Is it anxiety, ADHD, or emotional overwhelm?

Answer 5 quick questions to better understand what may be driving your child’s behavior and what support may help next. You’ll get a personalized summary with examples, helpful first steps, understanding on what’s going on beneath the behavior, and how therapy can help.*

This quiz is for you if:

  • Your child seems reactive, distracted, avoidant, or shutdown.

  • You are unsure whether the behavior is anxiety, ADHD, or both.

  • You want a clearer next step before seeking support.

*Please note this quiz is psychoeducational and informative. It should not be confused with therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or relationship.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • No, this quiz is not a diagnosis, but it gives you clarity on what may be driving your child’s behavior.

  • The next step is turning insight into action so your child can start feeling better.

    Your options:

    • Book your free consultation call with Dr. Lindsay O’Shea and I’ll guide you through the process

    • Explore recommended resources based on your results

    • Start parent coaching for immediate strategies

    • Schedule a consultation for a tailored plan

  • Anxiety in children often shows up as excessive worry, avoidance, irritability, or physical complaints like stomachaches.

    You might notice:

    • Avoiding school, social events, or new situations

    • Constant reassurance-seeking (“Am I okay?” “What if…?”)

    • Trouble sleeping or frequent meltdowns before transitions

    How to get started:
    Start with anxiety-focused therapy to help your child build coping skills and reduce avoidance patterns. Parent support also helps reinforce these skills at home.

  • ADHD in children typically shows up as difficulty with focus, impulse control, organization, and follow-through.

    You might notice:

    • Trouble staying on task or finishing things

    • Forgetfulness, disorganization, or losing items

    • Big reactions, frustration, or impulsive behavior

    How to get started:
    Begin with structured, skills-based support that targets routines, emotional regulation, and executive functioning—often combined with parent coaching.

  • Emotional overwhelm happens when a child’s feelings exceed their ability to regulate, even if it’s not anxiety or ADHD.

    You might notice:

    • Big meltdowns that seem disproportionate

    • Difficulty calming down once upset

    • Sensitivity to stress, transitions, or stimulation

    How to get started:
    Focus on building emotional regulation skills and helping your child feel safe, understood, and supported in managing big feelings.

  • It’s very common for children to show overlapping patterns across anxiety, ADHD, and emotional overwhelm.

    What this means:
    Your child may need a combined approach that addresses both behavior and underlying emotional patterns.

    How to get started:
    A personalized plan can help you target the root issue rather than guessing or trying random strategies.

  • It can be hard to tell because anxiety, ADHD, and emotional overwhelm often look similar on the surface.

    The key difference:

    • Anxiety = driven by worry and fear

    • ADHD = driven by attention and impulse challenges

    • Overwhelm = driven by emotional regulation limits

    How to get started:
    Use your quiz results as a starting point to get curious about what may be going on for your child and discuss with Dr. Lindsay O’Shea on your initial consult call.