Symptoms Tests for ADHD and Related Conditions https://www.additudemag.com ADHD symptom tests, ADD medication & treatment, behavior & discipline, school & learning essentials, organization and more information for families and individuals living with attention deficit and comorbid conditions Thu, 12 Feb 2026 01:08:47 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 https://i0.wp.com/www.additudemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/cropped-additude-favicon-512x512-1.png?w=32&crop=0%2C0px%2C100%2C32px&ssl=1 Symptoms Tests for ADHD and Related Conditions https://www.additudemag.com 32 32 216910310 Hypermobility Self-Test: Get Your Beighton Score https://www.additudemag.com/beighton-score-hypermobility-test/ https://www.additudemag.com/beighton-score-hypermobility-test/#respond Mon, 20 Oct 2025 17:13:28 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?p=388284 Hypermobility is a condition in which the joints have an unusually large range of motion. Curiously, studies have shown that neurodivergent individuals are more likely to experience hypermobility than the general population.1 What’s more, hypermobility may be a common thread binding neurodivergence to a range of physical health problems.

“Joint hypermobility is actually a red herring,” said Jessica Eccles, Ph.D., a researcher at the Department of Neuroscience at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, in an ADDitude webinar. “It is the product of a difference in the cling film in our body — the connective tissue, which is everywhere — which means that joints can move further than they normally should.”

Hypermobility doesn’t cause problems for most people. Some individuals, however, suffer from a hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) or hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDs). These conditions cause the connective tissue to become floppy, leading to problems including but not limited to:

  • fatigue
  • headaches
  • gut issues
  • autonomic dysfunction
  • anxiety
  • poor proprioception awareness
  • pain, dislocations, and injury

Hypermobility is typically diagnosed through a patient questionnaire and/or examination-based assessments like the Beighton score.

Answer the following questions to see if you may have joint hypermobility. Share the results with your doctor. These self-tests are for personal use, only. They are not diagnostic tools.

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

Hypermobility and Neurodivergence: Next Steps

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Thank you for reading ADDitude. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Thank you.

Sources

1 Csecs, J. L. L., Iodice, V., Rae, C. L., Brooke, A., Simmons, R., Quadt, L., Savage, G. K., Dowell, N. G., Prowse, F., Themelis, K., Mathias, C. J., Critchley, H. D., & Eccles, J. A. (2022). Joint Hypermobility Links Neurodivergence to Dysautonomia and Pain. Frontiers in psychiatry, 12, 786916. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.786916

]]> https://www.additudemag.com/beighton-score-hypermobility-test/feed/ 0 388284 Quiz: Are You the Next Steve Jobs? https://www.additudemag.com/entrepreneur-quiz-neurodivergent/ https://www.additudemag.com/entrepreneur-quiz-neurodivergent/#respond Mon, 11 Aug 2025 17:38:37 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?p=385267 Curiosity. Risk tolerance. Innovative thinking. Persistence. These common ADHD traits are also the building blocks of entrepreneurial genius. Just ask neurodivergent business trailblazers like Richard Branson of the Virgin Group and John Chambers of Cisco.

To measure your entrepreneurial potential and acumen, respond to the following statements. But remember: Having entrepreneurial traits is just the first step – succeeding in business also requires persistence through tedious tasks, creative financial management, comfort with uncertainty, and a dedicated team.

I often feel held back by seemingly arbitrary rules at work.

I do my best work when the business culture and mission align with my values.

I frequently see better ways to do things at work, even if I can’t always implement change.

I excel when I have freedom and flexibility at work.

I hyperfocus on projects that interest me, sometimes losing track of time.

I’m often frustrated by the routines and procedures of traditional workplaces, from the number of meetings to the pace of work.

I would rather ask for forgiveness than permission.

I challenge conventional wisdom when I see a better way.

I trust my gut and act on instincts.

I am a highly curious person.

I have a higher-than-average tolerance for risk.

Mistakes don’t faze me; I view them as learning opportunities.

I enjoy out-of-the-box thinking and creative problem-solving.

I work well under pressure and remain calm in a crisis.

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

The questions in this resource were derived, in part, from the ADDitude ADHD Experts webinar titled, “The Neurodivergent Female Entrepreneur: How to Build a Business That Works for Your ADHD Brain” [Video Replay & Podcast 540] with Diann Wingert, which was broadcast on January 22, 2025.

Entrepreneurship and Neurodivergence: Next Steps

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Thank you for reading ADDitude. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Thank you.

]]> https://www.additudemag.com/entrepreneur-quiz-neurodivergent/feed/ 0 385267 “Why Chronic Pain is So Common Among Neurodivergent Youth” [Video Replay & Podcast #577] https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/austim-adhd-and-chronic-pain/ https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/austim-adhd-and-chronic-pain/#respond Fri, 01 Aug 2025 15:25:58 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?post_type=webinar&p=384679 Episode Description

Chronic pain is more common in autistic children and teens with and without ADHD than it is in neurotypical youth. Conditions such as migraines, gastrointestinal pain, and musculoskeletal pain occur at significantly higher rates in neurodivergent populations, yet these symptoms are often overlooked or misunderstood by medical professionals and caregivers.

Emerging research suggests that autistic children and teens with and without ADHD may be more susceptible to developing chronic pain, perhaps because differences in sensory processing, emotional regulation, and communication shape how they experience and express pain. These unique factors can make it challenging for caregivers and health care professionals to recognize and address chronic pain in neurodivergent individuals.

