Welcome to “On the Horizon”
Issue 17: The Limits of Labels:
Evaluation Results That Really Matter
On the Horizon is a weekly ezine for parents of children with developmental disabilities who want simple, effective strategies to reduce stress, support their child’s development, and improve quality of life for the whole family.
To keep receiving On the Horizon, please add the email address “nicolebeurkens@horizonsdrc.com” to your safe address list.
Understanding Evaluations
 A Note from Nicole: CORE Approach Workshop, Labels
Idea of the Week: Funky Trail Mix
Feature Article: The Limits of Labels:
Evaluation Results That Really Matter
The Horizons Team Recommends: Do Something Daily Calendar; Sibshop
Upcoming Events: Teleseminar; Sibshop; CORE Approach
Hi Everyone!
This past weekend many of us from the Horizons team attended the CORE Approach 2-Day Introductory Workshop in East Lansing. I learn new things, and think about old things in a new way, every time I hear Dr. Gutstein speak. We all had a great time with our current clients who attended, as well as those who will soon be joining the Horizons family. On that note, I want to extend a very warm welcome to the many new subscribers who signed up for the ezine at this weekend’s workshop. We’re glad to have you with us and look forward to sharing with you each week!
This week’s feature article is one I’ve wanted to write for a while, as it addresses the quest many people have for diagnostic labels. While labels can be important, they are far from the most important outcome of a thorough evaluation. Labels in and of themselves do not lead to effective treatment plans, and in the article I share what every parent and professional should aim to gain from a comprehensive evaluation. I hope you enjoy it, and feel free to pass it along to other parents and professionals who can benefit from thinking about evaluations and labels differently.
Looking to the horizon,
Funky Trail Mix!
Make your own mixture of trail mix. What fun edible items can you include that have different textures, colors, tastes? Some examples are dried pineapple, macadamia nuts, cashews, dried cherries, coconut flakes, chocolate chips, goldfish, candy worms, etc. What did the kids think about this new trail mix? Did they like it or not like it? What interesting names can you come up with for your unique version of trail mix?
The Limits of Labels:
Evaluation Results That Really Matter
By: Nicole Beurkens, M.Ed.
When a child is not developing as expected, the first thing most parents and professionals attempt to do is figure out a name for what is going on. The assessment or evaluation process is often viewed as the path to determine an appropriate diagnosis or label for individuals. Disability labels become the gatekeepers for services and supports in schools and the broader community. Parents and professionals therefore become very invested in the name that is given to a child’s condition, both to understand more about the child and to secure treatment. This is a completely normal reaction for parents, as they want what is best for their children and must seek it in a system that provides or denies support based on their child’s label.
It is important to recognize the two very different systems of labeling or classifying individuals. In the medical realm, with which most parents are accustomed, tests and procedures are conducted in order to provide a medical diagnosis for a condition. The treatment that follows is based on the presence of the particular condition that was diagnosed. In the realm of psychological evaluation, however, the scenario is quite different and unfamiliar to most parents. The purpose of these evaluations is to determine how an individual is functioning, and whether or not their particular patterns of skills and behaviors meet the criteria for disorders in the realms of thinking, behavior, and emotions. This type of evaluation process is often less precise than medical testing and diagnosis, and is typically not directly linked to treatment.
Do Something Daily Calendar
$19.95 (Per Calendar) Each day includes ideas to inspire you and your children. Calendars are assembled by clients in our EmployAbilities program. $1.00 from every calendar will be donated to FARR.
Click on the image below to visit our store!
Sibshop – Horizons Sibling Network!
Next Session: June 28th, 2008
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at our center
We feel strongly that as part of our family-focused mission we need to be attending to the needs of all of your children, not just the ones with disabilities. Siblings of children with disabilities have their own unique needs and experiences, and we will be using the renowned Sibshop model that is designed to provide them with support, education, and fun.
Limited to 20 children. Participants must have a sibling with disabilities and be aged 7-14. Lunch will be provided. The cost is $20.00 for Horizons families and $30.00 for non-Horizons families.Click on the links below for more information or call the office with any questions!
To sign up online, click here
Please join us!
- Teleseminar – Co-Occurring Disorders: Separating Core Deficits From Other Symptoms
For current clients only
Tuesday June 17, 8:30 PM EST
- Sibshop – Horizons Sibling Network
Open to everyone!
Saturday June 28, 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM EST
- Beginning CORE Approach 4-day Parent Seminar – Lansing, MI
November 10-13
Registration and Location Information To Be Announced…
See our Event Calendar for more details…
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