They will discuss how your family has been impacted by your teen’s struggles and identify your goals for your teen’s academic, behavioral and emotional growth. They will also review your teen’s school transcripts, past medical and psychological records, and any available testing data.
Assessing Your Adolescent’s Functioning Level
Whenever possible, your teen will participate in a psychological and psychoeducational assessment. This evaluation provides critical insights into your teen’s current level of functioning. For teens with previously diagnosed learning disabilities, an expert is brought in to evaluate this component of your teen’s assessment, and their insights are incorporated into the overall recommendations.
If placement outside of the home is necessary, these assessments also help the placement site develop a clinical and academic plan that will best serve your teen. The assessment process focuses on three areas:
| Emotional Functioning |
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Is there an underlying emotional cause that explains your teen’s behavior?
Is there evidence of depression, anxiety, defiance, low self-esteem or anger?
Does your teen suffer from poor social skills or insecurity?
Is there evidence of an eating disorder, a sleep disorder or substance abuse?
What is the risk for self-harm, suicide or aggression?
Is there evidence of childhood abuse? |
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| Cognitive Functioning |
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What are your teen’s strengths and weaknesses relative to verbal comprehension?
How developed are your teen’s spatial and nonverbal reasoning skills?
What are your teen’s memory, attention and problem solving abilities?
Does your teen demonstrate impulse control and sound judgment? |
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| Academic Functioning |
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Is your student at grade level according to national norms?
Is there evidence of learning disabilities?
Why has school performance dropped off?
Are there specific reasons for your student’s struggles and what remedies are called for?
What are reasonable academic expectations? |
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Finding the Treatment or Placement Option that Fits
Once Dr. Paul and Dr. Ashley have completed the assessment process, they will recommend outpatient treatment services or placement options that meet the unique needs of your adolescent and family. They will discuss each of their recommendations with you thoroughly, so you can make a fully informed decision.
Coordinating Your Adolescent’s Placement
Once you have made a placement decision, Dr. Paul and Dr. Ashley will assist you with coordinating the admission process. They can also arrange transportation services for your teen if needed.
Ongoing Support and Assistance
Having a teen leave home for placement is a huge challenge for the entire family. Adolescent Alternatives provides you with essential support and peace of mind by tracking your teen’s progress and serving as a key liaison throughout his/her stay. You are encouraged to contact Dr. Paul and Dr. Ashley at any time with questions or concerns regarding your teen’s placement.
Expert Guidance for Urgent Cases
Dr. Paul and Dr. Ashley have worked with many parents who are in urgent need of placement for their teen (often because their teen has become a danger to him/herself or others). They are fully qualified and prepared to expedite the evaluation and placement process when circumstances require it. They can also arrange for a certified professional to accompany your teen during transport to their placement.
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