A multi-axial scheme for assessment and intervention

Infant crying is typically a biologically-based communication system which has evolved for particular purposes, such as signalling infant states or needs. When this system goes askew and the crying prevails there is likely to be direct pressure placed on others living with these babies. Around 10% of infants cry regularly for no apparent reason. In CrySOS clinics we deal with babies who tend to cry a great amount and put their families under enormous stress. Over the years a steady number of useful interventions have been designed and applied to infant-trapped families in CrySOS clinics. When looking at these interventions collectively it became apparent that various themes were being represented by them. Hence many of the interventions appeared to fit into a few broad themes. And these themes, in their turn, could be organised into an overall scheme. The upshot of these developments is a multi-axial scheme comprising several themes into which any interventions may be located. From clinical work with crying infants has emerged an itegrative system that may have broad applications in a variety of settings. The scheme offers a single overview which can serve both assessment and intervention procedures. It is particularly relevant to those adopting a 'developmental' approach since several disciplines and orientations are represented. In addition it provided a means by which contributions from different professionals can be integrated. † Paper presented at Wellington Postgraduate Medical Society Conference 'Communication -; children with special needs' Wellington, New Zealand, August 30, 1983.