Initial assessment refers to the first formal evaluations conducted after concerns arise regarding a child’s development, behavior, or emotional wellbeing. These assessments usually take place at the primary service level or with private specialists.

Initial concerns may arise during routine infant and child health checks at primary care clinics. If parents have concerns, they should contact the child’s school or primary healthcare services. If teachers have concerns, they consult their school’s support services after discussion with parents and colleagues.

The purpose of the initial assessment is to map the child’s current situation and assess the need for intervention and further assessment. The earlier difficulties are identified and intervention begins, the greater the likelihood of positive outcomes. Understanding the nature of a child’s difficulties increases insight into their needs, informs future prognosis, and guides decisions regarding the most appropriate interventions.

Based on the findings, recommendations are provided for appropriate supports, which may include school-based support or special education, therapeutic services or targeted skills training for the child, and/or counseling and educational support for parents.

Comprehensive assessment is undertaken when the initial assessment indicates strong signs of one or more disorders that require further investigation and clarification. Concurrent with referral for comprehensive assessment, it must be ensured that the child and parents receive appropriate interventions based on previous findings.

Comprehensive assessment is a process involving observations, testing, and diagnostic interviews conducted by more than one professional. Part of the process involves gathering information from parents and teachers, including reviewing changes over time and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions already implemented.

Comprehensive assessment may confirm or rule out indications of a disorder and/or reveal additional disorders or more complex difficulties. The results are used to plan next steps. In addition to specialized educational supports, medication is often recommended for the child, as well as counselling, psychological therapy, education and skills training for the child and/or parents.

Various specialized institutions, other than the Children’s and Adolescent Mental Health Center, provide comprehensive assessment of developmental and behavioral disorders. This includes the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department and the Counseling and Diagnostic Center.

BUGL and RGR.