Introduction to the Assessment

This assessment is designed for therapists who are looking for a structured approach to understanding and supporting new students, as well as for parents seeking clarity on their child’s learning challenges. The goal is to provide an effective, comprehensive tool for identifying detailed areas of difficulty and potential gaps in skills that may be impacting a child’s learning and development. We have an evaluation report, and an Individualized Education plan but, how do we start therapy? This assessment will guide you with simple steps in direct videos of Brenda assessing a child. This child does not have a diagnosis or an evaluation, Parents just need help with "catching up"

Background

I recently worked with a kindergarten student who was struggling in school, though the reasons for the difficulties were unclear to the parents. The teachers expressed concerns about the child's inability to learn and perform at the expected level. This assessment was developed based on that experience, aiming to give both parents and therapists a clearer understanding of the child's needs. It is particularly useful for students who are on the borderline—children who may or may not have a diagnosed disability, making it difficult to understand why they succeed in some areas but struggle in others.

Purpose of the Assessment

This assessment provides a quick, structured approach to evaluating key developmental areas, helping to identify whether the issues are related to behaviors, skill gaps, or learning difficulties. The tool is designed to give an initial overview of a child’s strengths and weaknesses across various domains and can serve as a foundation for further intervention.

While the assessment is comprehensive, it is important to note that it also includes therapeutic strategies to address identified gaps during the evaluation process. As a therapist, I will make observations and adjustments as needed, offering immediate strategies that might benefit the child. This allows you to get a sense of whether certain difficulties are due to missed skills or if they are purely behavioral.

How to Use This Assessment

For therapists: The assessment is an intensive process that will require preparation and the creation of materials tailored to each child. Once set up, it can be reused for every student who presents with similar concerns. You will use this assessment to generate a detailed summary of your findings, which can then be shared with parents, teachers, or other professionals involved in the child's care.

For parents: While I recommend that a trained therapist administer this assessment, it can also be done independently with guidance. The assessment will help identify whether your child is struggling with specific skills or if their difficulties are behavioral. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the child’s developmental areas that need attention and to offer next steps, including possible therapy options.

Outcome

At the end of the assessment, you will have a clear summary of your findings, including:

• Identification of potential skill gaps or misunderstandings.
• A deeper understanding of whether the child’s struggles are due to developmental delays or behavioral factors.
• A foundation for creating an individualized plan for intervention, which could include further assessment or private therapy.

This assessment is ideal for students who are on the cusp of needing support but whose challenges are not clearly defined. It helps therapists and parents make informed decisions about whether to pursue additional evaluations or interventions. But it can also be used to know where to start therapy after an evaluation has taken place already.