How best to make use of parental input in multidisciplinary assessment is a question that faces professionals involved in evaluating hard-to-test children. An integrated parent-professional approach to assessment has been used at the Child Development Research Unit, Nottingham University. This approach uses parents as expert information gatherers and verifiers in an ongoing process of evaluating the child and establishing treatment goals. The Nottingham assessment model is described here, and suggestions for implementing parent-professional collaboration are discussed.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Cross, L., & Goin, L. (Eds.). (1977). Identifying handicapped children. New York: Walker & Co.
2.
DuBose, R.F., Langley, M.B., & Stagg, V. (1977). Assessing severely handicapped children. Focus on Exceptional Children, 9, 1-13.
3.
Fiese, B.H., D'Orazio, A.R., & Small, N.E. (1980). Measuring change in behavior in autistic children through the use of naturalistic observation. Paper presented at a topical conference of the Council for Exceptional Children , Minneapolis. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 195 121)
4.
Freeman, B.C., Ritvo, E.B., Guthrie, D., Schroth, P., & Ball, J. (1978). The Behavior Observation Scale for Autism. Journal of American Academy of Psychiatry, 17, 576-588.
5.
Gradel, K., Thompson, M., & Sheehan, R. (1981). Parental and professional agreement in early childhood assessment. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 1, 31-39.
6.
Newson, E. (1976). Parents as a resource in diagnosis and assessment . In T. Opp & P. Woodfords (Eds.), The early management of handicapping disorders. North Holland: IRMMH Elsevier.
7.
Newson, J., & Newson, E. (1979). Toys and games. New York: Pantheon Books.
8.
Orlando, C. (1981). Multidisciplinary team approaches in the assessment of handicapped preschool children. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 1, 23-30.
9.
Rosenfeld, A.H. (1978). Parents as cotherapists with autistic children . (Report No. 3). Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED 175 186)
10.
Ruttenberg, B.A., Kalish, B.I., Wenar, C., & Wolfe, E.G. (1977). Behavioral rating instrument for autistic and other atypical children. Chicago: Stoelting Co.
11.
Schopler, E., & Reichler, R.J. (1976). Psychoeducational profile . Chapel Hill, NC: Child Development Products.
12.
Sexton, D., Hall, J., & Thomas, P. (1984). Multisource assessment of young handicapped children: A comparison. Exceptional Children, 50, 556-558.
13.
Sexton, D., Kelley, M.F., & Scott, R. (1982). Comparison of maternal estimates and performance-based assessment scores for young handicapped children. Diagnostique , 7, 168-173.
