The Five 'Rights' of Porcupine Management
When one is coordinating treatment for children with severe emotional or behavioral issues, there are several factors that need to be in alignment in order for interventions to have a better chance at success. What follows are what I consider to be the five primary factors in Porcupine Management and Treatment.
Right Diagnosis - While some people frown at the thought of diagnostic labels for childhood disorders, the reality is that they provide a common language for all those involved in helping the child to communicate with each other. Diagnostic terms also serve as a guideline for finding possible solutions to current problems.
Right Medication - As is the case with many behavioral issues, there may be neurological factors involved. It is important that an accurate medication assessment be made and continually monitored for effectiveness.
Right Environment - It is critically important that the environment (be it school, home, treatment environment etc) 'fit' the child. Many programs try to make the child fit the environment, this often leads to less than successful outcomes. The environment in which the child is placed MUST have, 1. individuals who understand the child's pathology (the dynamics of the disorder and effective treatments) as well as, 2. the ability to manage the individual while emotional and behavioral growth process takes place.
Right Therapist - Be it psychiatrist, counselor, social worker, psychologist etc, it is important that the individual providing clinical direction be knowledgeable in the specific dynamics of the disorder that they are attempting to treat. While this may sound simple, at times it can be difficult to find a professional who is truly 'in sync' with the child, the disorder and the specific treatment interventions. Unfortunately, the highly skilled professional that your child needs may not be found on your insurance provider list. The effectiveness of clinical decisions (past and present) should be a good indicator as to how on target a professional is. If the child does not show signs of forward progress or reacts adversely to treatment decisions, it may be time to seek different counsel.
Right Attitude - It is important for parents to have a positive yet realistic attitude about their Porcupines. While it can be hard to accept the reality of a child's emotional or behavioral challenges, it is critically important for parents to see things as they really are. Parental denial can be the ultimate hindrance to a child's potential progress.