Understanding the Purpose of School-Based Referral: ADD/ADHD

School teams of qualified professionals, on which medical professionals often serve, are usually responsible for identifying students with attention deficit disorder. Keep in mind that educators should not attempt to diagnose attention deficit disorder medically. Rather, the teaching staff should rely on the school-related data collected to determine whether there is a significant problem that requires specific educational accommodations.

This frame of reference should lead a designated team to a thorough investigation into the reasons why a child might be exhibiting certain behaviors. In most cases, there will be numerous reasons, all of which need to be investigated formally and informally before referral to a physician.

As the student's teacher, you can contribute critical information to assist in this process. Therefore, it is important that you focus your efforts on collecting information that will be useful in planning appropriate educational programs and approaches for the child.

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Provided in partnership with The Council for Exceptional Children.