Michaela Crawford

7/20/19

Travers- Harjusola-Webb

Family Assessment

Being a student intern at Summit County has blessed me with the opportunity to meet

many families whom are all unique in their own way. This summer, I have been able to test my

skills as a developing Early Interventionist by performing family assessments. Throughout this

program I have learned that building a reliable alliance with family is an important aspect in the

field of Early Intervention.

The family that I have been working with this summer lives in Tallmadge, Ohio. C, a two

-year old boy turning three July 31, 2019 has a diagnosis of Noonan’s Syndrome. Noonan’s

Syndrome is a disorder with unusual facial characteristics, short stature, heart defects, bleeding

problems, bone malformations and developmental delays. He lives at home with his mother and

father and has no other siblings. Both parents maintain a full time job. C’s father works mostly

third shift’s while C’s mother has more flexible schedule. When both parents are away at work

Cameron spends his time with his grandparents from his father’s side of the family.

My experience with this family was different for me as they demonstrated high

sensitivity with their child and family dynamic. Due to my family’s sensitivity I made sure that I

let my guard down (fears of not being able to get through or let in) in order for them to let theirs

down. I was very pleased to be able to build such a comforting/ welcoming foundation for my

family as we equally helped one another.

 C demonstrates delays in his communication, demonstrating weaknesses in his expressive

language as he cries, whines and tantrums when needs are met. While upset C may say one word

repeatedly, which in turn mom understands being able to give her child what he wants. Although

C does not yet use two- word phrases, it is a work in progress. C has the ability to properly

interact with others while labeling objects in his environment.

For my family assessment I administrated the Family Quality of Life ( FQoL) and Eco-

Map. I sat down with mom and dad asking various questions from the FQoL survey. During the

survey both parents rated each question asked as satisfied. Noticing a trend with the questions

being asked, as a professional I could have paired the FQoL survey questions with open- ended

questions to form a better understanding of their family’s dynamic. I do believe that my family is

totally satisfied with the many routines/schedule within their home as well as with out side the

home including out side supports that assist them on a daily/weekly basis.

1. My family enjoys spending time together. S

2. My family members help the children learn to be independent. S
3. My family has the support we need to relieve stress. S
4. My family members have friends or others who provide support. S
5. My family members help the children with schoolwork and activities. S
6. My family members have transportation to get to the places they need to be. S
7. My family members talk openly with each other. S
8. My family members teach the children how to get along with others. S
9. My family members have some time to pursue our own interests. S
10. Our family solves problems together. S
11. My family members support each other to accomplish goals. S
12. My family members show that they love and care for each other. S
13. My family has outside help available to us to take care of special needs of all family
members. S
14. Adults in our family teach the children to make good decisions. S
15. My family gets medical care when needed. S

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 16. My family has a way to take care of our expenses. S
17. Adults in my family know other people in the children’s lives (friends, teachers, etc.). S
18. My family is able to handle life’s ups and downs. S
19. Adults in my family have time to take care of the individual needs of every child. S

20. My family gets dental care when needed. S

21. My family feels safe at home, work, school, and in our neighborhood. S

22. My family member with a disability has support to accomplish goals at school or at workplace. S

23. My family member with a disability has support to accomplish goals at home. S

24. My family member with a disability has support to make friends. S

25. My family has good relationships with the service providers who provide services and support to
our family member with a disability. S

Creating the Eco-map with my family was very straight forward, as they only have a few

supports which they are satisfied with. I believe my family puts a lot of emphasis on trust,

especially those whom they trust. While creating the Eco- map dad mentioned having a “small

circle” of family members that they associate themselves with. My family receives the most help

for dad’s parents, as they live directly across the street form each other.

From a professional stand point encouraging my family to navigate future supports

outside their circle but more in the community would have been a great suggestion. I believe

community involvement would make a positive impact not only on C’s parents but on C

developmentally. As a growing professional exploring more options and future supports with my

family will be on my agenda on my to-do list.