Vanderbilt

NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scale — Parent

ADHDParent-reportAges 6–1255 questions~11 min

Validated by Wolraich et al. (NICHQ) (2003) · View paper

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

A 55-item parent-report screening tool for ADHD, ODD, conduct disorder, and anxiety/depression in children aged 6–12.

Rate each symptom based on your child's behaviour over the past 6 months. The final 8 items ask about your child's performance.

55 questions · ~11 min · Auto-saved

About the Vanderbilt

The NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scale is a comprehensive parent-report screening tool that goes beyond ADHD. It screens for five domains: ADHD (inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity), oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, and anxiety/depression, plus academic and social performance.

47 symptom items + 8 performance items = 55 total. Designed for children aged 6–12. Takes 10–15 minutes.

How screening works

Symptom items are scored 0–3 (Never to Very Often). A symptom “counts” if rated 2 (Often) or 3 (Very Often). Performance items are scored 1–5, with 4 or 5 indicating impairment. A domain screens positive only when both the symptom threshold and performance impairment are met.

Important: The Vanderbilt is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. It identifies symptom patterns that warrant further evaluation. ADHD, ODD, and anxiety frequently co-occur with autism.

Wolraich, M. L., et al. NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scales. National Institute for Children’s Health Quality.

Vanderbilt FAQs

The most common questions about the Vanderbilt (NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scale — Parent).

What is the Vanderbilt?

The Vanderbilt (NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scale — Parent) is a 55-item question parent-report screener for ADHD and common co-occurring conditions in children aged 6–12. A comprehensive parent-report screener for ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, and anxiety/depression in children aged 6–12. It was developed by Wolraich et al. (NICHQ) (2003).

Who can take the Vanderbilt?

The Vanderbilt is designed to be completed by parents of children aged 6–12.

How long does the Vanderbilt take?

Most people complete the Vanderbilt in about 11 minutes. You can pause at any time — your answers are saved in your browser, so you can resume on the same device.

Is the Vanderbilt diagnostic?

No. The Vanderbilt 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 Vanderbilt free to take here?

Yes. The Vanderbilt 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 Vanderbilt score mean?

After you complete the Vanderbilt, 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 Vanderbilt, the scoring ranges and band descriptions are shown directly on the results page.

What if my Vanderbilt score is elevated?

An elevated score on the Vanderbilt 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 Vanderbilt 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 Vanderbilt compares to related screeners

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

Vanderbilt vs SNAP-IV

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 SNAP-IV →

Vanderbilt vs WURS-25

The Vanderbilt is a parent-report instrument (the parents of children aged 6–12 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 and common co-occurring conditions in children aged 6–12.

Take the WURS-25 →

Vanderbilt vs ASRS v1.1

The Vanderbilt is a parent-report instrument (the parents of children aged 6–12 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 and common co-occurring conditions in children aged 6–12.

Take the ASRS v1.1 →

Add this free screener to your site

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