I created The FAAS-40 © to assist with the more day to day traits in women with ADHD that often go dismissed or underrepresented in current scales  used in adhd diagnosis in females.

The FAAS-40 (Female Adult ADHD Scale©  ) was developed by me to fill a gap. It reflects everyday experiences of adult females with ADHD traits, including shopping impulse purchases, disorganisation, sensory overload, burnout, and late-diagnosis adaptations Such as Masking.

FAAS-40 User Guide

Purpose and Background

The Female Adult ADHD Scale–40 (FAAS-40) was developed to address the gendered gaps in ADHD assessment tools, which are typically normed on male presentations. This scale was specifically designed based on female adult lived experience, practitioner insights, and evidence-based traits often under-recognised in existing measures.

Structure of the FAAS-40

The scale comprises 40 self-report items rated on a 5-point Likert scale (0=Never to  4 =Very Often), grouped into five subscales:

- Executive Function and Working Memory (EFWM)

- Emotional Dysregulation (EMO)

- Disorganisation and Daily Life (ORG)

- Impulsivity and Hyperfocus (IMP)

- Social Masking and Coping Strategies (SOC)

Instructions:
1. Score each of the 40 items using the 0–4 response scale.
2. Add all item scores together.
3. Record the total score.

Total Score: __________________ / 160

Score Range

Interpretation

0–39

Low presence of ADHD‑related traits

40–79

Mild presence of ADHD‑related traits

80–119

Moderate presence of ADHD‑related traits – further exploration may be useful

120–160

High presence of ADHD‑related traits – clinical assessment may be appropriate

Ethical Use

The FAAS-40 is designed for research and signposting to clinical screening use only. It should not be used in isolation to diagnose ADHD. Practitioners should interpret scores in the context of a full clinical history, functional impact, and co-occurring conditions. Researchers using the FAAS-40 should acknowledge its pilot status and cite the source appropriately.

When referencing the FAAS‑40 please cite:

Bains, C. (2026).
FAAS‑40: Female Adult ADHD Scale.
Best of You Consultancy.

FAAS-40: Female Adult ADHD Scale (40-item)

A Trait-Based Screening Tool for ADHD-Related Difficulties in Adult Women

Disclaimer (Please read before proceeding):

This tool is a screening aid only - not a diagnostic test. It highlights possible ADHD related traits and is not sufficient to confirm a diagnosis. If your score falls in the High or Very High range, or if you’re concerned about your wellbeing, please consider seeking a full clinical assessment with a qualified professional.

Copyright & Use:

© 2025 Best of You Consultancy. FAAS-40 is a copyrighted tool, available for free use in clinical and academic settings with proper citation: Bains (2025). The Female Adult ADHD Scale–40.

Clinicians can also attend the 2 hour CPD course in how to use the screening tool successfully to support women.  

FAAS-40: Female Adult ADHD Scale (Participant Questionnaire)

Please rate how often each statement has applied to you over the past 6 months.

Scale:
0 = Never
1 = Rarely
2 = Sometimes
3 = Often
4 = Almost Always

1. I forget tasks almost immediately after I’m told what to do.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

2. I often need to re-read text because I lose focus mid-paragraph.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

3. I start tasks but rarely finish them without getting distracted.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

4. I lose track of what I was doing when interrupted.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

5. I forget why I entered a room or opened an app.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

6. I avoid tasks that require sustained attention.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

7. I find it hard to follow multi-step instructions.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

8. I frequently misplace necessary items (e.g., keys, charger, documents).
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

9. I feel overwhelmed by tasks that others find manageable.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

10. I experience emotional outbursts I later regret.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

11. I have intense reactions to small frustrations.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

12. I feel mentally stuck when under stress.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

13. I ruminate excessively after awkward or emotional interactions.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

14. I feel emotionally drained after ordinary social exchanges.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

15. I jump into relationships too quickly and then obsess about the person to the point I don’t see red flags.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

16. My mood shifts rapidly, especially in the luteal phase of my cycle.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

17. My home or workspace frequently fluctuates between very messy and briefly tidy.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

18. I often leave shopping bags or parcels for days before putting them away.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

19. I create piles to “organize” but they become clutter.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

20. I forget what’s in my fridge, pantry, or cupboard and overbuy.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

21. I avoid cleaning or tidying because I don’t know where to start.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

22. I pay bills late even when I have the money.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

23. I run out of essentials (e.g., toilet paper, milk) because I forget to replace them.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

24. I struggle to manage incoming mail, messages or emails effectively
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

25. I make impulsive purchases I later regret.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

26. I hyperfocus on certain tasks and forget to eat, attend to priorities, or respond to messages.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

27. I start personal projects without thinking them through.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

28. I drop hobbies shortly after starting them.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

29. I spend more time preparing for a task than completing it.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

30. I impulsively reorganize or declutter and leave a bigger mess.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

31. I get “hooked” on ideas or interests and obsess over them temporarily.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

32. I often interrupt others unintentionally during conversations.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

33. I put in significant effort to appear organized or “normal.”
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

34. I over-apologize for being late, disorganized, or forgetful.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

35. I rely on visual reminders or alarms to function daily.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

36. I feel like I’m performing rather than being myself in professional settings.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

37. I hide my real level of chaos from friends, coworkers, or family.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

38. I feel ashamed asking for help with basic life tasks.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

39. I become overwhelmed easily when under stress.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

40. I use lists, systems, or rituals just to stay afloat.
[  ] Never  [  ] Rarely  [  ] Sometimes  [  ] Often  [  ] Almost Always

© Caralyn Bains, Best of You Consultancy. FAAS-40 Female ADHD Assessment Scale. All rights reserved