If left unaddressed, chronic pain can profoundly impact a child’s daily life — affecting academic performance, physical function, social relationships, and emotional well-being.

In this webinar, experts in autism, ADHD, and chronic pain will provide insights into the science and lived experiences of children navigating these overlapping challenges. In this webinar, caregivers and professionals will learn:

  • Why chronic pain is more common in autistic children with and without ADHD: How sensory differences, stress, and co-occurring conditions like anxiety may contribute to pain.
  • How pain presents in unique ways: Why autistic children with and without ADHD may express or experience pain differently — and how this can make it harder to recognize.
  • The impact on daily life: How chronic pain affects school, social interactions, and emotional health, and how pain-related distress may show up as irritability, withdrawal, or other behaviors.
  • Strategies to reduce pain’s impact: Evidence-based approaches for caregivers, including medical interventions, coping tools, sensory supports, and environmental adjustments.
  • How to communicate with doctors and teachers: Tips for navigating the healthcare and school systems and advocating for appropriate supports.

Watch the Video Replay

Enter your email address in the box above labeled “Video Replay + Slide Access” to watch the video replay (closed captions available) and download the slide presentation.

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 Chronic Pain, Autism, and ADHD: Resources

Obtain a Certificate of Attendance

If you attended the live webinar on September 9, watched the video replay, or listened to the podcast, you may purchase a certificate of attendance option (cost: $10). Note: ADDitude does not offer CEU credits. Click here to purchase the certificate of attendance option »

Meet the Expert Speakers

Gloria T. Han, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Pain Medicine, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. She also serves as a pediatric pain psychologist in the pediatric pain clinic at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, where she collaborates with physicians, physical therapists, and occupational therapists to support a high proportion of children and teens navigating autism, ADHD, and pain-related challenges. Dr. Han’s clinical and research efforts focus on the intersection of autism and chronic pain, particularly how features of autism — such as differences in sensory, emotional, and social information processing — may contribute to an increased vulnerability for chronic pain. By identifying these developmental pathways, she hopes to expand upon current evidence-based strategies for managing chronic pain and develop effective interventions tailored to the specific needs of neurodivergent youth facing these overlapping challenges.

Anna C. Wilson, Ph.D., is a Professor of Pediatrics at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). She is also a pediatric psychologist at the Pediatric Pain Management Clinic at OHSU/Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, which provides multidisciplinary care for children and teens with a variety of chronic pain conditions. Dr. Wilson’s research has focused on the prevention of chronic pain in children and adolescents, with a focus on studying how parents and parenting influence children’s pain experiences. She has also recently conducted work on how pain experiences in young people relate to ADHD symptoms. Her work has been supported by the National Institutes of Health, the Medical Research Foundation of Oregon, and the Friends of Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. Together with health journalist Rachel Rabkin Peachman, Dr. Wilson authored When Children Feel Pain: From Everyday Aches to Chronic Conditions (Harvard University Press, 2022). (#CommissionsEarned) This book tells the story of pain in childhood, why it has been poorly understood even by doctors and nurses, and how we can better support all children and reduce the negative impact of chronic pain.

#CommissionsEarned As an Amazon Associate, ADDitude earns a commission from qualifying purchases made by ADDitude readers on the affiliate links we share. However, all products linked in the ADDitude Store have been independently selected by our editors and/or recommended by our readers. Prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication.

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]]> https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/austim-adhd-and-chronic-pain/feed/ 0 384679 [Self-Test] Were You Raised by Emotionally Immature People? https://www.additudemag.com/emotionally-immature-parents-quiz/ https://www.additudemag.com/emotionally-immature-parents-quiz/#respond Thu, 24 Jul 2025 14:21:35 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?p=383501 During your childhood, did your parents lack empathy or accountability, ignore boundaries, engage in emotional outbursts, have huge egos, or specialize in guilt tripping?

Parental emotional immaturity manifests in many ways that can significantly influence a child’s well-being. As adults, children of emotionally immature parents may carry resentment, have difficulty navigating relationships with their parents and others, and may inadvertently continue the cycle with their own children.

Answer these questions to determine if you were raised by emotionally immature people. For each question, select the response that best matches your experience growing up. Add up your points at the end for a total score.

As a child, I was saddled with adult responsibilities that were not age-appropriate (e.g., missing school to take care of my siblings or acting as a therapist for my parents).

When I expressed my feelings or thoughts, my parent(s) often dismissed them or responded as if my experiences weren’t real or valid.

As a child, whenever I met a goal or fulfilled a promise (like getting good grades), my parent(s) would move the goal posts and tell me it wasn’t good enough.

My parent(s) put their needs and desires above their children’s.

My parent(s) were intrusive and used guilt to persuade me to change my decisions, from relationship matters to my chosen career path.

Arguments with my parent(s) were frequently left unresolved and, afterward, it was if nothing happened; they moved on without any discussion or closure.

My parent(s) twisted my words or created arguments based on things I never said or implied.

Gifts or financial help from my parent(s) often came with strings attached and the threat of withdrawing support if I didn’t comply.

My parent(s) held grudges about things I had done wrong over the years, using them to guilt-trip me.

I felt as if I had to prove myself to my parents through achievements or a willingness to meet their expectations.

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

The questions in this resource were derived from the ADDitude ADHD Experts webinar, “Healing from the Impact of Toxic or Emotionally Immature Parents,” [Video Replay & Podcast #557]  with Amy Marlow-MaCoy, LPC. This self-test is intended for personal use only. It is not intended as a diagnostic tool. 

