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The Psychologist has given advice on materials, readers, and
method where asked for. One of the great difficulties is the old
stocks of quite unsuitable readers in the schools.
A complete Backward Class was tested individually for I.Q.'s,
Reading Age and Arithmetic Age, and retardation or otherwise,
in one Junior School. Not one of them was E.S.N., and over half
were of about average intelligence. Their school classification could
not, therefore, be attributed to dullness alone. Advice was given
on teaching approach to these children.
Coaching.
Thirteen boys were taken on for reading coaching by the
Psychologist with an average retardation of 5.4 years. In five months
they made an average increase of 1.9 years in Reading Age.
REPORT OF PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL WORKERS.
The Psychiatric Social Workers are mainly concerned with
interpreting the Clinic approach to the parent-child problem,
and supporting parents in the difficult situations which may arise
during treatment.
When a child is anxious and disturbed it often seems apparent
that the possibility of his adjusting depends in a large measure on
home atmosphere. Recovery may be hastened if parents can modify
their attitudes and demands until the child is able to adjust. Such
periods can be very trying and parents can gain much needed support
by free discussion with the Psychiatric Social Worker.
Interviewing at the Clinic is found to be more effective generally
than home visiting and is to be preferred for several reasons. It
makes it possible for an interview to be carried out without interruption
and the attendance of parents is some evidence of their willingness
to co-operate. There are cases, however, where environment
factors can only be assessed by visiting the home. The load of
cases makes it impossible for the Psychiatric Social Workers to keep
pace adequately with this and motor transport would greatly facilitate
the work.
REPORT OF PLAY THERAPIST.
Most of the children attending the Clinic this year for play
sessions have been seen individually.
In cases of educational difficulties and backwardness, the play
treatment has been designed to provide outlets fcr frustrated energies
with encouragement of special abilities.