By. Amanda M. Cosgriff, Ph.D., BCBA & Licensed School Psychologist
When you search for the term “recommendation” online, it is defined as “a suggestion or proposal as to the best course of action.” Psychological assessment reports typically include a long list of recommendations—some may feel too vague, while others might seem overwhelming or excessively detailed. This can make it difficult for the adults in the child’s life to determine the best path forward.
What Should I Do with the Recommendations?
Ultimately, the decision to implement recommendations rests with the parent and educational team (e.g., teacher, school administrators, tutors). While these recommendations are not mandatory, they are provided with the goal of supporting the child, adolescent, or young adult in achieving success in various aspects of life.
Where Should I Start?
To effectively navigate recommendations, consider beginning with the following steps:
- Educate Yourself About the Diagnosis or Problems Described in the Report
- Decide Whether to Share the Report with Your Child’s School
- Consider Whether Your Child Might Benefit from Talking with a Therapist
1. Educate Yourself About the Diagnosis or Problems Described in the Report
With today’s access to the internet, social media, and mental health awareness initiatives, there is an abundance of information available about conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and autism. However, it is crucial to focus on understanding how the diagnosis specifically impacts your child. Ask yourself:
- How does this diagnosis affect my child’s daily life?
- What are my child’s behaviors trying to communicate?
Being able to distinguish between behaviors caused by anxiety versus those related to everyday events or developmental stages, such as preteen hormonal changes, can empower you to provide more effective support. Such as a child worrying about juggling their homework assignments and appearing inattentive compared to a child simply daydreaming due to boredom.
2. Decide Whether to Share the Report with Your Child’s School or College
Some parents are wary about sharing the information from a psychological or psychoeducational report with their child’s school. They worry about labels and assumptions schools might make based on a diagnosis. Parents often express concern that if the school knows about their child’s diagnosis it will somehow negatively impact their child. While this can certainly happen, sharing your child’s report can also open doorways that were otherwise not available. For example, if the report shows that your child has ADHD, suddenly their behavior is seen through the lens “doing the best they can with a challenging attention system” rather than “they aren’t paying attention on purpose.” Sharing a report can help with getting your child the accommodations or support they need at school.
If your child is in K-12 education, consider sharing the assessment with their school to explore eligibility for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan. These plans provide accommodations and support to help students succeed academically. (For a side-by-side comparison of IEPs and 504 Plans, click here.)
If your child is in college, sharing the assessment with their institution can help them gain access to student support services. Even if you are not yet ready to disclose the information, providing the school with this documentation as a proactive measure can be beneficial in case your child requires support in the future.
3. Consider Whether Your Child Might Benefit from Talking with a Therapist
Research shows that children struggling with anxiety, ADHD, or learning problems who engage in therapy often experience better long-term outcomes than those who do not. Therapy can provide:
- Guidance for navigating life changes
- Strategies for implementing recommendations effectively
- A supportive environment for both the child and their caregivers
Do I Have to Follow Every Recommendation?
No. While recommendations are intended to outline the best course of action, they are ultimately guidelines, not obligations. It is better to take some action rather than none at all. The most important step is to begin—or continue—educating yourself about the diagnosis or problems described in the report so that you can effectively advocate for your child’s needs.
Reframing the diagnosis through a strength-based approach and modeling a positive, stigma-free mindset can help your child embrace their identity and feel empowered rather than ashamed.
Need Further Guidance?
Many parents and caregivers have questions after receiving their child’s psychological assessment. If you need additional support or guidance on how to help your child succeed, please reach out to Rice Psychology Group – Therapy Tampa for expert assistance.
To view Navigating Your child’s Psychological Evaluation: What Comes Next – Part 1, click here.