Emotionally Immature Parents: Next Steps

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Thank you for reading ADDitude. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Thank you.

]]> https://www.additudemag.com/emotionally-immature-parents-quiz/feed/ 0 383501 Is Your Child Showing Signs of Pathological Demand Avoidance? https://www.additudemag.com/pathological-demand-avoidance-symptoms-children-test/ https://www.additudemag.com/pathological-demand-avoidance-symptoms-children-test/#respond Mon, 09 Jun 2025 17:46:44 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?p=381504 Pathological demand avoidance (PDA), also known as pervasive or persistent drive for autonomy, is a behavioral profile characterized by intense and extreme resistance to, and avoidance of, everyday demands.

In the context of PDA, what counts as a demand extends beyond direct instructions like “clean your room.” The common, trivial requirements and expectations of daily living — from getting dressed for school and responding to a greeting, to following the body’s internal cues to eat and sleep — are often perceived as demands. Casual suggestions can also be interpreted as demands. For children with PDA, even engaging in activities they enjoy can become difficult if it feels like it was someone else’s idea or even a self-imposed demand.

Children with PDA might go to extreme or unusual lengths to avoid complying with a demand. When pressured to comply, they’ll often melt down or react explosively.

PDA is a little-explored behavioral profile, and it is not recognized as a distinct diagnosis. There is debate over how it should be conceptualized. Some view PDA as a profile of autism, while others view it as a cluster of behaviors that can be exhibited by both adults and children, whether they are autistic or not, though it is often associated with neurodivergence.

PDA is thought to arise from intense anxiety, intolerance of uncertainty, and a strong need for autonomy; PDA individuals, stress-prone and with sensitive nervous systems, view demands as inherently threatening to their sense of safety and control. Strategies for supporting PDA children include low-demand, collaborative parenting; reducing or rephrasing demands; and offering autonomy.

Take this self-test to see if your child may be showing signs of PDA and share the results with a licensed medical professional. Find a PDA-affirming provider through PDA North America, a non-profit organization.

My child often avoids or refuses to do most things that are asked of them, whether it’s everyday instructions (e.g., “Put on your shoes”) or typical steps in their routine (e.g., “Brush your teeth”).

My child often seems to perceive even the smallest, most reasonable questions or comments (e.g., “What are you up to today?” “Shall we get dessert?” “Watch this funny video!” “Are you reading that book this summer?”) as demands.

My child often avoids or refuses to do things they enjoy (e.g., playing video games, watching a TV show) or that come easily to them if those things feel like demands or expectations.

My child often resists acting on normal bodily functions, like cues to use the bathroom, eat when they’re hungry, or sleep when they’re tired.

My child often resists doing things that are ordinarily expected and within their capacity, like making eye contact in conversation, leaving the home on time for appointments, or eating at the dinner table with the family.

My child often has difficulty complying with requests made by their teachers, family members, friends, and others.

My child often has a strong need for autonomy and control. They almost always want to be in charge and do things on their terms.

My child often has meltdowns, tantrums, and intense reactions when pressured to comply with demands or expectations.

My child often appears dominant, stubborn, and controlling.

My child’s mood often changes suddenly when a demand is placed on them. They’ll go from cheerful to quiet or angry in a flash.

My child often goes to great lengths to avoid complying with demands—through deployment of distractions, elaborate excuses, jokes, withdrawal, negotiation, storytelling, and other strategies.

My child often doesn’t respond well to rewards and praise; they seem to interpret them as demands.

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

The questions in this self-test were informed by resources from PDA North America and PDA Society (UK), ADDitude articles on PDA (see next steps below), and published research on PDA. This resource is for personal use only; it is not intended as a diagnostic tool.

Pathological Demand Avoidance: Next Steps

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Thank you for reading ADDitude. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Thank you.

Sources

1 O’Nions, E., Eaton, J. (2020). Extreme/‘pathological’ demand avoidance: an overview. Paediatrics and Child Health, 30(12), 411-415. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paed.2020.09.002

2 Kildahl, A. N., Helverschou, S. B., Rysstad, A. L., Wigaard, E., Hellerud, J. M., Ludvigsen, L. B., & Howlin, P. (2021). Pathological demand avoidance in children and adolescents: A systematic review. Autism, 25(8), 2162-2176. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613211034382

3 Nawaz, S., Speer, S. (2025). What are the experiences and support needs of families of autistic children with extreme (or ‘pathological’) demand avoidance (E/PDA) behaviours? Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 119, 102515. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2024.102515

4 O’Nions, E., Happé, F., Viding, E. et al. (2021). Extreme demand avoidance in children with autism spectrum disorder: refinement of a caregiver-report measure. Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders, 5, 269-281. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41252-021-00203-z

5 Stuart, L., Grahame, V., Honey, E., & Freeston, M. (2020). Intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety as explanatory frameworks for extreme demand avoidance in children and adolescents. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 25(2), 59–67. https://doi.org/10.1111/camh.12336

6 White, R., Livingston, L. A., Taylor, E. C., Close, S. A. D., Shah, P., & Callan, M. J. (2023). Understanding the contributions of trait autism and anxiety to extreme demand avoidance in the adult general population. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53(7), 2680–2688. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05469-3

]]> https://www.additudemag.com/pathological-demand-avoidance-symptoms-children-test/feed/ 0 381504 [Self-Test] Screen and Phone Addiction Screener https://www.additudemag.com/screen-addiction-test-adults/ https://www.additudemag.com/screen-addiction-test-adults/#respond Fri, 03 Jan 2025 20:32:40 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?p=368696 The average American checks their phone 205 times a day — about once every five minutes during waking hours.1 Nearly 45% of people report experiencing phone addiction, and about 40% of people feel panic or anxiety when their phone battery goes below 20%.

