ERIC Number: ED661923
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 34
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
The Development of Ecologically Integrated and Culturally Informed ADHD and SLD Diagnostic Tools for Doctoral Assessment Training
Anna Cecilia McWhirter; Karrie P. Walters
Grantee Submission, Disabilities v4 n3 p583-615 2024
Psychological assessment is an integral aspect of training in graduate school. Developing ecologically integrated and culturally sensitive diagnostic tools to support case conceptualization and differential diagnosis is critical to improving assessment practices. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of research on diagnostic training practices, particularly when integrating the cultural context into an assessment. The current study addressed this gap by evaluating four novel diagnostic tools used to guide doctoral externs (n = 11), including case conceptualization and differential diagnostic tables, an attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) matrix, and a specific learning disorder (SLD) in reading matrix. These tools were designed to integrate a range of clinical data from an ecological context. The current study (1) evaluated extern perspectives on the use and benefit of the diagnostic tools in their training and (2) discussed tool adaptation based on extern feedback. Data were analyzed via frequencies of extern responses to items. The results demonstrated high extern acceptability of the diagnostic tools and that the tools supported their ability to integrate the clients' ecological context into the diagnostic process. Adaptations of the tools in response to extern feedback are discussed. These tools can support culturally and ecologically sensitive assessment practices.
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Institute of Education Sciences (ED)
Authoring Institution: N/A
IES Funded: Yes
Grant or Contract Numbers: R324B180001