Understanding the SNAP-IV Form: A Key Step in Paediatric Assessment for Neurodivergent Conditions
When families come to Intuition Paediatrics seeking clarity around their child’s behaviour, attention or learning needs, one of the most important tools our paediatricians request before setting up an appointment with you an your child is the SNAP-IV form. It’s a simple questionnaire, but a highly valuable one.
What is a SNAP-IV?
The SNAP-IV (Swanson, Nolan and Pelham Rating Scale) is a validated behavioural assessment tool used to help identify symptoms commonly associated with ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). While it does not diagnose on its own, it provides structured and consistent behavioural data that supports a paediatrician’s overall assessment.
Why the SNAP-IV matters
The SNAP-IV helps clinicians:
1. Measure behavioural frequency
2. Compare symptoms with diagnostic criteria
3. Understand how behaviours present across settings
4. Make well-informed decisions about next steps
Most importantly, it supports families seeking answers, reducing uncertainty and ensuring children receive the right support sooner.
Why do both a parent and a teacher need to complete it?
Children behave differently depending on their environment. To gain a complete picture, two versions of the SNAP-IV are required:
1. One completed by a parent or caregiver, reflecting behaviour at home and in social settings
2. One completed by a teacher, capturing behaviour in structured learning environments
This dual perspective is essential for an accurate and evidence-based assessment.
The SNAP-IV is one of five items required before your booking can be confirmed
To secure your appointment with one of our paediatricians, please ensure the following five items are included in that single email:
1. Two completed SNAP-IV forms (parent and teacher)
2. A current GP referral
4. Your child’s two most recent school reports
5. A short family history (100 words or less) outlining neurodiverse conditions, saved as a Word document
Please also attached any additional specialist reports, such as psychology, speech pathology or OT assessments on this email, if applicable. We understand this may be your first appointment to investigate your concerns, so you may not have these.
Providing these materials upfront allows your paediatrician to begin the clinical review before your appointment, ensuring faster, clearer guidance for your family.
Please Note: Photographs of these documents will not be accepted. Multiple or separate emails will be rejected, as all documents must be uploaded together into our patient information portal.
How to find a SNAP-IV form
A printable SNAP-IV form is available here.
You will need to:
1. Print two copies
2. Complete one yourself (or the primary carer of the child)
3. Provide the second to your child’s teacher to complete
4. Scan both completed forms (photographs cannot be accepted)
5. Send all required documents (listed above) in one single email to our reception team (Multiple or separate emails will be rejected, as all documents must be uploaded together into our patient information portal).
Once your documents are sent through in scanned format, in one email, your child’s case will then be triaged by one of our paediatricians, who will decide whether their services are the best option for your child. In rare cases, this may not be the case. You will be contacted about booking an appointment after this process.
If you have any questions about the pre-appointment process, please contact our reception team on 4321 0500.
