Swanson, Nolan and Pelham Teacher and Parent Rating Scale

Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Teacher and Parent Rating Scale

The Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Teacher and Parent Rating Scale (commonly abbreviated as SNAP-IV) is a psychological assessment tool used to evaluate attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other behavioral issues in children. It is widely used by educators and clinicians to gather information from both teachers and parents about a child's behavior in different settings.

Development and Purpose

The SNAP-IV was developed by Dr. James Swanson, Dr. Eugene Arnold, and Dr. Dennis Cantwell. The scale is designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of ADHD symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, as well as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) symptoms. The tool is based on the criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

Structure of the Scale

The SNAP-IV consists of a series of items that are rated on a 4-point scale, ranging from "Not at all" to "Very much." The scale includes items that correspond to the core symptoms of ADHD and ODD. The items are grouped into subscales that measure inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and oppositional behavior.

Inattention Subscale

The inattention subscale includes items that assess a child's ability to focus, sustain attention, and complete tasks. Examples of behaviors rated in this subscale include difficulty organizing tasks and activities, being easily distracted, and forgetfulness in daily activities.

Hyperactivity/Impulsivity Subscale

This subscale evaluates behaviors related to excessive movement, fidgeting, and impulsive actions. Items in this subscale include difficulty remaining seated, talking excessively, and interrupting others.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder Subscale

The ODD subscale measures behaviors associated with defiance, argumentativeness, and hostility towards authority figures. Items include losing temper, arguing with adults, and deliberately annoying others.

Administration and Scoring

The SNAP-IV can be administered to both teachers and parents to obtain a comprehensive view of the child's behavior across different environments. Each item is scored, and the scores are summed to provide a total score for each subscale. Higher scores indicate more severe symptoms.

Applications

The SNAP-IV is used in both clinical and educational settings to:

• Assist in the diagnosis of ADHD and ODD.
• Monitor the effectiveness of treatment interventions.
• Provide a baseline for behavioral assessments.

Limitations

While the SNAP-IV is a valuable tool, it is important to note that it should not be used as the sole method for diagnosing ADHD or ODD. It is most effective when used in conjunction with other assessment tools and clinical evaluations.

See Also

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• Oppositional defiant disorder
• Behavioral assessment