How to assess children’s behavioral concerns through seeing the problem in 3D

In parenting counseling and assessing children’s behavioral concerns, it’s important to define the “WHAT is the problem” in 3D, and not simply a one or 2-dimensional story.

If the problem is represented by the diagram above, we want to see the prism and not just the square, rectangle, pyramid or line. The “filters” highlight different people’s perspectives.

With the above in mind, it’s important to ask for good collateral histories from mum, dad, grandparents, teachers, and other trusted caretakers independently. The key is to reinforce the “independently”.

Once we have a 3D definition of the problem, it’s easier to work out the “WHY of the problem”, and then move onto the “HOW to improve” part of the process.

A simple example may be about a concern for a child with query ODD, ASD, or ADD. When collateral histories were taken, the problem behaviours were mainly in the home environment where there were inconsistent parenting strategies. If it was ODD, ASD, or ADD, one would expect the behaviors of concern to manifest in all or most environments. This have lead to a mutual decision to work on parenting skills and support for both parents, rather than a Paediatrician referral.