Smartphones and, by extension, social media consume more of our time and attention than most of us realize. This isn’t accidental; devices and apps are designed to keep us hooked. It’s why many of us experience “FOMO” (fear of missing out) and other negative feelings when we’re not connected — all signs of unhealthy screen use. For people with ADHD, the risk of developing unhealthy digital habits may be even greater due impulsivity, altered reward processing, and difficulty with boredom.

Answer these questions to see how your digital habits measure up and how you can cultivate healthier screen habits.

I spend more time on my smartphone, computer, or device than I want to each day.

I am often distracted by notifications on my smartphone, computer, or other devices.

I check my phone compulsively, often without thinking — it feels automatic.

I worry about what I’m missing if I don’t check my smartphone or social media accounts.

I become irritable, anxious, or sad when I don’t have access to my devices or can’t check social media.

I am unhappy with my social media presence.

I use social media as a substitute for real-life social interactions.

After I go on social media, I often feel inadequate or disappointed with my life.

It is difficult for me to resist looking at my device(s) when I’m doing other things, like working, studying, spending time with others, walking, or driving.

I am a passive social media user; I lurk without much interaction, mindlessly scroll, and seldom post.

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

The questions in this resource were derived from ADDitude’s ADHD Experts webinar titled, “The Journey to Independence: A Parent’s Guide to Delayed Adulthood with ADHD” [Video Replay & Podcast #503] with Anthony Rostain, M.D., M.A., which was broadcast on May 1, 2024.

Screen Addiction and ADHD: Next Steps

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Thank you for reading ADDitude. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Thank you.

Sources

1 Wheelwright, T. (2024, Dec. 16). Cell Phone Usage Stats 2024: Americans Check Their Phones 205 Times a Day. https://www.reviews.org/mobile/cell-phone-addiction/

]]> https://www.additudemag.com/screen-addiction-test-adults/feed/ 0 368696 Self-Test: Could Your Preschooler Have ADHD? https://www.additudemag.com/signs-of-adhd-in-5-year-old-quiz-preschool/ https://www.additudemag.com/signs-of-adhd-in-5-year-old-quiz-preschool/#respond Wed, 23 Oct 2024 02:06:42 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?p=365599 ADHD is typically diagnosed in elementary school, when focus and attention are required to master reading and math, however its symptoms can appear in kindergarten and even preschool.

The signs of ADHD in children ages 3 to 5 are commonly related to hyperactivity and impulsivity. Preschoolers with ADHD might struggle to sit still, follow instructions, or engage in quiet play, among other behaviors, which can affect their interactions at home and in nursery school or daycare.

What distinguishes these symptoms from typical preschool behaviors? The degree to which they impair a child and family’s day-to-day functioning. Parents and clinicians should also note a child’s progress on developmental milestones to help determine whether ADHD may be in the picture. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial and can lead to better outcomes in a child’s development and learning.

Answer the questions in this self-test to assess whether your preschooler may be showing symptoms of ADHD. Share the results with your pediatrician.

My child moves quickly from toy to toy when in playtime.

My child will often interrupt me or other adults, whether we’re on the phone or having an in-person conversation.

My child struggles to follow directions and routines.

My child is highly reactive and has intense emotional responses.

My child is constantly on the go and “bouncing off the walls.”

My child reaches for hot objects, like the stovetop or a hot plate of food on the table, even when I warn them not to.

My child often engages in risky behaviors, such as jumping from tall heights at the playground and bolting across the street without looking.

My child has difficulty adjusting their behavior based on the setting (e.g., library vs. playground).

My child often makes noises while doing tasks (outside of playing with toys).

My child struggles to follow rules or take turns when playing games with other kids.

My child struggles to pay attention for 5 to 10 minutes during story time, while making arts and crafts, and while participating in other non-screen activities.

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

The questions in this ADHD in preschoolers test are informed, in part, by criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) and from the ADDitude ADHD Experts Webinar titled, “ADHD in Preschool: Early Diagnosis & Intervention for Young Children” [Video Replay & Podcast #516] with Alexis Bancroft, Ph.D., and Cynthia Martin, Psy.D., which was broadcast on August 8, 2024. This ADHD in preschoolers test is designed to screen for the possibility of ADHD symptoms in children ages 3 to 5, and it is intended for personal use only. This unofficial screener is not intended as a diagnostic tool.

Signs of ADHD in Preschoolers: Next Steps

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Thank you for reading ADDitude. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Thank you.

]]> https://www.additudemag.com/signs-of-adhd-in-5-year-old-quiz-preschool/feed/ 0 365599 [Screener] Social Anxiety Test for Teens https://www.additudemag.com/social-anxiety-test-for-teens/ https://www.additudemag.com/social-anxiety-test-for-teens/#respond Mon, 16 Sep 2024 15:15:14 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?p=363223 Social anxiety disorder is a common mental health condition that can significantly impact a teenager’s daily life. About 10% of teens have been diagnosed with the disorder,1 though its actual prevalence is likely higher, especially as anxiety rates in adolescents have skyrocketed in recent years, prompting the U.S. Surgeon General to issue an advisory that warned of a youth mental health crisis.

