Diagnosis, Assessment, and Treatment of Foster and Adopted Children; A Guide for Parents and Practitioners

As a group, foster and adopted children are at greater risk for developing mental health problems than are other youth. Trauma, abuse, neglect, loss, and abandonment can result in numerous psychological problems, and thus we see elevated rates of mental health diagnoses being assigned to these kids and teens. This typically includes ADHD, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. Many others meet the criteria for longstanding conditions such as autism, learning disorders, or mental retardation. Child psychologist, Christopher J. Alexander, Ph.D. acquaints the reader with how mental health diagnoses are determined and given to foster and adopted children. He identifies the risk factors for developing a mental health condition and spells out the different treatment options currently being used with these children and their families. Foster and adoptive parents will gain a better understanding of what the different diagnostic terms mean, as well as options for helping their child.