| Abstract: | Reviews the book, "Assessment of Children: Behavioral and Clinical Applications," by J. Sattler (see record 2001-05360-000). A text on clinical assessment may be evaluated according to how adequately it prepares the reader to conduct a comprehensive evaluation. This text, is within the tradition of organizing data around specific diagnostic syndromes that are cast as "children's needs." However, in an effort to be comprehensive, the book also includes information about specific measures and general assessment techniques such as interviews and observational strategies and incorporates intervention planning. The author intends this book to serve as a graduate text and reference for practicing professionals and, thus, includes a cornucopia of useful forms, checklists, and recording templates throughout the various chapters and in the appendices. However, combining a teaching text with a professional reference creates a dilemma-how to manage the needs of the beginner relative to those of the practicing professional. Perhaps as a result of trying to be comprehensive, there is considerable variability within and among chapters in the complexity of the material and in the audience (novice vs. practitioner) that is addressed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2011 APA, all rights reserved) |
