Case Finding, Screening, and Referral

Considering the findings described in Chapters 1 and 3, it is apparent that school professionals need to be aware of the symptoms of conduct disorder (CD). Specifically, all school professionals need to be informed about the risks and symptoms of CD, its typical developmental course, as well as how to engage in screening procedures, and make appropriate referrals for psychoeducational evaluation. This chapter reviews how to use empirical evidence to inform practice in the applied school setting. For instance, the age and development of the child can impact symptom presentation of CD. In addition, developmental considerations should inform school district policies regarding culpability and ultimately the provision of support services in schools. How to gather and understand relevant information is reviewed along with a list of screening techniques. The formal process of diagnosis, psychoeducational evaluation, and treatment are discussed in detail in Chapters 5, 6, and 7.