Neurodiversity ADHD Spectrum Test (NAST)

Structure of the NAST Test

The NAST consists of 40 questions covering eight facets of the ADHD spectrum:

• Attention Differences: Challenges in sustaining focus.
• Internal Hyperactivity: Mental restlessness and racing thoughts.
• Impulsivity: Tendency to act without forethought.
• External Hyperactivity: Physical restlessness and movement.
• Executive Functioning Differences: Difficulties with planning and organization.
• Sensory & Stimulation: Sensitivity to sensory input and stimulation needs.
• Emotional Regulation: Challenges in managing emotions.
• Time Perception: Difficulty perceiving and managing time.

Each question has four responses: "definitely agree," "slightly agree," "slightly disagree," and "definitely disagree." Responses indicating ADHD traits score 1 point, with a total score ranging from 0 to 40.

Purpose and Use

The NAST aims to provide insight into ADHD traits for self-reflection or research purposes. Higher scores may suggest a stronger presence of ADHD characteristics, potentially warranting professional evaluation. It is not diagnostic—only a licensed professional can confirm an ADHD diagnosis through comprehensive assessment.

Interpreting the Results

• Lower scores suggest few ADHD traits and neurotypical tendencies.
• Middle scores indicate some traits that may not significantly impact daily life.
• Higher scores suggest a significant presence of ADHD traits, potentially warranting further exploration.

Scores can be influenced by factors like stress or co-occurring conditions, so results should be considered alongside life context.

Strengths and Limitations

The NAST offers a quick, accessible way to explore ADHD traits, grounded in research. However, as a self-report tool, it depends on personal insight and does not capture the full complexity of ADHD. It’s a starting point for awareness or professional discussion.

High Inattention

High Inattention refers to challenges in sustaining focus and resisting distractions. Individuals scoring high often lose focus during tasks or conversations, getting easily sidetracked by noises, movements, or unrelated thoughts, which can disrupt work or social interactions. They might miss key details or struggle to concentrate for extended periods, leading to incomplete projects or frequent daydreaming. Reversed items reflect strong attention, the ability to stay engaged without drifting, and resistance to environmental distractions, such as focusing through background chatter. This facet contrasts scattered, easily distracted attention with steady, resilient focus, highlighting how concentration varies across daily activities and settings.

Internal Hyperactivity

Internal Hyperactivity captures mental restlessness and a constant stream of thoughts. Those scoring high experience a racing mind, feeling restless inside even when physically still, which can make relaxation or sleep challenging. They might juggle multiple ideas at once or struggle to quiet their thoughts, often feeling overwhelmed by mental noise. Reversed items indicate a calm, focused mind, with rare instances of racing thoughts or inner agitation, suggesting mental tranquility. This facet spans a turbulent, active inner world to a peaceful mental state, revealing how internal energy shapes cognitive comfort and productivity.

High Impulsivity

High Impulsivity reflects a tendency to act or speak without forethought. High scorers often interrupt others, make snap decisions, or act on whims—such as buying something unplanned—potentially leading to regret or social missteps. This impulsiveness might drive quick problem-solving but can also disrupt conversations or planning. Reversed items suggest deliberate responses, patience in waiting turns, and thoughtful decision-making, indicating self-control. This facet contrasts rash, immediate actions with measured, considered behavior, shedding light on how impulse influences interactions, choices, and self-regulation in various contexts.

External Hyperactivity

External Hyperactivity involves physical restlessness and a need for movement. Individuals scoring high feel compelled to fidget, tap, or shift positions, especially during long periods of sitting, such as in meetings or classes, which can signal discomfort with stillness. This might manifest as pacing during phone calls or difficulty relaxing during downtime. Reversed items reflect ease with sitting calmly, minimal need for movement, and comfort in quiet settings. This facet ranges from constant physical activity to composed stillness, showing how bodily energy impacts daily routines, social settings, and personal ease.

Low Executive Functioning

Low Executive Functioning assesses challenges with planning, organization, and task completion. High scorers struggle to start tasks, often leaving projects unfinished, and may face cluttered spaces or scattered thoughts, complicating productivity. This could mean delaying a report or losing track of belongings, reflecting a gap in cognitive management. Reversed items indicate efficient task initiation, completion, and organized habits, suggesting strong executive control. This facet contrasts disorganized, inefficient execution with structured, effective task management, revealing how cognitive organization shapes success in work and life.

High Sensory Sensitivity

High Sensory Sensitivity captures heightened reactions to sensory input or a need for stimulation. Those scoring high may feel overwhelmed by loud noises, bright lights, or uncomfortable textures, or actively seek intense experiences like loud music or tactile input to stay engaged. This sensitivity can disrupt focus or comfort, especially in busy environments. Reversed items suggest tolerance for sensory inputs and little need for extra stimulation, indicating sensory neutrality. This facet spans intense sensory reactivity or seeking to calm, balanced processing, highlighting how sensory experiences influence daily functioning and well-being.

Low Emotional Regulation

Low Emotional Regulation refers to difficulties in managing emotions effectively. High scorers experience quick frustration, sudden mood shifts, or prolonged upset, making it hard to recover from emotional triggers like criticism or delays. This volatility might affect relationships or task focus, turning minor setbacks into major hurdles. Reversed items reflect emotional stability, calm responses to stress, and quick recovery, suggesting resilience. This facet contrasts unpredictable, intense emotions with steady, controlled feelings, showing how emotional management impacts interactions and personal stability.

Low Time Perception

Low Time Perception involves challenges in perceiving and managing time. High scorers often lose track of time, miss deadlines, or misjudge task durations, leading to frequent lateness or rushed efforts. This might mean underestimating a commute or overrunning meetings, disrupting schedules. Reversed items indicate accurate time estimation, meeting deadlines easily, and a strong sense of temporal flow. This facet balances poor time awareness with precise time management, revealing how temporal perception affects planning, punctuality, and daily organization.