Understanding the Core Challenges of ADHD: The SNAP-4 Framework

Written by Dr. T.K. Nadisha Shanuka

MBBS

Medical content writer and healthcare educator.

To quickly grasp the core executive function challenges in ADHD, remember SNAP-4:

· Sustained Attention
· Navigation of Executive Functions
· Activation & Arousal
· Processing Speed & Emotional Regulation

This simple framework helps explain the daily struggles that go far beyond just trouble focusing.

SNAP-IV ADHD Rating Scale

Instructions: For each item, please select the number that best describes the child's behavior over the past 6 months.

Rating Scale: 0 = Not at all, 1 = Just a little, 2 = Quite a bit, 3 = Very much

Child's Name *

Child's Age *

Rater's Name *

Relationship to Child *

Inattention Symptoms

1. Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork

0 - Not at all

1 - Just a little

2 - Quite a bit

3 - Very much

2. Has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities

0 - Not at all

1 - Just a little

2 - Quite a bit

3 - Very much

3. Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly

0 - Not at all

1 - Just a little

2 - Quite a bit

3 - Very much

4. Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties

0 - Not at all

1 - Just a little

2 - Quite a bit

3 - Very much

5. Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities

0 - Not at all

1 - Just a little

2 - Quite a bit

3 - Very much

6. Avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort

0 - Not at all

1 - Just a little

2 - Quite a bit

3 - Very much

7. Loses things necessary for tasks or activities

0 - Not at all

1 - Just a little

2 - Quite a bit

3 - Very much

8. Is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli

0 - Not at all

1 - Just a little

2 - Quite a bit

3 - Very much

9. Is forgetful in daily activities

0 - Not at all

1 - Just a little

2 - Quite a bit

3 - Very much

Hyperactivity/Impulsivity Symptoms

10. Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat

0 - Not at all

1 - Just a little

2 - Quite a bit

3 - Very much

11. Leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected

0 - Not at all

1 - Just a little

2 - Quite a bit

3 - Very much

12. Runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate

0 - Not at all

1 - Just a little

2 - Quite a bit

3 - Very much

13. Has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly

0 - Not at all

1 - Just a little

2 - Quite a bit

3 - Very much

14. Is 'on the go' or acts as if 'driven by a motor'

0 - Not at all

1 - Just a little

2 - Quite a bit

3 - Very much

15. Talks excessively

0 - Not at all

1 - Just a little

2 - Quite a bit

3 - Very much

16. Blurts out answers before questions have been completed

0 - Not at all

1 - Just a little

2 - Quite a bit

3 - Very much

17. Has difficulty awaiting turn

0 - Not at all

1 - Just a little

2 - Quite a bit

3 - Very much

18. Interrupts or intrudes on others

0 - Not at all

1 - Just a little

2 - Quite a bit

3 - Very much

Understanding the Core Challenges of ADHD: The SNAP-4 Framework

Written by Dr. T.K. Nadisha Shanuka

SNAP-IV ADHD Rating Scale

Inattention Symptoms

Hyperactivity/Impulsivity Symptoms

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