DSM-5® Diagnosis in the Schools

Thousands of practitioners using prior editions of the DSM have relied on this key resource to optimize their diagnostic practices in PreK-12 settings. Now significantly revised for DSM-5, the book cuts through the overwhelming length and complexity of the diagnostic manual by focusing thematically on the most common child and adolescent concerns. Tips are provided for diagnostic decision making and coding, and technical terms are demystified. Emphasis is given to using diagnosis as a foundation for effective intervention. The book highlights links to special education eligibility under IDEA and discusses ethical and professional issues in school-based assessment.

New to This Edition

• Revised throughout for DSM-5.
• Restructured chapters on learning, communication, and motor problems; mood problems; anxiety problems; conduct problems; and impulse-control problems.
• Updated content on IDEA 2004.
• Notes encapsulating changes to each set of diagnostic criteria, for those familiar with the prior DSM.
• Author Commentary sidebars sharing clinical insights and experiences.

REVIEWS

“Tobin and House have provided a coherent, consistent, and valuable review of DSM-5 diagnostic practices for the school psychologist. Used alongside DSM-5, this book will greatly facilitate understanding and application of diagnostic criteria in schools and related settings. After digesting the introductory chapters, practitioners can use the chapters on specific disorders as a handy reference. This book will be helpful as a supplemental text in child psychopathology courses for school psychologists; students will gain an understanding of the conceptual bases of practical diagnostic schema and their utility in deriving effective interventions.”

—Cecil R. Reynolds, PhD, Editor-in-Chief, Psychological Assessment

“This is one of the most important books for school psychologists—both new and experienced—and for graduate students wishing to enter this complex, challenging, and exciting field. DSM-5 interfaces with all areas of applied psychology and with IDEA, and school psychologists must be proficient in its use and applications. Clearly, the authors know and respect the demands facing practitioners; chapters provide informative descriptions of the many types of referrals seen in the school context. Not only do the authors demystify DSM-5 and its relevance to diagnosis and program planning, but they also include their own perspectives and practical guidance.”

—Donald H. Saklofske, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, Canada

“This book elucidates how and when to translate a psychiatric diagnosis or developmental disability into a special education eligibility category. It provides best-practice recommendations for incorporating DSM-5 diagnosis into the decision making of school teams. The authors also address questions about licensure and certification to explain, for example, why some school psychologists can diagnose ADHD while others cannot. In addition to school psychologists, counselors, social workers, speech-language pathologists, and autism specialists will find this book immeasurably helpful.”

—Tammy L. Hughes, PhD, Fr. Martin A. Hehir Endowed Chair for Scholarly Excellence, Department of Counseling, Psychology and Special Education, Duquesne University

“An essential addition to the professional libraries of school psychologists, who are increasingly being asked to provide DSM-5 diagnoses and to interpret the diagnostic reports of other mental health professionals working in the community. The book focuses on the particular challenges of using DSM-5 to diagnose children and adolescents using data collected in the school setting. The authors draw on extensive clinical experience to provide their personal perspectives, many examples from school-based practice, suggestions for additional sources of diagnostic information, and best-practice recommendations. For readers who have used previous editions of the DSM, Tobin and House clearly explain what has changed in DSM-5. The book will serve as an excellent supplemental text for graduate students in school psychology.”

—Mark E. Swerdlik, PhD, ABPP, Coordinator, Graduate Programs in School Psychology, Illinois State University