SpLD Assessment Standards Committee

Introduction

The ADHD Child Evaluation (ACE) is a structured diagnostic interview, which contains each of the 18 DSM items both currently and retrospectively, that can constitute the characteristics of ADHD. The SASC guidance strongly recommends that this diagnostic interview data is collected alongside an assessment report to make an onward referral to a clinical expert

Course Description

Increasingly, specialist teachers who assess for dyslexia, and SENCOs, are being asked to identify ADHD in children. The primary sources of data to diagnose ADHD are based on interviews, observations, and by establishing a history of difficulties. ACE is a semi-structured clinical diagnostic interview that aims to help identify ADHD. The ACE interview assesses the core symptoms of ADHD in childhood and the extent to which they impair functioning. Additionally, the interview prompts the assessor to consider the presence of alternative and/or co-existing conditions.  The ACE interview includes algorithms for the practitioner to select either DSM-5 or ICD-10 criteria. The training has an interactive focus and will include an introduction to ACE, an overview of the content, a video presentation of the clinical interviews (to be rated by participants), discussion of ratings, completion and interpretation of the diagnostic algorithm.

In the course delegates will consider in detail:

• Identifying ADHD – both in the hyperactive child and in the inattentive child
• Recognising that comorbidities may exist in addition to ADHD
• Recognising that other factors may be the reason for the child's hyperactive or inattentive behaviour
• Using the ACE interview as part of a diagnostic picture to inform a clinical decision