Hello everyone! I hope that my blog post finds you well. My name is Ashlee Petranovich and I am currently in Murray, Kentucky attending Murray State University. While I am here on my internship I will be collaborating with four different programs that are focused on mental health, school safety, school psychology, and psychological assessments. These programs are indirectly or directly associated with the College of Education and Human Services at Murray State. The work that I will be completing in the next 7 weeks aligns with the following bullet points:
- Grant implementation experience through the MSU/WKEC Mental Health Providers Academy grant
- Counseling and assessment experience shadowing school psychology interns as they complete screening for and diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in youth clients
- Assisting faculty with literature reviews on manuscripts and grants
- Website enhancements for KY School Safety
- Assisting the Center for Student Engagement and Success
- Sharing my perspective and knowledge
*Due to confidentiality and working with human subjects I am limited in what exactly it is that I can write about/post pictures of*
MONDAY, JULY 3RD
Today I headed down to the university and to the autism screening clinic. I was met by all of my favorite people at the clinic and socialized a bit before our client arrived. Today was a regular observation where it felt similar to the ones I have done in the past. Our client was under the age of 5 and was expected to complete the Baylee, Vineland, and ADOS-2 tests for the day. Along with this, the guardians completed a PSI (Parent Stress Index). The Baylee is a similar test to the ADOS-2 test where the test is more play-oriented but also focuses on development milestones. Some activities called for the child to identify which cup had an item under it or also placing blocks in the right shape. During the Baylee I observed behaviors of the child where they would become fixated on one toy and have a hard time transitioning to a new one, excessive humming, sounds that only consist of vowels, shielding eyes when uncomfortable, toe walking, and rocking back and forth. This child also lined up toys in a specific order, which is a symptom of Autism. There were moments where the child exhibited clear symptoms of ASD but there were other variables to consider before making that an absolute diagnosis. I was able to discuss some of these variables with the team. The graduate students gave back feedback and we called it a day. After this, I headed over to some stores to pick up thank you cards for all of those I met during my internship along with some supplies needed for our fourth of July cookout the next day!
My aunt peggy is the best at making my days a lot brighter!
Gertrude the Bag, a new friend in the Whaley house, is the lesser version of an Elf on the Shelf
TUESDAY, JULY 4TH
Today was a holiday and I did not have class. I spent the entire day cooking with my aunt and celebrating with my family. It was a great day to relax, have a cookout, and watch some fireworks.
What is more patriotic than watching Dolly Parton’s documentary on the 4th of July?
WEDNESDAY, JULY 5TH
Today I went to the clinic but there was a no show. Because of this, I went home and prepared for the interview I was going to have with the athletic director at MSU for my online internship that is focusing on college athlete’s mental health. The questions I asked him were:
How do you currently address the mental health needs of your college athletes?
Are you aware of your athletes’ specific challenges or concerns related to mental health? Have you seen any trends or patterns regarding mental health issues among your athletes?
Are there any existing resources or programs in place to support the mental wellbeing of your athletes?
How open are your athletes to seeking mental health support, and what barriers do they encounter?
This interview gave me plenty of insight into the world of college athletes and the pressures that they often find themselves facing. I also learned more of the ways that colleges are helping their athletes overcome their mental health battles. I typed up my notes from the interview and sent them to my other mentor: Julie.
After this, my aunt, uncle, and I made a podcast episode that was truly so fun! I will place a link below so that you can listen if you would like! I asked my aunt and uncle about their positions at the university and how they engage with students. Including this, they asked me about my internship experience at MSU. All of this was completed on a beach, by the way. I am so grateful that I am able to do such fun things such as this.
Also, AP scores came out today!
Airtime with Ash!
THURSDAY, JULY 6TH
Today was another day at the clinic and we had a client show up. The client was completing a Woodcock Johnson, BASC-3, and a ADOS-2 MOD 4 tests. This person was above the age of 15 and younger than 18. I got to sit behind a new area to observe today. It had a one-way screen that allowed me to see through to the other room without them seeing me. It was interesting to be so next to people without them knowing I was there. I felt as though this way I was able to really focus in on body language that the client was inhabiting along with better listen in on the responses the client gave. I observed both the WJ and ADOS test in this room and got five pages full of notes on what I observed from today’s client. I always love the more interview based questions from the ADOS test because I get to better know the people I am observing and understand their thought process. I love birthday party from the ADOS-2 earlier mods, believe me, but I really enjoy getting to get better context for who the person is. I love talk therapy and counseling!
I also have really enjoyed thinking about nature vs nurture in these cases, it puts everything into perspective!
Saylor Dog!
Observation Room
FRIDAY, JULY 7TH
Today was my day off and it was spent as girl time! Peggy, Saylor, and I spent the entire day together running errands and having fun! Peggy and Dave are leaving this Saturday to go to Mexico so they are getting ready to head off and go on their well-deserved vacation. Peggy got her hair done and together we got pedicures. She got shimmering red and I got shimmering blue. Very patriotic week for us haha. Peggy also ran through the daily needs for Saylor so I can take care of her this upcoming week. Amazing day with the family.
Thank you for reading! See you next week for my FINAL week!!!
Ashlee, wow! Your days sound packed full and in the best way possible! Your first patient you were talking about sounds very interesting along with what you were saying about absolute diagnosis. I am glad to hear you are having a good well-rounded experience!
Hi Sarah! Yes they have been wonderful. Thank you for reading! Have a great week!