Reference no: EM131547230

DIRECTIONS: READ THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION AND RESPOND. CITE REFERENCES USING APA FORMAT PLEASE.

Part 1

Based upon Andy's referral information there are four tests that should be included in the test battery which would evaluate executive functions, personality, adaptive behavior, and cognitive abilities. To address possible executive functioning deficits the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) should be administered. The BRIEF will evaluate Andy's cognitive flexibility and impulse control and is appropriate for 6-year olds (Cohen, Swerdlik, &Sturman, 2013; Fitzpatrick & Schraw, 2003).

Evaluation of overall personality can be completed with the Personality Inventory for Children - Second Edition (PIC-2) which, among many others, has an antisocial component and is appropriate for ages 5-19 (WPS, 2017b). To evaluate Andy's adaptive behaviors the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, Third Edition (ABAS-3) should be administered. The ABAS-3 will provide information concerning his ability to self-direct, leisure activities, safety, and motor skills (Henington& Wu, 2017).

Although not necessary, an assessment of Andy's overall cognitive abilities could provide valuable information. Evaluation of cognitive abilities using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Fifth Edition (WISC-V) allows an evaluation of Andy's cognitive processing strengths and weaknesses (Pearson Education, 2017). Assessment of executive functioning, personality, adaptive behavior, and cognitive abilities will aid in determining why Andy seems to be withdrawing from social interactions, falling often, and acting in a destructive manner.

Part 2

The use of the Brief Neuropsychological Cognitive Examination (BNCE) is completely inappropriate as it is intended for individuals who are over 18-years old (WPS, 2017a).

It is disheartening that a licensed neuropsychologist (Dr. Pride) would make such a grave error in test choice. Instead of administering the BNCE, the NEPSY- Second Edition (NEPSY- II) should be used to evaluate Andy's executive functions and social perception from a neuropsychological perspective (D'Amato, Titley, & Napolitano, 2010).

The NEPSY-II has subtests that can be administered independently to gather specific information such as behavior management and interpersonal (D'Amato et al., 2010). Most importantly, the NEPSY-II is intended for ages 3-16 and only takes, at most, 180 minutes to administer (D'Amato et al., 2010).
AERA Standards

As a test user there are certain rights and responsibilities that the American Educational Research Association (AERA), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME) (2014) set forth.

Standard 9.2 states that test users have the responsibility to thoroughly examine and evaluate the appropriateness of the test for the population that it is being used with (AERA, APA, & NCME, 2014). Dr. Pride did not uphold this responsibility by choosing the BNCE.

Standard 9.13 states that when tests are to be used to make decisions concerning education or counseling interventions other relevant information must be included in score interpretation (AERA et al., 2014). In keeping with this standard there should be a record review prior to any testing and an observation of Andy in his natural setting. Several of the tests chosen in the battery allow for multi-informant scoring which will provide information useful in score interpretation.