Vanderbilt ADHD Assessment Scale (NICHQ): Parent + Teacher Forms, Scoring Guide

The NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scales are validated parent and teacher rating forms for ADHD evaluation in children ages 6–12, endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

What is the NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scale?

The NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scales are a set of rating forms developed by the National Institute for Children's Health Quality (NICHQ) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for the clinical evaluation of ADHD in children ages 6–12. Originally published by Wolraich et al. and revised in subsequent studies, the Vanderbilt scales are the preferred ADHD assessment tool in primary care pediatric settings across North America.

The scales have two initial assessment forms, the Parent Assessment Scale (55 items) and the Teacher Assessment Scale (43 items), and corresponding follow-up forms used to monitor treatment response. Both forms assess ADHD symptom domains (inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity) as well as comorbid conditions including oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD), and anxiety/depression. Crucially, both forms include a performance subscale evaluating academic performance and classroom/social behavior, which is required for a DSM-5-TR ADHD diagnosis (impairment across two settings).

The Vanderbilt scales are freely available for download from NICHQ and the AAP. Symptoms are rated on a 4-point frequency scale (Never / Occasionally / Often / Very Often), and the performance section is rated 1–5 (1 = excellent, 5 = problematic). A positive screen requires at least 6 of 9 inattentive OR 6 of 9 hyperactive/impulsive symptoms rated Often or Very Often, plus at least one performance item rated 4 or 5.

Both Parent AND Teacher Forms Required

DSM-5-TR requires ADHD symptoms to be present in two or more settings. Completing both parent and teacher forms is essential for a valid ADHD evaluation. Relying on a single informant can miss or overestimate symptoms.

Freely Available, No License Required

The NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scales are freely available for use in clinical and educational settings. Forms can be downloaded from NICHQ.org and the AAP at no cost.

Vanderbilt Forms & Subscales

Parent Assessment Scale

9 DSM-5-TR inattention symptoms. Positive screen: ≥6 rated Often or Very Often.

9 DSM-5-TR H/I symptoms. Positive screen: ≥6 rated Often or Very Often.

8 ODD symptoms (4+ rated Often/Very Often for ODD screen).

14 anxiety and mood symptoms for comorbidity screening.

Teacher Assessment Scale

9 DSM-5-TR inattention symptoms. Positive screen: ≥6 rated Often or Very Often.

9 DSM-5-TR H/I symptoms. Positive screen: ≥6 rated Often or Very Often.

Oppositional defiant and conduct disorder symptom items.

Academic performance in reading, mathematics, written expression, and science.

Rated 1–5. Scores ≥4 indicate problematic performance impairment.

NICHQ Vanderbilt Scoring & Interpretation

Symptom Subscale Scoring (items 1–36)

Performance Scale Scoring (1–5)

• 1 Excellent, above average performance
• 2 Above average
• 3 Average
• 4 Somewhat of a problem, clinical attention indicated
• 5 Problematic, significant impairment requiring intervention

A score of 4 or 5 on any performance item indicates functional impairment and is required (alongside symptom criteria) for a positive ADHD screen.

NICHQ Vanderbilt vs ASRS: Pediatric vs Adult ADHD

The Vanderbilt and ASRS serve distinct populations. Understanding both is key for lifespan ADHD care.

Clinical Guidance: Many children with ADHD carry the diagnosis into adulthood. Clinics serving both pediatric and adult populations need both tools: Vanderbilt for children 6–12 with parent and teacher input, and ASRS for adults who self-report their own symptoms. Transitional-age youth (13–17) are not well served by either tool, consider the Conners 3 or SNAP-IV for adolescents.

Documenting NICHQ Vanderbilt scores in clinical notes?

NICHQ Vanderbilt scores belong in the Objective section of your note. See our SOAP notes guide and Intake Notes guide for templates and examples.

NICHQ Vanderbilt FAQs