A parent asks for help with a typically developing teen who is not completing school assignments. What is appropriate?

A parent asks for help with a typically developing teen who is not completing school assignments. What is appropriate?

• A. Provide intensive therapy
• B. Offer tutoring without assessment
• C. Refer the family
• D. Ignore the request

Answer: (C)

When a typically developing teen isn’t completing assignments, the appropriate step is to refer the family to the right supports. This situation often involves factors like motivation, study skills, time management, or school system resources, which are best clarified through an assessment by the appropriate professionals. Referring the family allows access to school counselors, educational psychologists, or academic support services who can identify underlying causes and tailor strategies accordingly. Providing intensive therapy isn’t indicated without a clinical concern, and tutoring without assessment may miss the root issue. Ignoring the request would miss an important opportunity to help the teen succeed.

When a typically developing teen isn’t completing assignments, the appropriate step is to refer the family to the right supports. This situation often involves factors like motivation, study skills, time management, or school system resources, which are best clarified through an assessment by the appropriate professionals. Referring the family allows access to school counselors, educational psychologists, or academic support services who can identify underlying causes and tailor strategies accordingly. Providing intensive therapy isn’t indicated without a clinical concern, and tutoring without assessment may miss the root issue. Ignoring the request would miss an important opportunity to help the teen succeed.