A semi-structured informal assessment is a flexible, child-centered tool used to gather qualitative and quantitative information for intervention planning. It combines open-ended questions with structured prompts, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the child's emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs. This assessment encourages natural conversation, which helps the child or adolescent feel more comfortable and open, especially in cases of neurodiversity or mental health challenges.
The process typically includes:
- Child/Adolescent Interviews: Asking open-ended questions to understand feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. This may include discussions about their daily experiences, challenges, and coping strategies.
- Behavioral Observations: Observing how the child interacts in different environments and social settings.
- Drawings/Projective Techniques: Using creative activities (e.g., drawing) to help children express emotions that might be difficult to verbalize.
- Parent and Teacher Input: Gathering feedback from caregivers and educators to understand the child’s behavior in various settings.
This approach helps identify patterns and triggers, strengths, and areas that need focused support, allowing for tailored intervention plans that reflect the child’s unique needs, neurodiversity, and mental health considerations.