Understanding QbCheck: A Computer-Based ADHD Assessment Tool
QbCheck is a computer-based assessment tool used to help identify symptoms associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD) in both children and adults. Many families and individuals come to us because they have concerns about attention, focus, organisation, or restlessness, but they are unsure whether these difficulties may be linked to ADHD. QbCheck offers a helpful first step by providing measurable information about how someone performs on tasks that require sustained attention, response control, and concentration. It does not diagnose ADHD on its own, but it does give valuable insight and supports decisions about whether a referral for a full diagnostic assessment is appropriate.
One of the reasons QbCheck is so useful is that it provides objective data, rather than relying only on questionnaires or observations. It compares performance with what is expected for someone of the same age, which can help clarify whether difficulties fall within the typical range or whether they reflect a pattern often associated with ADHD. Many people, especially adults, find this reassuring because it adds clarity to challenges they mayhave experienced for years without a clear explanation.
How QbCheck Works
QbCheck can be completed either remotely at home or face to face with one of our assessors, depending on what works best for you. The process is straightforward. The individual completes a simple, game-like task on a computer while a webcam tracks movement. This combination allows us to look at three core areas linked to ADHD: attention, impulse control, and activity level.
The task itself involves pressing a key when certain shapes appear on the screen and ignoring others. It requires sustained concentration, careful responding, and the ability to manage distractions. At the same time, the webcam monitors physical movement, which helps us understand whether restlessness or difficultysitting still is affecting performance. Although the test is easy to follow, it is designed to reveal the subtle patterns that can be associated with ADHD.
What QbCheck Measures
Attention
This looks at how consistently the person stays focused on the taskover time. Difficulties with sustaining attention may show up as missed responses or fluctuating performance.
Impulse Control
This reflects how often someone responds too quickly or when they should not. Impulsive responding is common in ADHD, and QbCheckhelps quantify the level of impulsivity shown during the task.
Activity Level
The webcam tracks movement throughout the assessment. High or inconsistent activity levels can be informative, particularly when the individual reports restlessness or difficulty remaining still.
Each of these areas is compared with a large set of age-matched data, which helps us understand whether the individual’s performance is typical or whether it shows patterns more closely linked with ADHD.
How We Use QbCheck in the Assessment Process
We use QbCheck as an initial test to help identify whether symptoms of ADHD may be present and whether a referral for a full diagnostic assessment is likely to be appropriate. It is particularly useful when there is uncertainty, mixed evidence, or when difficulties appear across different areas of life such as school, work, or home. QbCheck does not diagnose ADHD independently, but it adds an important layer of information that supports decision-making and helps ensure individualsreceive the right next steps.
For some people, the results indicate that their attention and activity levels fall within the expected range, which can be reassuring. For others, the data may highlight clear patterns of inattention, impulsivity, or restlessness that point towards the need for onward referral to a GP, psychiatrist, or specialist ADHD assessment service. Because the results are objective, they can be particularly helpful when explaining concerns to schools, employers, or health professionals.
What to Expect
Whether completed remotely or in person, we make sure the process is clear, calm, and supportive. The test itself takes only a short amount of time, and we give full instructions before starting. If the assessment takes place at home, we will guide you through the setup to ensure accurate results. Children and adults generally manage the task well, and we are always available to help if anxiety or practical difficulties arise.
Once the test is complete, we review the results with you and discuss what they mean. If the data suggests symptoms that may be linked to ADHD, we will advise on the most appropriate referral pathway. If not, we will talk through other possible explanations and recommend next steps or strategies that may be helpful going forward.