PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Assessment: The Foundation of Tailored and Effective Interventions
Psychological assessment can involve many different elements, but the purpose of any assessment is to enhance our understanding and inform future supports and services.
I offer bespoke assessment services to individuals and families privately and via the Adoption Support Fund (ASF). Assessment packages are developed through consultation with the family and professionals and may be completed to explore a child’s general mental health functioning in order to develop a psychological formulation and recommendations for effective supports, or may seek to address a specific assessment question, such as:
‘My child has been diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder (such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or Autism Spectrum Disorder) or a mental health disorder. How do these symptoms impact their functioning across educational, social, and home settings, and what can we do to best support them?’
‘How can we help my child to address their anxiety?’
‘My child feels distant and has stopped doing the things they used to enjoy. How did this happen and how can we help them to feel excited about life again?’
‘How did my child’s challenging behaviour develop and how can we address this while strengthening (or rebuilding) positive relationships in the family?’
‘What type of educational environment will best support my child’s learning and behaviour needs?’
‘My child is hurting themselves. Why are they doing this and how can we keep them safe?’
‘Why does it feel like my teenager is from another planet and how can we connect again?’
The specific assessment process will vary to ensure that the assessment effectively meets the family or individual’s needs but can include:
Reviewing previous professional reports pertaining to the child
Direct clinical interview and/or play with the child/young person
The administration of standardised assessment and questionnaire measures
Clinical interview with parents/carers
Observation of the child/young person at home
Observation of the child/young person at school/college
Clinical interview with teachers
Clinical interview and liaison with other relevant professionals
A comprehensive risk assessment (considering risk to themselves, to others, and from others) is always included.
Assessment findings are presented in a professional report that outlines the assessment question, the assessment process completed, relevant background information, the child’s presenting difficulties and strengths, consideration for how difficulties developed and are being maintained, and detailed recommendations for how the child can be best supported across home and education settings, in addition to consideration for targeted intervention (such as psychological therapy or further assessment).