Diagnosis in Understanding Youth
(The Importance of Assessment)

Explore the variety of diagnoses that our youth are given and the importance of understanding systemic assessment in reaching appropriate diagnoses. Diagnosing is a blessing and a curse; no one wants to unfairly label an individual. At the same time, we need to be able to communicate effectively what we believe the issues to be, which the diagnosis allows. Both of these are good reasons for being thoughtful and accurate in our diagnosing. Children are changing rapidly in their development and similar behaviors can represent very different diagnoses so this is not typically an easy or quick process.

Instructor Pamela Parkinson, PhD, LCSW, is a licensed clinical psychologist and a licensed clinical social worker with over 26 years in the field of providing services to children and families. Dr. Parkinson been trained in two disciplines (psychology and social work) and has worked as a residential counselor, a teaching assistant for special education, and a recreation specialist in residential treatment. Additionally, she has worked in the full continuum of services from residential and non-public school to community-based services such as outpatient clinics, school-based programs, diversion, kinship, etc.