SNAP-IV

Swanson, Nolan & Pelham Rating Scale

ADHDParent-reportAges 6–1818 questions~4 min

Validated by Swanson, Nolan & Pelham (1992)

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Jaye Turrietta, PsyD, BCBA-D, AEP

An 18-item parent-report ADHD screener for children aged 6–18.

For each statement, select how well it describes your child's behaviour. Rate based on the past 6 months.

18 questions · ~4 min · Auto-saved

About the SNAP-IV

The SNAP-IV is a parent and teacher rating scale based on DSM criteria for ADHD. The 18-item version covers the two core symptom domains: inattention (items 1–9) and hyperactivity/impulsivity (items 10–18). It is widely used in clinical and research settings for children aged 6–18.

18 items rated on a 4-point scale. Takes about 5 minutes.

Scoring

Each item scores 0–3. Subscale scores are summed and divided by 9 to produce an average. The parent cutoffs are 1.78 for inattention and 1.44 for hyperactivity/impulsivity (teacher cutoffs are higher: 2.56 and 1.78).

Important: ADHD frequently co-occurs with autism (30–50% of cases). If your child screens positive for ADHD, a comprehensive evaluation can determine whether autism, ADHD, or both are present.

Swanson, J. M., Nolan, W., & Pelham, W. E. (1982). The SNAP Rating Scale. Educational Resources in Education.

SNAP-IV FAQs

The most common questions about the SNAP-IV (Swanson, Nolan & Pelham Rating Scale — IV).

What is the SNAP-IV?

The SNAP-IV (Swanson, Nolan & Pelham Rating Scale — IV) is a 18-item question parent-report screener for ADHD inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms in school-aged children. An 18-item parent-report ADHD screener mapped to the DSM-5 criteria. Designed for children aged 6–18. It was developed by Swanson, Nolan & Pelham (1992).

Who can take the SNAP-IV?

The SNAP-IV is designed to be completed by parents of children aged 6–18.

How long does the SNAP-IV take?

Most people complete the SNAP-IV in about 4 minutes. You can pause at any time — your answers are saved in your browser, so you can resume on the same device.

Is the SNAP-IV diagnostic?

No. The SNAP-IV is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. It is a validated screener that can suggest whether further evaluation is warranted, but only a licensed clinical psychologist or psychiatrist can make a formal diagnosis. NeuroClarity offers comprehensive pediatric autism and ADHD evaluations via telehealth — a doctoral-level psychologist conducts a comprehensive evaluation, with reports typically delivered within days.

Is the SNAP-IV free to take here?

Yes. The SNAP-IV is free to take on this page. We don't require a sign-up, and we don't collect or share your responses — your answers are saved locally in your browser. You can also export your results as a PDF for your own records or to share with a clinician.

What does my SNAP-IV score mean?

After you complete the SNAP-IV, you'll see your total score broken into the validated severity / likelihood bands published for this instrument, along with a plain-language interpretation. Specific cutoffs vary by tool — for the SNAP-IV, the scoring ranges and band descriptions are shown directly on the results page.

What if my SNAP-IV score is elevated?

An elevated score on the SNAP-IV is one signal — not a diagnosis. The recommended next step is a comprehensive clinical evaluation. NeuroClarity offers comprehensive pediatric autism and ADHD evaluations starting at $950 flat fee with no waitlist; reports are typically delivered within days and include the diagnostic documentation needed for IEPs, ABA prior authorization, and other downstream services.

If your SNAP-IV score suggests further evaluation may be warranted, book a comprehensive evaluation with one of our PSYPACT-licensed clinical psychologists. Reports typically delivered within one week.

How the SNAP-IV compares to related screeners

Most ADHD screeners measure similar constructs but vary in length, target audience, and emphasis. Here's how the SNAP-IV relates to the most commonly-paired alternatives.

SNAP-IV vs Vanderbilt

The Vanderbilt is the more comprehensive of the two — 55 questions (~11 min) versus 18 questions (~4 min). Take the SNAP-IV when you want a quick triage; take the Vanderbilt when you want subscale detail and a more granular picture. Many adults take both: the brief one first, then the comprehensive one if the brief screen is positive.

Take the Vanderbilt →

SNAP-IV vs ASRS v1.1

The SNAP-IV is a parent-report instrument (the parents of children aged 6–18 answer the items directly), while the ASRS v1.1 is a self-report — completed by the person being assessed. Choose based on who can give the most accurate picture of the ADHD inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms in school-aged children.

Take the ASRS v1.1 →

SNAP-IV vs WURS-25

The SNAP-IV is a parent-report instrument (the parents of children aged 6–18 answer the items directly), while the WURS-25 is a self-report — completed by the person being assessed. Choose based on who can give the most accurate picture of the ADHD inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms in school-aged children.

Take the WURS-25 →

Add this free screener to your site

Educators, clinicians, and organizations are welcome to embed the SNAP-IV for free. Copy the snippet below. It keeps a small link back to NeuroClarity.