Kids Assessments


The general purpose of assessment, or the collection of information on children and their families in a clinical setting, is to answer three basic questions (Eisen & Kearney, 1995):


1. What is the behaviour problem?
2. Why is the problem continuing to occur?
3. What is the best treatment for the problem?


These questions may seem straightforward, but they are often difficult to answer. This is especially so in a complicated case.


WHAT SHOULD I DO AS PARENT WHEN I WANT TO BRING MY CHILD/REN FOR AN ASSESSMENT


Step 1: Complete Form A and Form B.


Step 2: Do an enquiry by sending the forms to Dr. Robinson.


Step 3: A meeting will be scheduled with the parent/s. Do not bring your child to the initial intake session (60 mins) - this meeting is purely intended for the parent/s.

The following documents are needed at the intake session:

A copy of the child’s report or a progress report from the teacher;
Previous assessment reports;
Any other relevant documentation.


Step 4: The child will be assessed for a three hour period.


Step 5: Dr. Robinson will compile the report within 7-10 days.


Step 6: Feedback will be given to the parent/s and a comprehensive
report will be handed to the parents. Do not bring the child to the feedback meeting.
 

General Assessments

Emotional and Educational Scalings
To establish the child's level of functioning on an emotional and cognitive level and whether age appropriate milestones have been reached.
To establish the child's levels of functioning at home and at school and the child's ability to interact and bond with others.
To form a clinical impression of the child, to facilitate a psycho-social, social emotional and disorder scaling. To assess the child's cognive level of functioning.

 

Sexual Evaluation

To establish any possibility or indication of being sexually victimised such as: sexual inappropriate touching, sexual molestation, and rape.
To establish age appropriate and inappropriate sexual play patterns.
To evaluate sexual concerns parents or teachers may have regarding a minor child's functioning.

 

Divorce Related Assessments

To assess the child's general emotional position and functioning.
To establish whether the child feels in the middle of parental conflict.
To establish whether the child has accepted the reality of divorce within the family unit.
To establish whether the child's needs are being met within the residential structure by both parents.
To establish the general affect that the divorce has on the child's functioning.
To establish the adjustment within a new blended family.

 

Play Therapy Workshop

Based on the child's general or divorce related assessment or the sexual evaluation, a play therapy workshop can be entered,
where Dr. Robinson will structure a specific program for the child that will focus on the recommendations made within the
assessment or evaluation.
The workshop will be structured for a three hour period and will consequently focus on solutions, intervention and techniques
to address the identified problems.
For example a play therapy workshop on:
Addressing managing anger; social anxiety and withdrawal; low self esteem; stress and depression.

©  Dr Tanya Robinson, 2009.   E-mail: tmrobinson@mweb.co.za Website by Spyderweb Design