teachers Role in the Diagnosis of adhd
"Diagnosis of ADHD is made based on DSM-IV criteria by a physician. However, diagnosis can’t be made without input from child’s school as DSM-IV requires symptoms to be present in multiple settings. Therefore a teacher must play an important role in the identification and diagnosis of students with ADHD."
(Understanding and Learning about Student Health, Meg Sullivan MD)
Step 1: Referrals
If a teacher suspects a student has symptoms of ADHD, he/she should refer to their School Based Health Center (SBHC) and talk with student’s parents about specific concerns. The SBHC will be in contact with student’s parents and primary physician to begin the evaluation.
(Understanding and Learning about Student Health, Meg Sullivan MD)
Step 1: Referrals
If a teacher suspects a student has symptoms of ADHD, he/she should refer to their School Based Health Center (SBHC) and talk with student’s parents about specific concerns. The SBHC will be in contact with student’s parents and primary physician to begin the evaluation.
Step 2: Evaluations
“The assessment of ADHD requires evidence directly obtained from the classroom teacher (or other school professional) regarding the core symptoms of ADHD, the duration of symptoms, the degree of functional impairment, and coexisting conditions.”
As part of the evaluation of a student, a primary physician will likely request a teacher fill out a questionnaire/rating scale. Examples include: - - Conner’s Teacher Rating Scale
Long version-- 59 items
Short Version--28 items
- ADD-H Comprehensive Teacher Rating Scale (ACTeRS)
- NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scale
- SNAP-IV Teacher Rating Scale
These evaluations are an important part of the evaluation/diagnosis of a student with ADHD.
(American Academy of Pediatrics’ Clinical Practice Guideline: Diagnosis and Evaluation of the Child With ADHD)
Step 3: Advocacy
ADHD is recognized under both IDEA and Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act. Understand that a student diagnosed with ADHD may be eligible for special services of accommodations under these Acts.
“The assessment of ADHD requires evidence directly obtained from the classroom teacher (or other school professional) regarding the core symptoms of ADHD, the duration of symptoms, the degree of functional impairment, and coexisting conditions.”
As part of the evaluation of a student, a primary physician will likely request a teacher fill out a questionnaire/rating scale. Examples include: - - Conner’s Teacher Rating Scale
Long version-- 59 items
Short Version--28 items
- ADD-H Comprehensive Teacher Rating Scale (ACTeRS)
- NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scale
- SNAP-IV Teacher Rating Scale
These evaluations are an important part of the evaluation/diagnosis of a student with ADHD.
(American Academy of Pediatrics’ Clinical Practice Guideline: Diagnosis and Evaluation of the Child With ADHD)
Step 3: Advocacy
ADHD is recognized under both IDEA and Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act. Understand that a student diagnosed with ADHD may be eligible for special services of accommodations under these Acts.