As school psychologists, one of our responsibilities is to provide psychological reports to parents. These reports are essential as they provide detailed information about the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment plans. However, these reports usually contain technical terms and jargon that might be difficult for parents to understand. As school psychologists, we need to ensure that the reports we create are accessible and understandable to the parents that receive them. Here are some tips on how to explain psychological reports to parents without using jargon.
Use everyday language and provide examples to help parents better understand the meanings of these terms.
Simplify Technical Terms
First, it’s important to recognize that many of the technical terms used in psychological reports can be overwhelming and confusing for parents. Take some time to go through the report and simplify any terms that you believe might be difficult for parents to understand. Use everyday language and provide examples to help parents better understand the meanings of these terms. This will make it easier for parents to follow along and grasp the information presented in the report.
Explain Assessment Process
Parents may not be familiar with the assessment process, so it’s important to explain it in simple terms. Start by providing a brief overview of the tests used and their purposes. Then, go into more detail about each test and what they measure. It’s also helpful to explain the scoring and what it means in relation to a child’s strengths and weaknesses. By breaking down the assessment process, parents can better understand how their child was evaluated.
Make it clear to parents that you are open to questions and feedback about the report
Invite Questions
Make it clear to parents that you are open to questions and feedback about the report and that you’re available to discuss any areas of confusion or concerns they have. Provide contact information, office hours and encourage them to reach out to you with any questions. By doing so, you make the report less of a one-way document and more of a conversation where you are working together to find solutions.
Use Visual Aids
Many parents can benefit from visual aids like charts, diagrams, and graphs to help them better understand the information presented in the psychological report. Keep the report visually appealing and your language clear to make the report easy for parents to use as a reference in the future.
Focus on Strengths
While psychological reports often highlight areas of concern, it’s important to also acknowledge a child’s strengths. Make sure to include positive findings and accomplishments in the report, as this can help parents see their child’s potential and strengths. By focusing on both areas of concern and strengths, parents can have a more balanced understanding of their child’s abilities.
Discuss Diagnosis
Similarly, when discussing diagnosis, it’s crucial to use language that is easy for parents to understand. Avoid using clinical terms and instead, provide a clear explanation of the diagnosis and what it means for their child. Use examples and provide resources for further reading if parents want to learn more about the specific diagnosis. This will help parents feel more informed and empowered when it comes to their child’s mental health.
Address Parents’ Concerns
It’s likely that parents will have questions or concerns about their child’s assessment and diagnosis. Take the time to address these concerns and provide reassurance and support. It’s important to listen actively and validate their feelings, as this can help build a trusting relationship with the parents. Additionally, it’s important to follow up with parents after the report is given to see if they have further questions or need additional support.
Working collaboratively with parents is essential in supporting a child’s mental health
Collaborate
Working collaboratively with parents is essential in supporting a child’s mental health. Encourage parents to share their own observations and insights about their child, as this can provide valuable information for the assessment process. Collaboration also involves involving parents in decision-making and treatment planning, as they are the experts on their child’s needs and preferences.
Continued Monitoring
A psychological report is not a one-time document, but rather a tool that can be used for ongoing monitoring and evaluation. Encourage parents to continue seeking support and intervention as needed, and periodically review the report to see if any changes or updates are needed. Additionally, it’s helpful to communicate with other professionals involved in the child’s care to ensure a comprehensive approach.
Empower Parents
It’s important to empower parents by providing them with resources and tools to support their child’s mental health. This can include information on psychoeducation, coping strategies, and self-care for both the child and parents. Additionally, providing referrals to community organizations or support groups can also be beneficial in connecting parents with others who may be going through similar experiences.
Support for Siblings
It’s important to consider the impact a child’s mental health challenges may have on their siblings. Encourage parents to involve siblings in the assessment process, if appropriate, and provide them with resources and support as well. Siblings may also benefit from psychoeducation and coping strategies to better understand and support their sibling’s needs.
Providing ongoing support for families beyond the initial assessment is key in promoting long-term success.
Cultural Considerations
When working with families from diverse cultural backgrounds, it’s important to be aware of and sensitive to their beliefs, values, and practices. This may also include considering language barriers and providing translated materials when necessary. Collaborating with cultural consultants or seeking supervision from a professional with expertise in working with diverse populations can also be helpful.
Collaborative Approach
Ultimately, the success of any psychological report relies on a collaborative approach between the psychologist, parents, and other professionals involved. Regular communication and updates are important to ensure everyone is on the same page and working towards the best interests of the child. It’s also crucial to involve the child in their own treatment plan, giving them a sense of ownership and control over their mental health journey.
Ongoing Support
Providing ongoing support for families beyond the initial assessment is key in promoting long-term success. This may include referrals to additional services, check-ins with the family, and offering resources for continued education and support. As mental health challenges are often ongoing, it’s important to emphasize the importance of seeking help when needed and providing families with tools to navigate future challenges.
We hope these tips help you feel more confident in creating accessible psychological reports for parents. By simplifying language, explaining the assessment process, providing context, inviting questions, and using visual aids, you can make psychological reports more approachable and easier to interpret for parents. Remember, the report is not only for you as a school psychologist, but it is also an essential tool that can affect students, families, and the school community. Always aim to create a report that is accessible, informative, and helpful to everyone involved.
Photo by Jason Goodman on Unsplash