Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale

The Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale (VADPRS) is a comprehensive assessment tool designed to help diagnose ADHD in children. While there is also a teacher version available, the parent rating scale allows you to evaluate your child's symptoms at home and in other settings, providing valuable insights into their behavior and functioning.

Last Updated: 4 February, 2025

  • Length: 10-15 minutes
  • Questions: 55 questions
  • Age Range: 6-12 years
  • Respondent: Parent/Teacher

About the Vanderbilt Parent Rating Scale

The Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale (VADPRS) is a behavioral assessment tool that helps parents evaluate their child's ADHD symptoms and common co-existing conditions. While the assessment system includes both parent and teacher versions, this guide focuses on the parent rating scale:

  • Parent Assessment Scale (VADPRS) - Primary tool for parents to evaluate their child's behavior
  • Teacher Assessment Scale (VADTRS) - Complementary assessment completed by teachers

As a parent, you'll answer questions about your child's ADHD symptoms and behaviors that might indicate other conditions such as oppositional-defiant disorder, conduct disorder, anxiety, and depression. You'll also assess your child's performance in academic and social settings.

Key Features

  • Comprehensive evaluation of ADHD symptoms across different settings
  • Assessment of co-existing conditions
  • Performance evaluation in academic and social domains
  • Aligned with DSM-5 diagnostic criteria
  • Validated for use in clinical and research settings

How It Works

The Vanderbilt Scale uses a 4-point rating system for behavioral symptoms:

  • Never (0)
  • Occasionally (1)
  • Often (2)
  • Very Often (3)

Performance in academic and social areas is rated on a 5-point scale from "Excellent" to "Problematic." The combination of symptom ratings and performance measures helps create a comprehensive understanding of the child's functioning across different domains.

Vanderbilt Online Parents Rating Scale

Question 1: Does not pay attention to details or makes careless mistakes with, for example, homework

Question 2: Has difficulty keeping attention to what needs to be done

Question 3: Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly

Question 4: Does not follow through when given directions and fails to finish activities (not due to refusal or failure to understand)

Question 5: Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities

Question 6: Avoids, dislikes, or does not want to start tasks that require ongoing mental effort

Question 7: Loses things necessary for tasks or activities (toys, assignments, pencils, or books)

Question 8: Is easily distracted by noises or other stimuli

Question 9: Is forgetful in daily activities

Question 10: Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat

Question 11: Leaves seat when remaining seated is expected

Question 12: Runs about or climbs too much when remaining seated is expected

Question 13: Has difficulty playing or beginning quiet play activities

Question 14: Is "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"

Question 15: Talks too much

Question 16: Blurts out answers before questions have been completed

Question 17: Has difficulty waiting his or her turn

Question 18: Interrupts or intrudes in on others' conversations and/or activities

Question 19: Argues with adults

Question 20: Loses temper

Question 21: Actively defies or refuses to go along with adults' requests or rules

Question 22: Deliberately annoys people

Question 23: Blames others for his or her mistakes or misbehaviors

Question 24: Is touchy or easily annoyed by others

Question 25: Is angry or resentful

Question 26: Is spiteful and wants to get even

Question 27: Bullies, threatens, or intimidates others

Question 28: Starts physical fights

Question 29: Lies to get out of trouble or to avoid obligations (ie,"cons" others)

Question 30: Is truant from school (skips school) without permission

Question 31: Is physically cruel to people

Question 32: Has stolen things that have value

Question 33: Deliberately destroys others' property

Question 34: Has used a weapon that can cause serious harm (bat, knife, brick, gun)

Question 35: Is physically cruel to animals

Question 36: Has deliberately set fires to cause damage

Question 37: Has broken into someone else's home, business, or car

Question 38: Has stayed out at night without permission

Question 39: Has run away from home overnight

Question 40: Has forced someone into sexual activity

Question 41: Is fearful, anxious, or worried

Question 42: Is afraid to try new things for fear of making mistakes

Question 43: Feels worthless or inferior

Question 44: Blames self for problems, feels guilty

Question 45: Feels lonely, unwanted, or unloved; complains that "no one loves him or her"

Question 46: Is sad, unhappy, or depressed

Question 47: Is self-conscious or easily embarrassed

Academic and Social Performance

Question 48: Rate how your child is doing in school overall

Question 49: How is your child doing in reading?

Question 50: How is your child doing in writing?

Question 51: How is your child doing in math?

Question 52: How does your child get along with you?

Question 53: How does your child get along with other children in the family (brothers, sisters etc.)?

Question 54: How does your child get along with other children their own age?

Question 55: How does your child do in activities such as games or team play?

Frequently Asked Questions

Using the Results

The Vanderbilt Scale results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional as part of a comprehensive evaluation. The scale helps identify:

  • Presence and severity of ADHD symptoms
  • Potential co-existing conditions
  • Impact on academic and social functioning
  • Differences in behavior across settings

Healthcare providers use these results alongside other clinical information to make diagnostic decisions and develop appropriate treatment plans.

References

Wolraich, M. L., Hannah, J. N., Baumgaertel, A., & Feurer, I. D. (1998). Examination of DSM-IV critieria for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in a county-wide sample. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 19, 162– 168. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004703-199806000-00003