
Review your notes, weigh your options, and choose the coach who feels like the best fit for your goals and personality.