Teens with social anxiety disorder experience persistent and excessive fear in social settings that goes beyond shyness or nervousness. They worry so much about being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated in front of others that they avoid activities they would otherwise enjoy. Social anxiety often manifests as physical symptoms like sweating, trembling, or a racing heart, as well as emotional signs like irritability, self-doubt, and withdrawal from social interactions.

Social anxiety disorder is associated with other mental health conditions, including ADHD. “Many teens and young adults with ADHD are susceptible to social anxiety due to executive functioning challenges that impair emotional control, working memory, and self-awareness (metacognition),” writes Sharon Saline, Psy.D. “They may avoid specific triggering situations such as in-person classes or feel intensely nervous and uncomfortable in any social environment.”

Recognizing the signs of social anxiety disorder in your child is crucial for early intervention and support. Answer the questions in this self-test to help you assess whether your teen may be showing symptoms of social anxiety disorder. Share the results with your child’s doctor.

My teen fears striking up conversations with strangers and meeting unfamiliar people, even other teens.

The thought of being observed doing anything — i.e., eating, drinking, playing sports, ordering food, or speaking on the phone or in class — fills my teen with worry.

My teen constantly worries that others will pick up on their anxiety — through blushing or sweating, for example — and tease or humiliate them for it.

Some social situations cause my teen to cry, throw tantrums, tremble, and/or freeze and clam up.

If my teen can’t avoid social situations that provoke anxiety, they’ll endure them — with lots of fear and unease.

My child worries about coming off as stupid, weak, boring, and/or unlikable to others.

My child often asks to or has missed school and extracurricular activities because of social anxiety.

My teen avoids parties, get-togethers, and generally spending time with others, even same-age peers. They don’t seem to like to be around other people.

My teen has trouble literally speaking up in social settings; they speak with an overly soft voice.

Holding eye contact is difficult for my teen.

My teen has trouble asking their friends to hang out for fear that they’ll be rejected.

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

The questions in this social anxiety test for teens are informed, in part, by criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR). This social anxiety test for teens is designed to screen for the possibility of SAD symptoms, and it is intended for personal use only. This social anxiety test for teens is not intended as a diagnostic tool.

Social Anxiety Test: Next Steps

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Thank you for reading ADDitude. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Thank you.

1 National Institute of Mental Health. Social Anxiety Disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/social-anxiety-disorder#part_2642

]]> https://www.additudemag.com/social-anxiety-test-for-teens/feed/ 0 363223 Autism in Girls: Free Screening Test https://www.additudemag.com/signs-of-autism-in-girls-test/ https://www.additudemag.com/signs-of-autism-in-girls-test/#respond Tue, 06 Aug 2024 14:48:34 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?p=360572 The signs of autism in girls are too frequently overlooked, misinterpreted, and minimized. That’s largely because autism research to date has focused almost exclusively on male presentations of neurodivergence.

While autistic girls and boys can present similarly, autism in girls generally looks different. The social difficulties that are part and parcel of autism, for example, manifest differently in girls, who tend to be more socially motivated. They may, for example, mask their traits and suppress their challenges to fit in. Girls are also not as likely to demonstrate repetitive or externalizing behaviors. Some autistic traits — like having special interests — are more likely to be regarded as typical in girls. For undiagnosed girls without intellectual or language disability and with low support needs, an autism diagnosis may be difficult to come by.

Think your child may be showing signs of autism? Answer the questions in this self-test and share the results with a medical provider who specializes in autism in girls.

My child very closely observes other girls playing or socializing.

My child can be bossy with other kids and often becomes upset when things don’t go their way.

My child wants friends but has a hard time making them and with maintaining long-term friendships.

My child struggles with the to and fro of conversations that often helps bridge the acquaintance-to-friendship gap.

My child worries a lot. They are often anxious — about doing the right thing, about impressing their teachers, about being left alone, and more.

My child has a hard time regulating their emotions. Meltdowns and tantrums over seemingly unimportant things are common.

My child often prefers to be in their own world, choosing a solitary activity, like reading a book, over playing with others.

My child can be very particular about things. She is set in her ways, and likes her routines, schedules, and preferences. Slight changes may provoke drama.

My child is often the target of bullying.

My child’s fascination with her hobbies and interests runs deep. They are beyond passionate about the things they like.

My child engages in some repetitive behaviors (e.g., hair twirling or chewing, finger tapping, hand flapping).

My child has a unique sensory profile. They are either constantly seeking to stimulate their senses (like through movement and touch) or avoiding sensory input that bothers them (like bright lights and certain sounds).

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

The questions in this autism in girls test are informed, in part, by criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), research literature and screeners on autism in girls and women1 2 3, and from the ADDitude ADHD Experts webinar titled, “AuDHD Guidance: Why Autism is So Difficult to Diagnose in Women and Girls with ADHD” with Karen Saporito, Ph.D. This autism in girls is designed to screen for the possibility of autistic traits and symptoms in girls, especially girls without intellectual or language disability and with low support needs, and it is intended for personal use only. This autism in girls test is not intended as a diagnostic tool.

Signs of Autism in Girls Test: Next Steps

SUPPORT ADDITUDE
Thank you for reading ADDitude. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Thank you.

