Using Home Observation in the Clinical Assessment of Children

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Abstract
Our clinical experiences in a pediatric setting indicate that selective use of home observational assessment can facilitate psychological evaluation of such problems as failure to thrive, behavioral and developmental deficits, and dysfunctional adaptation to childhood chronic illness. Home observations provide a valuable source o fin formation about parent-child and family interaction patterns, which enhances clinical understanding and family acceptance of intervention plans. We discuss the considerable technical difficulties involved in the conduct and interpretation of information from home visits. Home observational assessment is especially useful in planning intervention for families that are difficult to reach and in sensitizing clinicians to the role o f family interaction and culture in children's behavioral problems.

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