Intersectional Practices: A Deep Dive into Psychological Assessment
Authored by: Dr. Jérôme Cuadrado, Dr. Matthieu Danias-Uraga, Dr. Emmanuelle Taupiac, Dr. Eric Meyer
Introduction
<pWell, folks, hold onto your hats! We’re diving into the world of integrative psychological assessment, and if that doesn’t sound thrilling, I don’t know what does! You see, we're looking at a case study of a dynamic 6-and-a-half-year-old, a little bundle of energy who’s got a 22q11.21 genetic anomaly by duplication—yes, a great conversation starter at playdates! But let’s not judge a book by its genetic cover; there’s a lot more happening here than just chromosomes doing the cha-cha!
The Patient
So, this little dynamo arrives with his mum, presumably after using up all his charms on the way, to discuss the “multi-systemic difficulties” he’s facing. Now, isn’t that what we all want to hear in a casual conversation—“multi-systemic difficulties?” It sounds like a fancy way of saying, “This kid doesn’t stop moving!” And indeed, we hear about “very invasive motor agitation.” Sounds like the only thing getting a workout more than this kid is his mother, bless her heart!
What’s Going On? The Assessment
Please take a moment to appreciate the sheer brilliance of integrative psychological assessment. It’s like a buffet of testing. They’ve got everything from WISC-V (and if that sounds like a top-secret code, you might not be wrong) to Rorschach tests—which, let’s be real, always ends up looking like a very modern art interpretation of the clowns under your bed.
Now, we can’t gloss over the “holistic” review here. When I hear “holistic,” I start picturing meditative yoga poses and essential oils; but here, it’s a systematic way to discern whether our little friend might have ADHD or ASD. And let’s face it, with “continuous hyperkinesia” in the mix, this kid could probably give a caffeine-fueled squirrel a run for its money!
The Family Factor
Here’s where it gets interesting… or as interesting as genetic anomalies get! Literature suggests the 22q11 duplication can manifest differently across families—think of it as a genetic lottery where some win the “unique quirks” prize. In this little chap’s family, it seems carriers and non-carriers share some resemblances. Perhaps they all enjoy a little chaos together: “Hey, I might struggle to fold laundry, but at least we’re all waltzing our way through life with emotional flair!”
Diagnosis and Discussion
Now let’s cut to the chase—discussing the “neurodevelopmental origin” of these challenges. That’s a highbrow way of saying, “Is it the genes’ fault, or did the kid simply inherit his uncle’s terrible cooking skills?” The exploration of structural anomalies and psycho-affective difficulties suggests that there’s banner-carrying complexity at play. You know, kids are like onions—there are layers to peel back, but sometimes you just end up crying!
Conclusion
So, why does all of this matter? Because our dear little patient—let’s call him “the hyperactive headliner”—is navigating a journey marked by both genetic patterns and the backdrop of familial influence. Our integrative assessment approaches allow us to peek under the hood and understand his unique developmental profile while coaxing out his strengths amidst the challenges. After all, a well-rounded understanding could help steer his potential towards suitable interventions and support.
In conclusion, the world of childhood psychological assessments may seem daunting, but it’s at the very heart of helping kids not only to survive but to thrive! So next time you hear of “integrative assessment,” don’t just nod along—realize it’s a clever way of making sure young minds get the help they need while keeping their spirits soaring high!
Intersectional practices: The integrative psychological assessment methodology is pivotal for evaluating, understanding, and managing the complex developmental profile of a child impacted by the 22Q11.21 genetic duplication anomaly.
- Dr. Jérôme CUADRADO
- Dr. Matthieu DANIAS-URAGA
- Dr. Emmanuelle TAUPIAC
- Dr. Eric MEYER
ABSTRACT :
At the age of 6 years and 6 months, the patient was accompanied by his mother for a comprehensive evaluation aimed at understanding and supporting the multi-system challenges intrinsic to his development due to the manifestation of a 22q11.21 genetic duplication.
The young patient engages easily in interactions and play, yet displays very invasive motor agitation that appears disproportionate to his resources, particularly characterized by extremely brief attentional spans. He exhibits continuous hyperkinesia and struggles with adherence to rules, alongside delays in both expressive language development and autonomy.
