The Basics of Play Therapy for Early Childhood Intervention A Collaborative Approach to Care March 2, 2019 * Tex-CHIP Training Series

Psychological Assessment of Children Thomas Graf, PhD At Developmental Medicine Clinic, Driscoll Children’s Hospital Psychological Assessment of Children

Understanding Psychologist’s Role in Treating Children When to refer for a psychological evaluation: Risk factors in child development 1. learning difficulties - academic failure, not learning in specific areas or in general Rule out ADHD, LD, ID 2. speech or language delays - in history or observation Effects of speech delays on communicating and learning in school - Rule out low language or Verbal Cog. 3. concerns about autism - repetitive self-absorbed behaviors and delays in communication

Understanding Psychologist’s Role in Treating Children 4. motor abilities - falling often, coordination delays - coordination disorder, affecting social interactions too 5. poor self control - lasting outbursts, emotional instability - rule out ADHD, mood disorder 2. Psychological Assessments can assist with changes at home, school and for other treatment recommendations. Convince PCP and health plan to provide more services

Understanding Psychologist’s Role in Treating Children 3. When considering play therapy - if mainly externalizing and self control disorder-direct parent training needed. 4. Refer to which psychologist - depends on their specialization: My range - Developmental disorder (LD,ID, ADHD, delays) and children with chronic medical problems, ages 1-12. Other psychologists - teenagers, mood disorders, custody/legal matters, primarily schools

Considerations when Interacting with Clients Form alliance with parents and understand what they see as the problem Form alliance with the child - talking to adults about problems is typically associated with being in trouble or feeling at fault - some children cannot tolerate hearing what their problems are, others can participate Understand parental explanation of problems (Medical, Cultural) and expectation from you Refer out if you have not seen similar kinds of problems

Our Treatment Plan Healthcare Domain: Psychological Assessment Provider: Psychologist Objective: Decrease in symptoms as indicated by client report of: reading effort improved improve mood and clinginess (c) cope better with changes in family   Goals: a)  determine reading versus general learning problems b) determine presence of depression, history of losses and available adults, rule out ADHD as it can contribute to similar symptoms c)  help identify his feeling and thought patterns relevant to losses and family changes Interventions: a)  psychological testing of cognitive and achievement that compares math with reading, and verbal with non-verbal abilities  b)  how available are mother, grandmother others in the family to help with his schooling and with activities that he misses and that were fun for him? Use report, observations, testing and history to determine ADHD versus/and depression   c) with rating scales and interview determine understanding of his coping difficulties so family and Brandon can work together.

Measuring Outcomes/Success Improvements in grades, amount of homework completion, amount of reading at home, level of distress for Brandon and family. Consider report by Brandon, mother, grandmother and school

Communication Needed from Counselors Bring up concern with pediatrician through parents or writing letter to pediatrician - in regard to learning, language, emotional, social delays and possible disorders that are of concern. In our clinic referrals have to come from pediatrician’s office. If unsure if a referral will be helpful - call psychologist’s office.