1 Brown, C. M., Attwood, T., Garnett, M., & Stokes, M. A. (2020). Am I autistic? utility of the girls questionnaire for autism spectrum condition as an autism assessment in adult women. Autism in Adulthood : Challenges and Management, 2(3), 216–226. https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2019.0054

2 Bargiela, S., Steward, R., & Mandy, W. (2016). The Experiences of Late-diagnosed Women with Autism Spectrum Conditions: An Investigation of the Female Autism Phenotype. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 46(10), 3281–3294. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2872-8

3 Autistic Girls Network (2022.) Autism, girls, & keeping it all inside. https://autisticgirlsnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Keeping-it-all-inside.pdf

]]> https://www.additudemag.com/signs-of-autism-in-girls-test/feed/ 0 360572 Social Anxiety Test: Free Screener for Social Phobia https://www.additudemag.com/social-anxiety-test/ https://www.additudemag.com/social-anxiety-test/#respond Wed, 17 Jul 2024 15:48:56 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?p=358764 Do I Have Social Anxiety?

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is characterized by an intense fear of scrutiny and judgment by others in social situations. Individuals with social anxiety fear that they will be negatively evaluated — judged as anxious, weak, boring, weird, or unlikeable. They fear being observed and/or performing in front of others, and they worry that their nervousness and anxiety will show through.

Everyone experiences social anxiety occasionally. For individuals with social anxiety disorder, the fear of social scrutiny — often out of proportion to the actual threat posed by the social situation — is immensely distressing. It can interfere with work, school, and other daily activities, and make it difficult to meet people and maintain friends.

Social anxiety (among other anxiety disorders) commonly occurs with ADHD. “Experiences common to ADHD, like rejection sensitive dysphoria, shame, and emotional dysregulation, may exacerbate social anxiety,” writes writes Sharon Saline, Psy.D. “ADHD symptoms like hyperactivity and inattention may also undermine social skills and cause difficulties.”

Take this social anxiety test and share your results with a licensed mental health professional.

The questions in this social anxiety test are informed, in part, by criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR). This social anxiety test is designed to screen for the possibility of SAD symptoms, and it is intended for personal use only. This social anxiety test is not intended as a diagnostic tool.

I dread most social situations. Leading up to a social event, I worry about it for days and weeks, sometimes over-preparing for it.

For me, few things are worse than being criticized, judged, rejected, and/or ridiculed by others.

I blush, tremble, and/or sweat out of nervousness in just about every social situation — and hate that others can easily see it.

I worry that others will think less of me or ridicule me if they see how anxious I am.

I can’t tolerate others observing me, even when I’m just eating, drinking, working out, or engaging in “normal” behavior.

Meeting unfamiliar people is so difficult for me that I often avoid it.

I often worry about saying the wrong thing and/or sounding dumb when I talk to others.

I go out of my way to avoid uncomfortable social situations. For example, I’ll take a different route to work if it means avoiding interacting with others. Or I’ll make a phone call privately because I’m concerned about sounding awkward.

I feel self-conscious in just about every social interaction. I’m seldom relaxed.

Holding eye contact is difficult for me.

I either avoid triggering social situations entirely or endure them with lots of anxiety and discomfort.

I’ve missed out on friendships, career opportunities, and life in general because of my social anxiety.

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

Social Anxiety Test: Next Steps

SUPPORT ADDITUDE
Thank you for reading ADDitude. To support our mission of providing ADHD education and support, please consider subscribing. Your readership and support help make our content and outreach possible. Thank you.

]]> https://www.additudemag.com/social-anxiety-test/feed/ 0 358764 Do You Suffer from Imposter Syndrome? Take This Quiz https://www.additudemag.com/imposter-syndrome-test/ https://www.additudemag.com/imposter-syndrome-test/#respond Thu, 11 Apr 2024 16:48:20 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?p=352899 Do you feel like you’re faking it through life – winging it more than others and barely hiding the chaos? Do you feel like you’ve tricked everyone into thinking that you’re a competent, intelligent person? Do you worry that you’ll be exposed someday? If so, you may be experiencing imposter syndrome.

“Someone with imposter syndrome feels like a fraud or a phony,” writes Sharon Saline, Psy.D. “You doubt your abilities and successes, believing that your mistakes and moments of imperfection are proof that you’re not an intelligent person.”

According to Saline, imposter syndrome, rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), social anxiety, and perfectionism – all common among individuals with ADHD – can be traced back to one thing: a core belief of deficiency.

Answer these questions to see whether you show signs of imposter syndrome, and to what degree. Find more resources on imposter syndrome at the end of this self-test.

The questions in this resource were informed, in part, from the ADDitude article titled “You Are Enough: How to Counteract Imposter Syndrome, Perfectionism, and RSD” by Sharon Saline, Psy.D., and from research literature on imposter syndrome. 1 2

I often feel like a fraud, as if I’m not who people think I am.

I fear that others will figure out that I’m masquerading as a competent, capable person.

It’s hard to accept praise, compliments, and positive feedback.

If I’d had any success in life, it’s been out of sheer luck, not my skills, talents, or strengths.

When I receive a compliment, the voice inside my head says things like, ‘If only they really knew how I am.’

I tend to fixate on mistakes and brush off moments of success.

I often compare my intelligence, abilities, levels of productivity, and other aspects of myself to others around me.

My mistakes and imperfections are proof that I’m not an intelligent, capable person.

I struggle greatly with procrastination when I fear that I won’t do a task well.

I view struggling with a task – even if I eventually complete it – as proof that I’m not really competent.

I spend a lot of time and energy preparing for tasks to avoid being seen as incapable.

When I do something well, I worry that I won’t be able to do it again and that I’ve set unrealistic expectations.

