Miller, T. L. (2005).
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A survey of assessment
practices by school psychologists. Dissertation Abstracts
International, 66(9), 5098.
Abstract: This research was conducted to survey the
assessment and diagnostic practices of school psychologists who
assess individuals referred for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD). Results showed that a substantial number of school
psychologists routinely provide ADHD assessments despite concerns
about the quality of the psychological instruments available to
them or a lack of an agreed-upon gold standard for ADHD assessment.
Participants reported that ADHD-related referrals were accurate
approximately 65% of the time, and teachers were rated as both the
most common and accurate of all referral sources. Most of the
school psychologists used the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for
Children, the Behavior Assessment System for Children, the Connors'
Rating Scales, and the Woodcock Johnson Tests of Achievement when
assessing for ADHD, but only one test was recognized as above
average for psychometric quality, whereas ten of the most commonly
used tests for ADHD assessment were rated as below average in terms
of psychometric properties. Finally, the most popular rationale
offered for test use was differential diagnosis (41%), which was
offered more than twice as frequently than any other option.
Results are discussed in terms of implications for training and
future research, current professional practice standards, and
clinical decision-making issues.