Clinical Assessment

Clinical Assessment

Zenna Beasley

PSY/270 Abnormal Psychology: Abuse, Addiction, and Disorders

4/21/2013

Jennifer Hood

Clinical Assessment

Approaching this case much like a detective trying to solve a case, will be essential in successfully helping this child and her parents. Learning as much as possible about Clara, the circumstances revolving around her adoption, her adoptive parents, her biological parents, and any trauma she may have suffered or witnessed, will be essential in helping Clara and her parents overcome these behavioral issues. Given the young age of this child, I would gather most of the information I need from her adoptive parents, her primary caregivers. Since Clara is only four years old, I would not want to question her in a manner that may frighten her or make her believe that there is something wrong with her. She does not understand her adoptive status, so it would be best to conduct the interview with her parents without her. Speaking casually with the parents will make everyone feel at ease, therefore making the parents feel more comfortable in answering my questions. I would send Clara to the playroom to help her relax and speak to her parents alone.

Starting with Clara’s age at adoption and if she had been raised at all by her biological parents or any other family members, could answer some questions about her behavior. I would inquire about Clara’s knowledge of her adoptive status. I would ask if it is widely known that she was adopted, as sometimes children, and some adults, can be cruel in their remarks that the adopted child is different than a biological child. The parents advised that Clara presents herself as a quiet, polite child. I would ask if her mood, in meeting new individuals, is often solemn as when we met, she did not smile and kept her eyes looking down at the floor. This could be a sign that Clara may be feeling insecure about her situation. She may have heard others speak of her and her adoption...