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

Imposter Syndrome: Next Steps

Sources

1 Huecker MR, Shreffler J, McKeny PT, et al. Imposter Phenomenon. [Updated 2023 Jul 31]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK585058/

2 Chandra, S., Huebert, C. A., Crowley, E., & Das, A. M. (2019). Impostor Syndrome: Could It Be Holding You or Your Mentees Back?. Chest, 156(1), 26–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2019.02.325

]]> https://www.additudemag.com/imposter-syndrome-test/feed/ 0 352899 How Severe Is Your Loneliness? Take This Quiz https://www.additudemag.com/loneliness-test/ https://www.additudemag.com/loneliness-test/#respond Mon, 25 Mar 2024 16:08:26 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?p=350888 About half of adults in the U.S. report experiencing loneliness, with higher rates reported among young adults — a concerning trend that started before the pandemic.1 In 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy called loneliness an “epidemic” and recognized it as a public health crisis.

Loneliness, according to the CDC, is “feeling like you do not have meaningful or close relationships or a sense of belonging.”2 In a recent ADDitude survey of 4,170 adults with ADHD, nearly two-third of respondents aged 18 to 29 reported feeling lonely “always or often.” Many readers cited executive dysfunction, rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), masking, and low self-esteem among several ADHD-related sources of loneliness.

Answer the following questions to gauge your own feelings of loneliness. Share your results with a licensed mental health professional. Find resources to combat loneliness at the end of this self-test.

If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help, dial or text 988 to connect to a trained counselor from the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger.

This self-test was drafted by ADDitude editors and informed, in part, by the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3), the Campaign to End Loneliness Measurement Tool, and the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. This self-test is designed to measure loneliness and it is intended for personal use only. This self-test is not a diagnostic tool.

I often feel “out of tune” with the people around me.

I feel that I lack companionship.

I feel isolated from others.

I don’t have many people to whom I feel comfortable turning at any time.

My relationships are not as satisfying or meaningful as I would like them to be.

I feel a general sense of emptiness.

I don’t feel like I’m part of a group (like friends) or a community.

I often feel rejected or left out.

I don’t feel close to anyone.

I feel like no one knows me — the real me — that well.

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

How to Deal with Loneliness: Next Steps

Sources

1 Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation: the US Surgeon General’s advisory on the healing effects of social connection and community. 2 May 2023. US Department of Health and Human Services. www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf.

2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Loneliness. https://www.cdc.gov/howrightnow/emotion/loneliness/index.html

]]> https://www.additudemag.com/loneliness-test/feed/ 0 350888 “Is My Relationship Toxic?” A Quiz for Adults with ADHD https://www.additudemag.com/is-my-relationship-toxic-quiz-adhd/ https://www.additudemag.com/is-my-relationship-toxic-quiz-adhd/#respond Tue, 13 Feb 2024 16:25:09 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?p=349121 No one is immune to toxic relationships. Individuals with ADHD, however, may be especially vulnerable to experiencing emotional abuse in the form of gaslighting, love bombing, and other manipulation tactics in a relationship.

“Adults with ADHD may be more vulnerable to gaslighting due to issues with self-esteem, difficulty with past relationships, and feelings of guilt and shame,” writes Stephanie Sarkis, Ph.D., a psychotherapist and the author of Healing from Toxic Relationships: 10 Essential Steps to Recover from Gaslighting, Narcissism, and Emotional Abuse.

Gaslighting and other forms of emotional abuse, according to Sarkis, are pervasive and purposeful efforts (overt or covert) from an abuser to gain power and control over a victim. Emotional abuse is not to be confused with problems, like communication challenges, that can plague an otherwise healthy relationship.

Answer these questions to see if you may be in a toxic, emotionally abusive relationship. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. For anonymous, confidential help, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or texting “START” to 88788. Visit www.thehotline.org to chat with an expert advocate.

The questions in this resource were derived from ADDitude’s ADHD Experts webinar titled, “Gaslighting, Love Bombing & Beyond: How to Recognize (and End) Toxic Relationships with ADHD” [Video Replay & Podcast #410] with Stephanie Sarkis, Ph.D., which was broadcast on July 7, 2022.

My partner obsessively accuses me of engaging in a behavior in which they have engaged, like infidelity or hiding money.

My partner makes me question my intuition, perception, and/or sense of reality.

My partner tells me things like, “People think you’re crazy,” but then refuses to name names or provide details about who made the comments.

My partner weaponizes my ADHD against me. They make me feel like I can’t be trusted to manage my finances, friendships, and other major aspects of my life.

When I have tried to leave my partner, they bring me back by making promises around major deal breakers (e.g., wanting to have kids, going to therapy) and other areas of contention or disappointment in our relationship.

My partner never apologizes; they don’t take responsibility for their behaviors and seem to think that they’re incapable of making mistakes.

The relationship feels like an emotional rollercoaster. Sometimes my partner makes me feel like I’m on Cloud Nine and that I can do no wrong. Other times, I feel worthless and like I can’t do anything right.

Since being with my partner, I have lost friendships and have become more isolated from family.

When I try to talk to my partner about our relationship problems, the conversation ends up focusing only on my faults.

When I try to talk to my partner about their behaviors, they blame me for being upset, as if I don’t have the right to my reactions.

My partner hasn’t reacted well when I’ve tried to set boundaries (e.g., raging anger, silent treatment that lasts for days).

My partner ridicules or ignores my wants and needs in our relationship.

My partner claims that my ADHD medication makes me “out of control,” “difficult,” or “crazy” even though I know my medication helps me manage symptoms.

