The British Psychological Society (BPS) is pleased that the 2018 NICE ADHD GUIDELINE - has been amended to improve SAFEGUARDING OF CHILDREN following its comments

FROM THE BPS WEBSITE 21-03-18

The British Psychological Society (BPS) is pleased that the 2018 NICE ADHD guideline has been amended following our comments during the consultation process.A number of additions relating to child safeguarding have been made, including:

- Environmental factors must be fully accounted for and appropriately adapted prior to a diagnosis of ADHD being made.
- A behavioural baseline must be established.
- Parents of children under five must have completed a recognised and accredited parent training course before a diagnosis of ADHD is considered.
- In the case of under fives, the advice of another qualified tertiary professional should be considered before a diagnosis of ADHD is made.
Dr Brian Apter, who led the Society's response, said:

"I am pleased that the consultation process has borne fruit and a number of safeguarding checks and balances have been added.

This new guidance will stand for 10 years before further revisions are considered, during this time it is vital that psychologists comply with this guidance to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people in the organisations that they work for and with."

Child psychologists are well placed to challenge medical practitioners when there is a Safeguarding concern due to a prescribed drug's side effects in a case where they are co-working.

You can read our full consultation response here.The Society produce responses to a number of consultations - for more information on these, including on how you can get involved, visit our consultations page.