INITIAL EVALUATION

To understand the client and his symptoms.




we conduct the initial evaluation through general psychological evaluation and/or clinical observation.

The purpose of the initial evaluation depends on who requests the evaluation, why it is requested, and the expected future role of the therapist in the client’s care. The outcome of the evaluation may or may not lead to a specific psychological diagnosis.

Assessment

Involves the planned use of interviews and specific psychometric assessments (tests) to diagnose Psychological Assessment is concerned mainly with development, validation, and application of assessment instruments, scales, observational methods, and interviews.

Some of the assessments that are done at here are:

• IQ Testing
• CARS Assessment (to diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder)
• Neuro-psychological assessments
• Personality testing
• Developmental Milestone Assessment

Online and offline consultation, Assessment, Training and Therapy

Therapy is a process of growth and self-discovery, and in our sessions we promote behavioral transformation by encouraging a positive outlook and the adoption of new attitudes and clinical reactions.

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. Diagnosing ASD can be difficult since there is no medical test, like a blood test, to diagnose the disorder.

Professionals look at the child’s behaviour and development to make a diagnosis.

ASD can sometimes be detected as early as 6-18 months of age. There is currently no cure for ASD. However, research shows that early intervention treatment services can improve a child’s development in functionally reversing the condition and help in learning important skills.

ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is a common childhood illness that can be treated. It is a health condition involving biologically active substances in the brain. Studies show that ADHD may affect certain areas of the brain that allow us to solve problems, plan ahead, understand others’ actions, and control our impulses.

ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

Symptoms of inattention in children:

• Doesn’t pay attention to details
• Makes careless mistakes
• Has trouble staying focused; is easily distracted
• Appears not to listen when spoken to
• Has difficulty remembering things and following instructions
• Has trouble staying organized, planning ahead, and finishing projects
• Gets bored with a task before it’s completed
• Frequently loses or misplaces homework, books, toys, or other items

Symptoms of hyperactivity in children:

• Constantly fidgets and squirms
• Often leaves his or her seat in situations where sitting quietly is expected
• Moves around constantly, often runs or climbs inappropriately
• Talks excessively
• Has difficulty playing quietly or relaxing
• Is always “on the go,” as if driven by a motor
• May have a quick temper or a “short fuse”

Symptoms of impulsivity in children:

• Acts without thinking
• Blurts out answers in class without waiting to be called on or hear the whole question
• Can’t wait for his or her turn in line or in games
• Says the wrong thing at the wrong time
• Often interrupts others
• Intrudes on other people’s conversations or games
• Inability to keep powerful emotions in check, resulting in angry outbursts or temper tantrums
• Guesses, rather than taking time to solve a problem

Behavioral issues

During a child’s developmental years they are constantly growing and changing. It is important to keep in mind when diagnosing and treating emotional and behavioral disorders in children, that all behavioral issues are not long lived. Some can be temporary and short lived.

• Temper tantrums
• Physical aggression
• Verbal aggression
• Extreme crying
• Sibling rivalry

Developmental delays

Pervasive developmental delays are mainly characterised by multiple symptoms similar to autism but/and/or also displaying symptoms of classic autism and Asperger’s along with other disorders. This can can happen in conjunction with a wide spectrum of intellectual abilities and hence come under the wider Autistic spectrum. In other words, this means delay in the development of many basic skills such as communicating with others, socialising and imagining. These conditions usually start to manifest around the 3yrs of age, which is a critical period in a child’s developmental journey.

A parent may not be able to notice any changes or differences in the child until this age as this is when the child’s development is more obvious or is more prone to scrutiny. This is when the parent may realise that the child isn’t walking, talking or reacting to things in a manner children their age are supposed to.

Signs and Symptoms :

These are some signs that may be seen in kids with Pervasive Developmental Delays. They tend to display a wide range of symptoms that range from mild to disabling as they fall into a wide range of disorders.

Inappropriate social behaviour and inability to connect with peers or relate to them.

Difficulty in understanding simple instructions or sentences, they may not be able to form simple sentences.

Poorly developed speech and language comprehension skills.

Repetitive or ritualistic behaviours

Increased or decreased sensitivities to different sense such as taste touch etc.

Difficulties in adapting to any transitions , change in routines

Uneven or late skill development.

Difficulty sleeping

Fearfulness or feeling anxious

It is currently estimated that about one in every 88 children suffers from Pervasive developmental delays. In general, PDD occurs more in boys than girls.

Causes :

The cause as to why PDD occurs is still under research. There are some metabolic or biochemical disorders that contribute to autism that may cause PDD. Another study suggests that Spinal cord injuries also may cause PDD. Researchers are currently studying people with autism to examine the structure and functioning of the brain to help us understand better these conditions and how to best treat them. In order to diagnose if the child has PDD, your therapist may suggest some tests and conduct a physical examination. Also, you may be asked to complete a developmental screening questionnaire.

Types :

There are five types of PDD:

• Autistic Disorder
• Rett’s Disorder
• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
• Asperger’s Disorder
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified