Information gathering
All parents/carers should be asked to complete standardised behaviour rating scales, such as the Conners' Behaviour Rating Scale for Parents (see http://www.pearsonassessments.com/tests/crs-r.htm) or Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). (The SDQ is freely downloadable via http://www.sdqinfo.com/ ). As well as helping in the assessment phase, such questionnaires can also be used to provide baseline information against which to assess the impact of any intervention. Information on additional rating scales for ADHD can be accessed via http://www.massgeneral.org/madiresourcecenter/schoolpsychiatry/screening_adhd.asp
Parental permission should be sought to gather other information e.g. from the child's teacher and/or from other involved professionals e.g. educational psychologists, school doctors, speech and language therapist's etc. Teaching staff should be asked to complete standardised questionnaires such as the Conners' Behaviour Rating Scale for Teachers and SDQ (teacher version) and to provide a written report on the child's presentation and progress within the school setting. (See downloads for example of standard letter to school requesting information)
