Discuss the relevant information about the student"s behaviors. What factors early on contribute to how she is today?.

             Liz, a 15 year old high school Freshman, has been exhibiting certain behaviors lately and in the past that have been affecting her today. Liz has been functioning below grade level academically. She cannot work independently, "hates" school, and rebels against all authority. She is defensive and uses abusive language. She tends to blame others for her carelessness and seldom takes responsibility. According to Liz"s parents, Liz seldom slept enough when she was younger, so as to give them a break from her behaviors. As Liz grew older, she began to react impulsively. She has been caught distributing drugs and refuses to get tested, psychologically.

             There are certain factors, from the past, that may have contributed to how Liz is today. First of all, Liz seemed to be deprived of sleep, early on, which could have contributed to her moody behavior. It also seems that Liz"s parents expressed the lack of sleep issue more as a problem for them, rather than for Liz, which could let off a negative vibe to Liz, resulting in her negativity. Secondly, Liz"s parents expressed their use of various disciplining techniques, that were used, which seemed to all be of a negative nature. This in turn can lead to rebelliousness and a craving for attention, whether in a negative or positive way.

             2. Discuss the various assessment procedures needed to determine eligibility. What may be her disability?.

             Various assessment procedures are needed in order to determine eligibility for a disability. Liz would benefit in getting tested with tests such as an I.Q. test, reading, writing and math subtests, testing for ADHD, such as the Woodcock Johnson test, The WAIS-R intelligence test or Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, 4th edition, The TONI-2, etc. A full psychological evaluation or comprehensive individual assessment is needed in order to rule out a disability, whether learning or mental.