The implementation of an integrative psychological assessment provided a holistic perspective, addressing the pressing questions surrounding the potential presence of ADHD or ASD. Utilizing a multimodal vision (including tools such as WISC-V, NEPSY-II, CELF-5, CARS, ACE, K-SADS, Rorschach, CAT, drawings, and various self-report questionnaires), alongside a plural source perspective (gathered through BRIEF and Conners assessments from both parents and teachers), facilitated the acquisition of crucial information pertinent to diagnostic identification and an understanding of the patient’s unique functioning.
Research literature frequently highlights the significant variability of inter- and intra-familial expressivity associated with genetic anomalies in individuals diagnosed with a 22q11 duplication. Notably, the profiles exhibited by both carriers and non-carriers within the patient’s family suggest striking resemblances. The significance of adopting an integrative approach in diagnostic evaluation will be explored, emphasizing a more nuanced interpretation of what constitutes normal versus pathological functioning in this patient.
This comprehensive dual analysis will guide the discussion on the origins of these developmental challenges, proposing potential attributions to a neurodevelopmental basis, structural anomalies tied to the 22q11.21 duplication, or psycho-affective and interactive difficulties that are particularly relevant to the developmental phases the child is navigating.
**Interview with Dr. Jérôme Cuadrado on Intersectionality and Psychological Assessment in Children**
**Host:** Welcome to our show, everyone! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Jérôme Cuadrado, one of the authors of the recent study on integrating psychological assessment methods for children with genetic anomalies, specifically focusing on a young patient with a 22q11.21 duplication. Dr. Cuadrado, thank you for joining us!
**Dr. Cuadrado:** Thank you for having me!
**Host:** Let’s dive right in! Your study highlights the contribution of intersectionality to understanding mental health, particularly in children. Can you explain what you mean by “intersectionality” in this context?
**Dr. Cuadrado:** Absolutely! Intersectionality allows us to consider how various social identities—such as genetic predisposition, family background, and cultural context—interact and impact a child’s mental health. By acknowledging these layered experiences, we better understand how they influence the challenges faced by our young patients, like our case study with the 22q11.21 duplication.
**Host:** That’s interesting. You mentioned that this particular child presented with “multi-systemic difficulties.” What does that entail?
**Dr. Cuadrado:** “Multi-systemic difficulties” refer to challenges that span across various domains of functioning, including emotional, behavioral, and cognitive areas. For instance, this young child struggled with hyperactivity and attention issues, which we know can be exacerbated by his genetic condition. It’s essential to assess these challenges comprehensively to tailor appropriate interventions.
**Host:** Speaking of assessment, you described the psychological assessment process as a “buffet of testing.” Could you elaborate on the specific approaches you utilized?
**Dr. Cuadrado:** Certainly! We used an integrative psychological assessment, which combines multiple evaluation techniques. These included standardized tests like the WISC-V for cognitive ability and projective tests like Rorschach to explore emotional responses. This holistic approach helps us capture a fuller picture of the child’s capabilities and challenges.
**Host:** It sounds like a collaborative process! What role does family play in evaluating a child with such complexities?
**Dr. Cuadrado:** Family dynamics are crucial. Our study showed that genetic traits can manifest differently within family members, influencing behaviors and coping mechanisms. By including family in the assessment, we gain insights into environmental factors that affect the child, leading to a more nuanced understanding of their development.
**Host:** So, if I’m understanding correctly, addressing these intersectional factors can enhance the way we support children’s mental health. How do you envision implementing these insights practically?
**Dr. Cuadrado:** Exactly! By recognizing the intersection of factors like genetics, family, and socio-cultural influences, we can devise tailored interventions and provide better support systems. This course of action is essential for promoting resilience and growth among children facing such challenges.
**Host:** Fascinating! In your conclusion, you state that integrative assessments help ensure kids not only survive but thrive. What’s the takeaway message you’d like our audience to have?
**Dr. Cuadrado:** The key takeaway is that every child is unique, and their experiences are shaped by a multitude of factors. By employing intersectional approaches in psychological assessments, we can identify strengths and challenges more effectively, ultimately guiding interventions that empower children to reach their full potential.
**Host:** Thank you so much, Dr. Cuadrado, for sharing your insights and the importance of intersectionality in mental health assessments for children!
**Dr. Cuadrado:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this vital topic!
**Host:** And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay informed and embrace the complexities of mental health!
