SWAN - Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behavior

The SWAN is more for ADHD and not designed specifically for autism. 

 

The SWAN (Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal Behavior) Rating Scale is a tool to assess ADHD symptoms in children and adolescents. 

The SWAN Rating Scale consists of 18 items that capture various domains of ADHD symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It uses a Likert-type scale ranging from 0 (far below average) to 3 (far above average) to rate the presence and severity of each symptom. The scale can be completed by parents, teachers, or other caregivers who have regular contact with the child.

Scoring of the SWAN involves summing the ratings for each item to obtain a total score. Higher scores indicate greater ADHD symptomatology. The scale also allows for the calculation of subscale scores for inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. 

Limitations with its use in autism. 

• Lack of specificity: The SWAN focuses on ADHD symptoms and may not capture the full range of challenges and behaviors associated with autism. Autistics may exhibit ADHD symptoms as part of their broader autism profile, but there may be additional symptoms and impairments not assessed by the SWAN.
• Difficulty differentiating symptoms: Some symptoms of ADHD, such as inattention, can overlap with symptoms of autism, making it challenging to disentangle the two conditions based solely on the SWAN. 

The SWAN Rating Scale was developed by Dr. Stephen J. Kupper in 2006.