Utility of behavior ratings by examiners during assessments of preschool children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

This study examines the clinical utility of behavior ratings made by noncli nician examiners during assessments of preschool children with Attention-De ficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). Matched samples of children with (n = 127) and without (n = 125) AD/HD were utilized to test the internal, conve rgent, concurrent, and incremental validity of ratings completed by examine rs on the Hillside Behavior Rating Scale (HBRS). Results indicated that HER S ratings were internally consistent, possessed sufficient interrater relia bility, and were significantly associated with parent and teacher reports o f AD/HD when controlling for age, gender, intelligence, and symptoms of oth er psychopathology. HERS ratings also were significantly associated with ot her measures of functioning, and provided a significant increment in the pr ediction of impairment over parent and teacher report alone. These findings suggest that behavioral ratings during testing provide a unique source of clinical information that may be useful as a supplement to parent and teach er reports.