Introduction

The assessment of behavioural and mental disorders in children and adolescents is one of the longest standing practices in the field of psychology. Amongst its pioneers are Itard, Preyer and Binet.

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (1995) has outlined three main purposes in Child and Adolescent assessment: Determine whether psychopathology is present and, if so, establish a differential diagnosis. Determine whether treatment is suitable. Develop treatment programmes to encourage co-operative treatment between the family and patient.

Therefore certain prerequisites are essential:

• Assessment begins once the patient has had time to get used to the surroundings and the assessor.
• Multidisciplinary perspective. Paediatricians, neurologists, language specialists, psychologists, social workers, physiotherapists can contribute with additional points of view to the diagnosis of the problem and offer possible solutions.
• A variety ...