Loringer - Thoughtful Response Paper(1)

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Thoughtful Response Paper Damion Loringer UMGC PSYC 436 Ian Cero 11/20/2023

When faced with a child's behavioral and academic difficulties, the initial reaction might be to seek a quick solution, like medication. However, as I've learned from my readings, the American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines, and many other places a more prudent approach is a comprehensive psychological evaluation before considering medications like Ritalin. A clinical psychologist can delve into the developmental, cognitive, emotional, and environmental factors impacting the child (APA, 2020). This holistic examination is vital as the roots of academic and behavioral issues are often complex. Conditions like ADHD, learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, and environmental stressors could all play a role. Properly identifying these factors is key to determining the most suitable treatment, which might not always involve medication. A study by Sciberras et al. (2017) highlights how environmental factors, such as family stress and parenting style, significantly impact children's behavior. This finding suggests that interventions targeting these environmental aspects can be as crucial as addressing the child's individual needs. Understanding the role of these environmental factors is essential in a comprehensive psychological evaluation. There are also many different tools available to Psychologists to ensure each patient gets the exact care they need. This approach often leads to better results and less long-term effects from medications and ‘one size fits all’ approaches that medicine often has. Assessment Tools Available to Clinical Psychologists: Clinical Interviews Clinical interviews are a cornerstone in the psychological evaluation process. These

interviews are structured conversations that dive into the child's developmental history, family dynamics, educational experiences, and social interactions. For instance, a psychologist might explore the child's milestones, such as when they began to talk or walk, any familial patterns of mental health issues, challenges in school, and the quality of their relationships with others. This overview helps in piecing together various factors that contribute to the child's current difficulties. It's not just about gathering facts; it's about understanding the child's world from their perspective, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning. Behavioral Assessments Behavioral assessments, such as the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), are vital tools for quantifying and categorizing a child's behaviors. The CBCL, for example, consists of a series of questions that parents, teachers, and sometimes the child themselves answer. These questions cover various aspects of behavior and emotions, ranging from social interactions to internalizing and externalizing behaviors. The responses are scored and compared to normative data, helping clinicians identify patterns that might be indicative of specific disorders. For example, a high score in attention problems might suggest ADHD, while elevated scores in anxious/depressed domains could indicate anxiety or depression. Cognitive and Educational Assessments The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) is a prime example of cognitive assessment tools used to evaluate a child's intellectual capabilities and processing skills. It assesses various domains, including verbal comprehension, visual-spatial abilities, fluid reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. These scores provide a detailed profile of a child's strengths and weaknesses in cognitive functioning. Such assessments are critical in identifying conditions like learning disabilities or giftedness. For example, a child with dyslexia

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might have a discrepancy between their verbal skills and their reading skills, highlighting the specific area of intervention. Neuropsychological Tests Neuropsychological tests are specialized assessments that delve into the relationship between brain function and behavior. These tests are particularly useful when a neurological disorder is suspected. They can help in identifying conditions such as epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, or cognitive impairments due to medical conditions. These tests assess memory, attention, problem-solving skills, and other cognitive abilities, providing insights into how a child's brain functions and how this impacts their daily living. Observations Observational assessments are conducted in natural settings like school, home, or playgrounds. They offer invaluable insights into how the child interacts with their environment and peers. For instance, observing a child in a classroom setting can reveal how they handle school demands, social interactions, and behavioral expectations. Similarly, home observations can shed light on family dynamics and parenting styles that may influence the child's behavior. These real-world observations improve the structured assessments by providing a contextual understanding of the child's behaviors and coping strategies. By utilizing these diverse assessment tools, clinical psychologists can gather a holistic view of the child's functioning, leading to more accurate diagnoses and tailored strategies. These tools are not just about pinpointing problems; they are about understanding the child in their entirety, paving the way for effective support and treatment.

Reflecting on my own experience, a family friend's child, Lily, who showed disruptive behavior and learning challenges. The first suggestion from her school was to explore ADHD medication. However, a thorough psychological evaluation showed that Lily was dealing with unaddressed emotional issues stemming from her parents' recent divorce. With appropriate counseling and support, Lily's behavior and academic performance improved markedly. This example shows the importance of a comprehensive assessment beyond first assumptions. Given the potential side effects of medications like Ritalin and their inability to address some potential causes, psychological evaluations are super important. They help determine if medication is necessary or if alternative methods like psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, or educational accommodations would be more beneficial. The decision to have a child evaluated by a clinical psychologist is vital in understanding and addressing their difficulties. This approach is in line with sound science and practice, prioritizing the child's overall well-being and long-term development.

References: Achenbach, T. M., & Rescorla, L. A. (2001). Manual for the ASEBA School-Age Forms and Profiles. Burlington, VT University of Vermont Research Center for Children, Youth, & Families. - References - Scientific Research Publishing . (n.d.). https://www.scirp.org/ (S(351jmbntvnsjt1aadkposzje))/reference/ReferencesPapers.aspx?ReferenceID=1855203 Clinical Psychology . (n.d.). https://www.apa.org . https://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/clinical Kim, M., Chen, J., Kools, S., & Weiss, S. J. (2016). The impact of personality traits and acculturation on the mental health of Korean American adolescents. Psychology , 07 (09), 1256–1265. https://doi.org/10.4236/psych.2016.79128 Sciberras, E., Mulraney, M., Silva, D., & Coghill, D. (2017). Prenatal risk factors and the etiology of ADHD—Review of Existing evidence. Current Psychiatry Reports , 19 (1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-017-0753-2 TestingMom.com. (2023, May 16). WISC-V | Overview of the WISC Test (2022 update) - TestingMom.com . TestingMom. https://www.testingmom.com/tests/wisc-test/

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