THE SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST AS MANAGER OF PROGRAMMING FOR ADHD

The school psychologist is uniquely positioned to provide services to children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). School psychologists can readily utilize naturalistic methods of assessment; they have the potential to be highly effective in consulting with teac hers by establishing effective, ongoing, working alliances with educat ors. Although clinic-based professionals often have expertise in asses sing and treating children with complex patterns of internalizing and externalizing behavior, they generally have difficulty acquiring natur alistic assessment data and collaborating with teachers on an ongoing basis. The role of the school psychologist in managing services for ch ildren with ADHD is examined in relation to legal mandates and recent trends in ADHD research and the practice of school psychology. The lim itations of a school-based model are considered; the need for close co llaboration between school- and clinic-based professionals is emphasiz ed.