Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults (DIVA-5)

At NeuroSpark Health, we use the DIVA-5 (Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults) as part of our comprehensive adult ADHD evaluations. The DIVA-5 is a structured, evidence-based interview aligned with DSM-5 criteria and designed to identify how ADHD shows up across adulthood.

Many adults, especially those assigned female at birth or who present with internalized traits, go undiagnosed for years. The DIVA-5 helps bridge this gap by offering real-world, relatable examples of how ADHD traits may have shown up in childhood and continue into adulthood.

How the DIVA-5 Works

The DIVA-5 interview is conducted remotely via secure video and typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes. It’s facilitated by one of our experienced clinicians and focuses on your unique lived experience, no generic checklists and no judgment.

The DIVA-5 evaluates ADHD-related behaviors across five important areas of adult life:

• Work and Education: difficulties with focus, deadlines, organization, or burnout
• Relationships and Family Life: emotional reactivity, communication struggles, or parenting overwhelm
• Social Life: trouble navigating conversations, maintaining friendships, or managing overstimulation
• Free Time and Hobbies: procrastination, boredom intolerance, or starting projects but not finishing
• Self-Confidence and Self-Image: persistent feelings of failure, shame, or “never reaching your potential”

This in-depth process offers a more accurate and affirming ADHD diagnosis, especially for those who’ve masked, compensated, or been overlooked in childhood.

Understanding ADHD Through a Neurodivergent Lens

Many adults reach adulthood without ever realizing their struggles could be related to ADHD, especially those who masked well, developed elaborate coping strategies, or were misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, or personality issues. The DIVA-5 helps bring clarity by connecting the dots between past and present experiences in a way that’s concrete, nuanced, and respectful of your lived reality.

We don’t approach ADHD as something broken that needs to be fixed. Instead, we view it as a different way of thinking, processing, and navigating the world that comes with both challenges and strengths. Our role is to help you make sense of your patterns, not pathologize them.

If you’ve been wondering whether ADHD might be part of your story, or if you’ve been searching for support that actually gets it, we’re here to support you.

Who Should Consider the DIVA-5?

The DIVA-5 is an excellent fit for adults who:

• Suspect they may have ADHD but were never diagnosed
• Were misdiagnosed in childhood with anxiety, depression, or other conditions
• Struggle with executive functioning, emotional regulation, or chronic overwhelm
• Want to understand how ADHD traits show up in their work, relationships, and daily life
• Are pursuing ADHD accommodations, coaching, or treatment planning

We often use the DIVA-5 in our ADHD-only assessments and our combined AuDHD (autism + ADHD) evaluations.

Telehealth ADHD Evaluations Across 45+ States

NeuroSpark Health offers remote ADHD assessments for adults in over 45 states, with new locations added regularly. Our licensed clinicians provide high-quality, neurodiversity-affirming evaluations entirely via telehealth, making it easier to access care that actually fits your needs.

Whether you’re in California, New York, Texas, Florida, or nearly anywhere else in the U.S., there’s a good chance we can work with you.

✅ Not sure if we’re available in your state? Check out our Areas Served page.

Learn More About the DIVA-5

You can read more about the DIVA-5 at the official DIVA Foundation website.

Have questions? Not sure if this is the right step for you? Contact us to learn more about our affirming ADHD assessments and support for late-diagnosed adults.