How to go about getting evaluations? UPDATE post 12

[KatWrangler]

Okay, different kid than usual.

My gut says my son Conner needs to be evaluated for speech (this will probably be thru the school, right?) and behavior/attention issues. There are things we feel are just off. I don't know if we are talking about ADD or ADHD. Or is this early Bipolar? Which I know is hard to diagnosis at such a young age. But with his Dad having BPII it's always on our radar to watch out for.

Who do we need to get him evaluated with? Developmental Ped first? Or Child Psychologist? I am just not sure which specialist to seek out first.

I am really worried.

[Linda on the move]

There are two major options:

1. through school. Request an eval in writing stating everything you suspect. You should do this even if you want to do some things private as well.

2. privately. This is expensive unless you have good insurance, and depending on what you need and where you live, can take a while (like a year). I'd start with a general doctor who you trust and have him/her recommend people.

The first step in speech is a hearing test, and kids can get speech therapy privately. They usually get more one-on-one that way. Speech is usually fairly quick and easy to get going compared to some other things.

I'd ask your doctor what kind of specialist makes the most sense for your child and who is the best in area you live in.

GOOD LUCK!

[KatWrangler]

We have a Missouri Medicaid Provider.

Our therapist (for my husband's BPII and for us together) said something about getting a referral because a couple of weeks ago we mentioned our concerns. But I am not sure who it is and what they specialize in.

I am going to start the process tomorrow with the school.

[KatWrangler]

He had a hearing test early in 2009. I am going to stress that as well.

He is behind in learning to read. Well I took him myself to the Optometrist and it turns out he is far sighted and needed glasses. Eventhough the school did a quick evaluation in kindergarten round up. My gut said he couldn't see. Sure enough it was right.

[MamaRBH]

We started with our pediatrician whon then referred us to specialists in the area for our secific needs, He was so responsive and quick about getting us in to who we needed to see.

[Linda on the move]

Originally Posted by KatWrangler

Well I took him myself to the Optometrist and it turns out he is far sighted and needed glasses. Eventhough the school did a quick evaluation in kindergarten round up. My gut said he couldn't see. Sure enough it was right.

There is a big difference between a quick screening done for every child and an evaluation.

[KatWrangler]

You know what, I was wrong. I actually took him to an audiologist when I took my DD1. For Gabrielle's IEP they requested a screening from an audiologist. They allowed me to have my son checked as well. Sorry, my brain was shutting down for the night when I posted it.

It was the eyes that was a quick thing at Kindy Round-up.

However, I think it would still be a good idea to have checked again.

I am going to start making calls this morning.

[Linda on the move]

I do eye checks every year with both my kids.

Don't be surprised if someone wants to check his hearing again. Once you start down this path of sorting out the root problem(s) some things become sort of routine.

I personally think that a label of bi-polar would be a lot for a child to carry around and could effect things like school placement and be difficult to get removed if it isn't right. I'd try to get a label that would get him special services/therapy as needed, but not something that could have a big impact on his life.

[KatWrangler]

I left a message for the counselor at my son's elementary school. I am also waiting for the Ped's office to call me back about another issue. I am going to talk with them as well.

I looked at symptoms of ADHD and I have to say he does have alot of them. But I am not a specialist and I know some can crossover to normal behavior.

I will leave it to the professionals to make a decision.

[MamaRBH]

I'm wishing you luck and peace with this, Mama.

It sounds like we're going through some of the same things, so please do update as I'll have you in my thoughts.

[KatWrangler]

Thanks Becca! I will update when I find something out.

I did find this. Alot of the symptoms I see for ADHD my son has.

http://helpguide.org/mental/adhd_add_signs_symptoms.htm

[KatWrangler]

Okay, the school counselor called me back. Apparently she had him in our office and talked with him this morning or yesterday. She said she can see some signs of ADHD. She said we need to start with our Ped first.

Called the Peds office and the Doc called me back. There are some forms he has that his teacher, my husband and myself need to fill out by ourself. Then return to him. Then we will set up an appointment with him to go over it. Then go from there. Meaning another specialist. I thought he said Neurologist.

The school is going to evaluate his speech. I mentioned it to the Ped as we were talking about his wheezing (may have Asthma) and allergies. We talked about maybe his ears are clogged from allergies. We will talk about evaluating his hearing during the appointment.

[MamaRBH]

So good things are rolling, Anne!

We had the ADHD paperwork. It was actually fairly easy to get done even from the teacher. A lot of it weighs on the teacher's perception, which was hard for us since it was the start of the school year.

It really sounds like you have a better grip on what's going on with him, as well as more support from the doctor and school now. With them and your beautiful maternal instincts - your son will thrive.

[Linda on the move]

Great!

[KatWrangler]

I'm going to stop by tomorrow and pick up the paperwork. I want to get it filled out ASAP.