Snap Score Calculator
Welcome to the Omni snap score calculator, a convenient and reliable tool for screening attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children aged 6 to 18.
The prevalence of ADHD in children worldwide is around 8.4%, and it can significantly affect the social and academic potential of those who have it. If you suspect that your child is displaying specific symptoms of ADHD (difficulty sustaining attention, difficulty organizing tasks, forgetfulness in daily activities, etc.), this tool is for you.
Some of the critical questions you will get answers to are:
- What is ADHD?
- What is the SNAP-IV teacher and parent rating scale?
- How is the SNAP score calculated?
- How does the snap score calculator work?
- What are ADHD treatment options for children?
- Which healthcare professionals diagnose and treat ADHD?
- And more!
❗ The snap score calculator should not replace the professional diagnosis of a health care provider.
What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that significantly affects the functioning and development of a child.
Three major types of ADHD are:
- ADHD, Inattentive type;
- ADHD, Impulsive/hyperactive type; and
- ADHD, Combined type, which involves symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Inattentive type
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V), children with inattentive ADHD display six or more of the following symptoms (at least five symptoms for adolescents above 17) for more than six months:
- Struggles to pay attention to details and makes careless mistakes;
- Has difficulty sustaining attention when engaging in daily activities, such as playing;
- Appears to be absent when spoken to, does not seem to listen;
- Struggles to follow instructions, complete chores, homework, etc;
- Struggles to organize tasks;
- Dislikes engaging in activities that require sustained mental effort, such as doing homework;
- Frequently loses objects for activities, such as pens, keys, books, etc;
- Is often distracted; and
- Is forgetful.
Hyperactive/impulsive type
According to DSM-V, a child with the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD displays six or more of the following symptoms (at least five symptoms for adolescents above 17) for more than six months:
- Frequently fidgeting and tapping hands or legs;
- Leaving the seat when inappropriate, for instance, during class;
- Climbing when inappropriate;
- Unable to perform leisure activities quietly;
- Always being "on the go" (for instance, unable to stay still for long periods in classrooms or restaurants);
- Excessive talking;
- Often responds before the question is fully asked and does not wait for their turn to talk;
- Has difficulty waiting for their turn in general (e.g., in a queue); and
- Frequently interrupts others (e.g., during activities and conversations).
SNAP-IV Teacher and Parent Rating Scale - ADHD assessment
The SNAP-IV 26-item Teacher and Parent Rating Scale is a screening tool often used in clinical settings to measure ADHD symptoms in children aged 6 to 18. This SNAP-IV rating scale screens for symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity, inattention, and oppositional defiant disorder. The scale consists of three subsets:
- Inattention – This subset screens for symptoms related to difficulties sustaining attention, following instructions, organizing tasks and activities, forgetfulness, etc.
- Hyperactivity/Impulsivity – This subset screens for symptoms related to fidgeting, leaving a seat when inappropriate, inability to engage in leisure activities quietly, excessive talking, difficulty waiting for their turn, and interrupting when others are talking.
- Opposition /Defiance – This subset screens for symptoms related to the oppositional defiant disorder, such as refusing to act as asked for, being easily annoyed by others, blaming others for their mistakes, having an angry attitude, and being vindictive.
If you're interested in mental health-related topics, check out Gad-7 calculator and depression screening by PHQ-2 calculator to learn more about general anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder.
⚠️ Note, that you can not diagnose a child with ADHD by using just the SNAP-IV rating scale; don't hesitate to contact a healthcare professional if you suspect your child is displaying symptoms of ADHD.
How does the snap score calculator work?
Using the snap score calculator is relatively straightforward. For each statement, you need to select the point on the scale that you feel most appropriate in describing the assessed person.
In the end, the calculator will display the severity of symptoms in three subsets: Inattention, Hyperactivity/Impulsivity, and Opposition/Defiance.
The symptoms will be interpreted as either:
- Not clinically significant;
- Mild symptoms;
- Moderate symptoms; or
- Severe symptoms.
ADHD treatment for children
Although there is no cure for ADHD, there are many treatment options for improving the functioning and quality of life of children with ADHD. Some of the treatment options include:
- Stimulant medications such as methylphenidates and amphetamines; if you want to learn more about Adderall and its dosage, you can use Omni Adderall dosage calculator.
- Behavior therapy, such as play or talk therapy;
- Social skills training for improving social interactions; and
- Parent training and psychoeducation, for teaching parents skills necessary to assist their children to navigate social and academic life.
FAQ
What scores indicate severe symptoms on the SNAP ADHD assessment?
According to the SNAP ADHD questionnaire, scores higher than 22 in the Inattention and Hyperactivity/Impulsivity subset and higher than 18 in the Opposition/Defiance subset indicate severe symptoms. However, keep in mind that SNAP-IV Teacher and Parent Rating Scale is just a screening tool, and you may need to consult with a healthcare professional for further assessment.
How do I interpret the Inattention subset of the SNAP-IV rating scale?
You can interpret Inattention subset of the SNAP-IV rating scale the following way:
- Sum the scores of the Inattention subset.
- Find which category your total score corresponds to in the table below:
The severity of symptoms | Score | |
|---|---|---|
Symptoms are not clinically significant | < 13 | |
Mild symptoms | 13 –17 | |
Moderate symptoms | 18 –22 | |
Severe symptoms | 23 –27 | |
- That's all! Depending on your results, you can choose to pursue further assessment with a healthcare professional.
What are risk factors for ADHD?
Some of the risk factors for ADHD include:
- Certain traits, such as negative emotionality and reduced behavioral inhibition (decreased fear and increased approach to novel situations);
- Genetic factors, such as having a first-degree relative that has ADHD; and
- Maternal drug use, such as smoking, opiates, and other illicit substances.
What healthcare professionals diagnose and treat ADHD?
Several healthcare professionals are qualified to diagnose and treat ADHD.
- Healthcare professionals such as psychiatrists, developmental pediatricians, and neurologists usually diagnose the patient.
- On the other hand, psychologists, behavioral therapists, educational specialists, and speech and language therapists usually participate in treatment.
Can adults have ADHD?
Adults, as well as children, can be diagnosed with ADHD. Symptoms of ADHD, such as reduced attention to detail, forgetfulness, intrusion of conversations, and extreme restlessness, may significantly affect one's social and occupational functioning.
What are other assessment tools similar to SNAP-IV rating scale?
Other assessment tools similar to the SNAP ADHD questionnaire are:
- ATTEX (Attention and Executive Function Rating Inventory);
- BRIEF (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function);
- ADHD-RS (ADHD Rating Scale);
- DBDRS (Disruptive Behavior Disorder Rating Scale); and
- Conners Rating Scales.