The GAF: The group assessment form: A screening instrument for adolescent group therapy

Abstract

This article describes the process of evaluating the social competence of developmentally disabled (DD) adolescents who were referred for group therapy and which, in turn, led to the development of the GAF: The Group Assessment Form. The GAF allows for a more organized and in-depth understanding of a particular adolescent's social function. A description of a group treatment program servicing developmentally disabled adolescents and a definition of the term DD follows. Features and benefits of the GAF are discussed, including a symptom rating scale which involves frequency ratings on specific problem social behaviors as reported by the parent and the adolescent, thereby allowing for qualitative comparisons. The article concludes with an outline of additional clinical uses, such as its value as an instructional guide for beginning group leaders during their traineeship and as an aid in clarifying group treatment expectations and goals, thereby preventing possible premature termination.