Abstract
When developmental concerns arise in children, a clinical assessment focuses on the child's developmental profile to achieve three goals (1) determine diagnosis, (2) develop interventions, and (3) evaluate progress. Parents often have needs during this time that are not addressed by professionals because of the exclusive focus on the child during the evaluation. In this article, we suggest that clinicians take a "systems" approach to the assessment process by recognizing how the well being of family members can impact a child with a developmental disability. We review systems theory and its conceptualization of individual functioning and discuss how parental well-being differs according to child diagnosis. Finally we suggest a systems-based model to use during the assessment process.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 293-301 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2007 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Assessment
- Families
- Systems
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology
- Genetics(clinical)