New Assessment Benefits Children & Teens with Social Challenges

Oct. 23, 2012 - PRLog -- Ridgefield, CT - Deficits in social skills are a hallmark of a variety of diagnoses such as Autism and Asperger’s, as well as a component of ADHD, Non-verbal learning disability and anxiety. They are one of the root causes of behavioral issues that can impact family dynamics and the child’s ability to make friends, attain independence, and be successful in school.  "Early detection of social difficulties, followed promptly by robust intervention can literally change the course of a child's life", said Dr. Beitel, who is also an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine, and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Medical Psychology at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University.

The Social Functioning Assessment provides an intermediate diagnostic step that can be used for educational planning purposes as well as tailoring a child’s experience in the SuperKids socialization training.  "Documented evidence of social issues can help a child receive appropriate services at school and beyond”, added Dr. Beitel.

Families and children are often caught between not having any professional diagnosis of a social skills deficit and a very expensive array of comprehensive psychological testing.  “We all felt it was important to create an assessment that is both focused on understanding social functioning and is cost effective”, said Nancy Widdows, a Licensed Professional Counselor and one of the co-founders of SuperKids.  

Complete psychological testing is available if needed, and Dr. Beitel can also attend school meetings as well.  “After years of providing social skills therapy we are thrilled to collaborate with Dr. Beitel to offer a vital assessment tool to help everyone in the child’s life better understand the child’s social functioning and how to help”, said Barbara Cooper, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and the other co-founder of SuperKids.

Details of the social functioning assessment and psychological testing are available directly from SuperKids.