Learners will first learn about the differences between screening and assessment. Screening is a process for evaluating the possible presence of a particular problem. The outcome is normally a simple yes or no. Assessment is a process for defining the nature of that problem, determining a diagnosis, and developing specific treatment recommendations for addressing the problem or diagnosis. Learners will be introduced to several screening and assessment tools, which can be projective or non-projective types, and the need to administer at least three related tests in order to triangulate the results to pinpoint the issue of concern to be tackled.

Learners will be introduced to the model of Collaborative Consultation and how it is applied in counseling students with special needs. The usual counselling process involves five stages: (1) relationship building; (2) assessment & diagnosis; (3) formulation of counseling goals; (4) intervention & problem-solving; and (5) termination & follow-up. However, counseling students with special needs (CSSN for short) demands a very different approach from what a typical counselor does. It involves six stages which are explored in greater detail in this course to show how participants can apply each step as they progress gradually from one stage to the next. The duration of the counseling plan varies from one student to another due to different disabilities/disorders. Learners will be taught how to design an individualised counseling plan for students with varied learning and behavioral challenges.