Week 2 Clinical Assessment

1st Question.
Since Clara is an adopted child I would like to know if the Lawson’s knew any of her biological parent’s history. Clara’s condition could result from genetics, if her parents suffered any psychological disorders Clara’s condition could be hereditary. Also I would want to know at what age Clara become separated from her biological parents, and how long has she been in the family of the Lawson’s. My next question would be to assess the relationship between the Lawson’s to see if they have a good or dysfunctional relationship; is there any fights or arguments in front of Clara? Lastly I would ask how long does Clara’s tantrums last? Does she try to hurt herself or others around her? The Lawson’s mention that Clara’s tantrums are recent, I would want to know if there were any significant changes or events that may have happened in Clara’s life that may have had a direct or indirect effect on Clara’s life.

2nd Question.
I would consider the Rorschach test and drawing (Comer, 2005, p. 72) simply because Clara is only 4 years old it would be difficult to conduct any other forms of clinical assessment. The Rorschach test would be ideal for getting Clara to let me into her thought processes. At Clara’s age she is not capable of accurately describing her life and how she feels about it.

I would also consider clinical observation more specifically naturalistic observation (Comer, 2005, p. 79). With this type of observation I would be able to see Clara’s behavior patterns in her natural setting. This would allow me to see what her triggers are as well as observe her relationship with her adoptive family as well. I will also be able to observe her social interactions at preschool and be able to note the difference in behavior in different settings.

3rd Question.
My first consideration would be both that of Clara’s age. I would also consider environmental, social and cultural factors and especially her present situation as that of an adoptee. Clara’s surroundings are as important as the rest so I would also consider the relationship of the Lawson’s as it may be a trigger in Clara’s recent temper tantrums.
4th Question.
Axis I would be clinical symptoms of disorders like anxiety, or mood. I would also have to look at eating and sleeping disorders (Comer, 2005, p. 83) since it was reported that those patterns have recently changed.

Axis II would be where I would consider other types of disorders that may include the behaviors in Axis I like personality or even mental retardation (Comer, 2005, p. 84). Not to rule out any behaviors that may not have been noticeable to the Lawson’s.

Axis III would list any medical conditions that may be present as a result of the disorders listed on Axis I or II.

Axis IV would contain any and all environmental or psychosocial problems including preschool.

Axis V would contain Clara’s global functioning, how the conditions listed in the previous Axis will interfere or determine Clara’s ability to function normally in her daily life.

5th Question.
I think it would be beneficial to diagnose Clara because she is such a young child showing abnormal behaviors, this is when a child really should not have any worries other than maybe being afraid of the dark. If there is a disorder there is the possibly of early intervention that could promote a healthy and happy future even though she is a foster child. With family therapy in play Clara will not feel signaled out or in the spot light.