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

Toxic Relationship: Next Steps

]]> https://www.additudemag.com/is-my-relationship-toxic-quiz-adhd/feed/ 0 349121 Is Your Friendship Toxic? Take This Quiz https://www.additudemag.com/is-my-friend-toxic-quiz/ https://www.additudemag.com/is-my-friend-toxic-quiz/#comments Mon, 12 Feb 2024 17:14:13 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?p=348926 “I feel like a magnet for unhealthy people.”

“I need to learn how to pick BETTER friends.”

“Why do I let people treat me badly?”

“How do I know whom I can trust? I’ve been burned so many times.”

Healthy friendships enrich our lives. Toxic friendships, as the ADDitude readers quoted above know, do the opposite; they deplete us.

From rejection sensitive dysphoria and low self-esteem to a tendency to rush into friendships, the traits and tendencies of ADHD may make individuals more vulnerable to toxic friendships for various reasons.

Answer these questions to see if someone you consider a friend may be exhibiting toxic behaviors toward you.

The questions in this resource were derived, in part, from ADDitude ADHD Experts webinar titled, “An Adult’s Guide to Fostering Friendships with ADHD” [Video Replay & Podcast #478] with Caroline Maguire, M.Ed., ACCG, PCC, which was broadcast on November 2, 2023.

My friendship feels one-sided. Interactions always seems to be about them.

I feel on edge around my friend. They’re often quick to point out quirks of mine, or something silly I said or did.

My friendship feels like an emotional rollercoaster. They act hot and then cold.

I feel mentally and emotionally depleted or disoriented after spending time with my friend.

My friend doesn’t mention me to other friends. It’s like I don’t exist.

I feel like I have to walk on eggshells around my friend. I’m extra careful with what I say or do, as they are easily set off.

My friend reaches out to me only when they want something.

With this friend, I often find myself agreeing to things I wouldn’t normally agree to, like taking their call during work hours.

Honestly, I don’t think my friend would be there for me in a time of need.

I don’t feel like I can fully be myself around this friend.

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

Toxic Friendship: Next Steps

]]> https://www.additudemag.com/is-my-friend-toxic-quiz/feed/ 1 348926 [Self-Test] Could You Have Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder? https://www.additudemag.com/delayed-sleep-phase-disorder-test/ https://www.additudemag.com/delayed-sleep-phase-disorder-test/#respond Thu, 21 Dec 2023 15:30:13 +0000 https://www.additudemag.com/?p=345494 Delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS), also known as delayed sleep phase disorder or delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, is a circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder characterized by an inability to fall asleep and wake up at socially acceptable times. Individuals with DSPS, because of differences in their internal clock, naturally sleep and wake more than two hours later than most people.

DSPS is often mistaken for insomnia and poor sleep hygiene. But initiating and staying asleep actually comes easily for those with DSPS, as does waking up, so long as it lines up with their body’s natural sleep-wake times. Those with DSPS may also have poor sleep hygiene, but challenges falling asleep at socially conventional times may still occur even with healthier habits because of underlying circadian rhythm differences.

DSPS is linked to other conditions, including depression and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).1 2

Clinicians use sleep diaries, sleep tests, and actigraphy devices (usually a wrist device that monitors sleep) to diagnose DSPS and rule out other sleep disorders. Treatment for DSPS comprises light exposure therapy, melatonin supplements, and sleep-wake time adjustments.

Answer the questions below to see if you may be showing signs of delayed sleep phase syndrome. Share your results with your doctor.

This self-test, drafted by ADDitude editors, is informed by criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This self-test is designed to screen for the possibility of delayed sleep phase syndrome, and it is intended for personal use only. This self-test is not intended as a diagnostic tool.

Sleepiness sets in much later (usually more than two hours later) for me than the time most would consider normal.

I struggle to fall asleep at an earlier hour, even under the right conditions (a dark and quiet room, comfortable temperature, no screen use, etc.)

Once sleepiness sets in, I am able to fall asleep easily.

Once I fall asleep, I have no problem staying asleep.

When I am able to sleep and wake up on my own time, I wake up feeling refreshed.

Getting up at a “normal” hour is extremely difficult for me. It’s like my body isn’t made for it.

When I wake up at a “normal” or conventional time, I feel excessively sleepy during the day.

I experience morning confusion when I wake up at a “normal” time.

I have problems at work, school, and/or in my social life because of my sleep schedule.

Can’t see the self-test questions above? Click here to open this test in a new window.

Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder: Next Steps

Sources

1 Murray, J. M., Sletten, T. L., Magee, M., Gordon, C., Lovato, N., Bartlett, D. J., Kennaway, D. J., Lack, L. C., Grunstein, R. R., Lockley, S. W., Rajaratnam, S. M., & Delayed Sleep on Melatonin (DelSoM) Study Group (2017). Prevalence of Circadian Misalignment and Its Association With Depressive Symptoms in Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder. Sleep, 40(1), 10.1093/sleep/zsw002. https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsw002

2 Bijlenga, D., van der Heijden, K. B., Breuk, M., van Someren, E. J., Lie, M. E., Boonstra, A. M., Swaab, H. J., & Kooij, J. J. (2013). Associations between sleep characteristics, seasonal depressive symptoms, lifestyle, and ADHD symptoms in adults. Journal of attention disorders, 17(3), 261–275. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054711428965

]]> https://www.additudemag.com/delayed-sleep-phase-disorder-test/feed/ 0 345494