I have a broad interest in the physical, social, and psychological factors that influence human growth and development. My published research on children and adolescents encompass behavior genetics, the effects of obstetric complications on intelligence, the impact of preschool education, sex differences in moral judgment, the development of reasoning and choice, and theories of development. My published clinical studies integrate academic theories, clinical treatment, and application.
Clinical Assessment
Assessment begins with clarification of the problem followed by an inquiry into the child’s or adolescent’s history. This is accomplished by clinical interview with parents or guardians and face-to-face acquaintance with the child or adolescent. The initial interview averages two hours and may require two meetings. Assessment is integrative, and so physical, emotional, social, and cultural influences are reviewed.
Testing is useful with children who typically enjoy the process. As needed, I generally assess a child’s or adolescent’s stage of executive function. Executive function is a measure of maturity and independence. Unlike intelligence, Executive function tells how a child or adolescent applies problem-solving to the real world. The stage of executive judgment, and how a child or adolescent applies reason to different contents, informs my approach to therapy.
Manual for Assessment of Executive Function
Whether other formal psychological tests are employed depends upon the age and presenting problem. Standardized intelligence as well as more specific tests may be employed. This may include a short form of the Music Apperception Test as a test of imagination and default network accessibility.
Music Apperception Test
Following assessment, I make recommendations to parents or guardians for changes in regime, parenting, schooling, and/or treatment.
Multimodal Treatment
Diagnosis determines the course of action. Children diagnosed with Asperger’s, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and other common syndromes often require a multimodal approach to treatment. This may involve changes in parenting, house rules, education, diet, and/or neutricidals. Treatment may or may not involve periodic evaluation or weekly face-to-face therapy.
Child and Adolescent Therapy
Therapy for an average child under ten years old involves the use of props. The young child communicates through imagination and action facilitated by the medium of action figures, building blocks, doll houses, castles, and related paraphernalia. The average ten to twelve year old enjoys board and skill games. The average twelve or older child requires few props for talk therapy. The twelve to fourteen year old may be best served by brief sessions. Average fifteen year olds readily engage a full hour session.
Parental Involvement
Although in California, children twelve years old and above have the right to seek counseling or therapy without parental permission or knowledge, I work with parents in the treatment of child and adolescent issues. Parents are included in the treatment process.
Gender Dysphoria
Parents have a profound role in the direction of their children’s lives and purpose. In the current climate of social change, preadolescent and adolescent children may express gender dysphoria. Out of deep concern for their children, some parents may rush to interventions that have long-term and irreversible consequences for their children.
Parents have a role and obligation to consider the complex physical and psychological outcomes attendant to altering physical appearance. Proponents of gender change find expression through social media and advocacy groups, often with little acknowledgement or recognition of costs or complications. A deeply sympathetic summary of the experience of gender change in the online magazine Quillett is provided by Scott Newgent who transitioned from female to male. Scott’s journey is cautionary. During these troubling times, parents and their children are thrust into questions for which no quick solution is present. Decisions which affect an entire life require consideration of potential costs as well as wished-for benefits.