Screening and assessment tools
National guidance does not currently recommend screening whole school populations for ADHD per se, but screening can be useful for identifying those pupils at high-risk of having any underlying disorder, and ADHD may be identified within this broad group.
Certain ‘high-risk’ population such as children looked after away from home and those with significant behavioural difficulties, are overrepresented in terms of ADHD, but what is more important is to begin the diagnostic process by having an initial discussion with parents if problems persisting and there are no alternative explanations.
The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is a very useful tool for screening high-risk groups, and is easy to administer, quick, and robust in terms of reliability. It is a very good starting point for opening discussions with parents and beginning the referral/diagnostic process through CAMHS.
The Development and Well-being Assessment (DAWBA) is usually administered alongside the SDQ for pupils in the high risk category of having significant psychological or psychiatric difficulties.
It is robust, quick, and relatively inexpensive, and can provide a comprehensive pre-diagnostic assessment were important decisions have to be made in order to support a young person. it can be particularly useful when a quick profile is required to support critical planning, for example in determining whether specialist support is required to sustain family placement or educational provision.
Online questionnaire is to be completed by teachers, parents and carers, and by the young people themselves, and results obtained speedily, thus avoiding long wait times at CAMHS. . Whilst the DAWBA, cannot be used as a stand-alone diagnosis for ADHD, it can indicate the probability of that disorder occurring and thus encourage parents and professionals to think carefully of the support that may be required at home and at school.