Diagnostician's Roles & Responsibilities

Question 1

What are tools a diagnostician uses in an assessment?

Answer 1

• Assessment tool
• observation
• collaboration
• interview
• collection (gather info from client, professionals)
• experience
• knowledge
• research (learn as much as you can about the disorders of your client and ramifications)
• interaction
• report findings (verbal or written)

Question 2

What is the Magic Wand Theory?

Answer 2

Not one professional can cure a client.

We work with others for the best interest of those we are serving.

Question 3

What should you “always be”?

Answer 3

a Teacher
a Record Keeper
Open Minded (be willing to consult with others and learn)
a Keen Observer

Question 4

What do we treat?

Answer 4

We treat individuals not a diagnosis (diagnosis is just a part of how you provide services)

Question 5

What are the 6 States of Grieving?

Answer 5

1. Denial
2. Anxiety
3. Fear
4. Guilt
5. Depression
6. Anger

Question 6

What are the 3 major purposes of diagnosis?

Answer 6

1. Determine reality of problem
2. Determine etiology (cause)
3. Provide clinical focus - What will make the biggest difference for this client?

Question 7

Describe Static vs. Dynamic assessment

Answer 7

Static: “snapshot” assessment tool
Dynamic: real life context, probing, possibly play-based

Question 8

What are the 2 major goals of assessment?

Answer 8

1. to arrive at a diagnosis

2. to monitor client’s progress

Question 9

How can you work with a child in assessment?

Answer 9

• clinical setting may remind them of Dr. office
• may be afraid of strangers
• may be embarrassed (bullying?)
• reduce distractions in the room
  1. Involve the parent
  2. Teach parents how to prep for apt
  3. Keep it playful when possible
  4. Observe
  5. Don’t give them options if there isn’t one
  6. Frequent breaks for little ones

Question 10

How can you work with an adolescent in assessment?

Answer 10

• Do parent interview without child in room
  1. Be straightforward
  2. Call them on it “I know it’s not your first choice tobe here…”
  3. Tell them how this will help them do better in school
  4. Don’t overreact
  5. Don’t criticize
  6. Start with 3 strengths first

Question 11

How can you work with an adult in assessment?

Answer 11

• may be dealing with grief
• has not been in a testing situation in a long time
  1. Watch for fatigue
• non-control of emotions
  2. Slow speech rate a bit
  3. Be encouraging