The Importance of Carry Through from Diagnosis to Treatment

Written by: Evangeline Bauer, Founder and CEO of Come Play, STL

It's only natural to be concerned when you notice something different or challenging about your child's behavior. It can be overwhelming to try to figure out how to help them, especially when you feel like you need professional intervention. If only our kids came with manuals, life would be so much easier!

At Come Play, we are here to help kids and their families thrive in their academic, social, and home lives. We believe in thorough evaluations in order to properly and effectively treat not only the symptoms your child is experiencing, but the underlying cause of those symptoms. 

Let's explore the importance of carrying through from diagnosis to treatment and how it can make all the difference in your child's journey towards wellness.

The Pitfall of Hasty Diagnoses

You may have sought help from a psychologist or pediatrician, who handed down a diagnosis after a brief evaluation. Armed with this newfound label, you begin therapy sessions, hopeful that it will be the solution your child needs. But, have you ever wondered whether that initial diagnosis was truly accurate?

We've encountered numerous cases where a swift diagnosis led to well-intentioned but ineffective treatments. Six sessions in, we've often found ourselves realizing that the initial diagnosis made by a different provider missed the mark entirely. This realization can be a frustrating and disheartening experience for both parents and therapists alike. 

Many diagnoses, especially those in the realm of developmental and psychological disorders, can share overlapping symptoms. Take anxiety, for example. It can manifest in various ways, and on its own, it might not be the full story. Your child could be grappling with sensory issues, ADHD, or other underlying concerns that have been overshadowed by the anxiety.

One of the pitfalls we're super reluctant to fall into is treating based solely on a quick evaluation done elsewhere. While it might seem efficient to address the most apparent symptoms, it can be risky. Quick evaluations can sometimes be wrong, or they might not dive deep enough to uncover the full extent of your child's challenges.

Consider a scenario where your child exhibits five symptoms that seem to align with ADHD, sensory issues, or even Autism. Without a thorough assessment, it can be challenging to differentiate between these possibilities accurately. What if the treatment intended for one condition inadvertently exacerbates another?

The Importance of Precision in Treatment

Here's where our approach at Come Play sets us apart. We believe in precision both in diagnosis and treatment. We want to ensure that we hit the bullseye when it comes to understanding your child's challenges. When the initial diagnosis is not entirely accurate or only represents a subset of the issue, it can lead to precious time being lost.

Imagine undergoing therapy sessions aimed at addressing anxiety when, in reality, your child's primary challenge is ADHD. You might see little to no progress, and your child's struggles continue. This situation can be incredibly frustrating for parents and disheartening for the child.

Our model prioritizes the correct diagnosis before embarking on treatment. We're committed to getting to the root of the issue, not just skimming the surface. We understand that your child's well-being is at stake, and we want to ensure we're on the right track from the very beginning.

As an example, think about medical diagnoses like diabetes and migraines. These are two very different conditions, with different treatment paths. Likewise, the treatment for neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders is unique and requires specialized assessment and treatment approaches. The treatment for anxiety is different than for OCD, depression, or ADHD.

Our Commitment to Comprehensive Assessment

At Come Play, our comprehensive assessment process leaves no stone unturned when it comes to understanding your child's unique needs and challenges. We're not satisfied with quick, one-size-fits-all solutions because we know that your child deserves more.

Our team of experts comprises professionals from various disciplines, including psychological examiners, occupational therapists, speech therapists, behavioral therapists, and more. We collaborate to conduct a thorough evaluation that considers not just the symptoms but also your child's individuality. We look at the bigger picture and take the time to understand the nuances of your child's behavior, development, and experiences.

Our holistic approach to assessment and treatment is designed to ensure that we don't miss any critical details. We understand that your child's well-being is not defined by a single label or diagnosis. It's a complex interplay of factors.

The Road to Progress and Success

By emphasizing the importance of carrying through from diagnosis to treatment, we aim to break the cycle of frustration and disappointment that so many parents and children face. When you choose us, you're choosing a partner in your child's journey towards progress and success.

We understand that every child is unique, and their challenges deserve personalized attention. That's why we don't settle for hasty diagnoses or quick fixes. We're committed to getting it right, right from the start. 

So, if you're a parent concerned about your child and seeking the best possible care, remember that precision in diagnosis and treatment is key. Don't settle for quick evaluations that may miss the mark. Choose Come Play and let us guide you through a comprehensive, holistic, and effective approach to your child's developmental and psychological well-being. Your child deserves nothing less, and we're here to ensure they get the care they truly need.