About The PADDS

The PADDS Is A Suite Of ADHD Assessment Tools Created Specifically To Improve Diagnostic Accuracy and Helping To Reduce ADHD Over-identification While Minimizing The Time And Material Expenses Of ADHD Screening.

PADDS is a multi-dimensional, evidence-based approach to ADHD screening. Consisting of the "Target Tests of Executive Functioning" which are 3 newly developed, innovative and psychometrically superior computer administered tests, with a unique automatically calculated predictive index scoring and reporting method using Bayesian reasoning, likelihood ratios, and graphed on a nomogram to maximize the predictive power gained by combining multiple sources of evidence.

Each of the 3 Target Tests are designed to place distinctly different demands on several key areas of executive functioning that have been identified as important to ADHD assessment. The Target Tests' superior reliability and validity, when applied incrementally in combination with other evidence sources, allows the PADDS system to raise the standard for psychometric performance and clinical utility in ADHD screening.

All necessary documents, protocols, reports and scoring are included with the program and printable at any time, you won't need to purchase anything else. The program automatically does scoring and reporting for you. These "Kid Friendly" tests are easier to administer and take compared to current CPT's, as a result re-testing is also easier because most children are eager to re-take these tests. Subjects may be re-tested as many times as necessary and can help to determine treatment efficacy. The practitioner or properly trained assistant can easily administer the cognitive tests in about 30 minutes. This version Of PADDS is Designed For Children Ages 6 - 12.

PADDS is a new and innovative Attention and Executive Functions Screening System with proven clinical reliability and validity for the screening of Attention and Executive disorders. The PADDS system can be completed in total in approximately 45 minutes by a clinician or properly trained assistant.

The test is designed to screen for ADHD in children between the ages of 6 to 12 years. The testing process is built upon three brief and highly engaging computer administered tasks referred to as the Target Tests of Executive Functioning (TTEF).

It tests working memory, sequential memory and procedural memory functions all integral parts of executive functioning skills, which are often deficient in ADHD students. It can also be used to assess whether medication has a positive effect once an ADHD diagnosis has been made.

The Target Tests of Executive Functioning moves beyond measuring routine persistence (sustained attention) often found with traditional continuous performance tests. It taps additional aspects of executive functioning such as: Activating, Focusing, Planning, Organization, Working Memory, Modulating Emotions, and Sustaining Effort.

The children are attracted to the game-like feel of the tests; they remain engaged without becoming frustrated as often happens with other CPT's. PADDS more accurately reflects a subject's higher-level cognitive abilities rather than just how quickly they give up on a boring, tedious task.

PADDS Links

Sample Reports(pdf)

Forms and Protocols (pdf)

PADDS Research

Another important aspect of PADDS are the behavioral reports, which consist of:
(1) The Computer Administered and Scored Snap-IV Behavior Ratings.
(2) The Computer Administered Diagnostic Interview (CADI).
Combining the Target Tests of Executive Functioning with the behavioral reports more accurately delineates ADHD concerns and may provide insight into possible co-morbid conditions as well.

All information is reported in an efficient user-friendly Nomographic evidence-based, graphic report analysis. This invaluable report presents the positive and negative predictive power across multiple lines of evidence established for or against a diagnosis of ADHD.

The report also presents the incremental movement (combined evidence) of the TTEF's and the SNAP-IV inputs and overall predictive index. Each report generated is based on age specific information with relative cut points, Z-scores, T-scores and percentile comparisons of performance to the non-clinical reference group.

Raw score confidence intervals are set at 95 percent which are also produced for each case giving the examiner three distinct performance references for each case. The concise report has exportable capability and is saved in a database for unlimited retest comparisons over time.

This standardized evidence-based approach efficiently provides a preliminary treatment plan that can support a diagnosis when combined with other procedures as deemed necessary along with the clinician's judgment.

With an approach that helps to overcome some of the problems and limitations found when using rating scales alone, or with less effective test measures, the PADDS system represents a clear advancement over existing computerized performance tests for ADHD, and by "raising the bar" on current assessment practices, signaling the future of evidence-based diagnostic screening.

The PADDS System incorporates the multi-level evidence-based approach in line with the current emphasis of "Best Practices" of prominent researchers, healthcare agencies and professional academies.

Steven Spector, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Independent Practice
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Departments of Pediatrics/ Psychiatry
Wayne State University School of Medicine
Detroit, MI 48201

Dr. Spector is one of our most valued contributors and is also a PADDS User.

In addition to PADDS being used in school systems and doctors' offices around the world, we are being used as part of the curriculum in universities.

If you are with an accredited university and would like to add Padds to your curriculum we offer a generous educational discount.