seeking assessment for possibly 2E

[Rose-Roget]

Ds is 6 and in first grade.  He is notorious for "undershowing" what he knows, thus consistently underestimated by his teachers.  He was recently dx'd with Sensory Processing Disorder by 2 OT's, which can explain some of the difficulty assessing his true skills.  He is a very bright (?gifted) child.  How do you go about finding someone who will give a good, thorough, valid assessment of skills for possibly 2E kiddos? 

[ollyoxenfree]

The OTs may have a recommendation. Also try: 

-Educators in gifted programs

-Other parents of gifted children 

-Family doctor or pediatrician referral

-Local chapters of associations for parents of gifted children 

I found psychologists to perform psycho-educational assessments by word-of-mouth recommendation - once from another parent and once from a teacher in a gifted program. The teacher was a graduate of a gifted program and her 3 children attended gifted programs, so I was fairly confident that she had good insight and contacts. 

I found it's important to discuss the assessment process with whomever is going to conduct it. Some psychologists delegate to grad students.  You want to make sure that the person doing the assessment will interact in a positive, sympathetic manner with your child.  The psychologist's credentials may be very impressive, but that will mean nothing if your child isn't comfortable during the session(s). 

Good luck with the search. 

[RiverTam]

I found the name of a psychologist by looking at a list of testers from my city's Gifted Resource Council.  Some local school districts also have lists of testers that they recommend.  Hoagie's website also has a list of some testers.

[Roar]

http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/psychologists.htm  

Many good 2E testers on this list.

[ChristaN]

Originally Posted by Roar 

http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/psychologists.htm  

Many good 2E testers on this list.

I'm getting a "this page does not exist" message when I click on that link. 

I've heard the Eides being recommended for 2e kids, but if you go with a "big name" tester of that sort, it isn't likely to be inexpensive.  Hopefully it is worth the extra cost though since 2e kids can be hard to get accurate scores for.

[LynnS6]

Try this link:

http://www.hoagiesgifted.org/professionals.htm

[Rose-Roget]

Thanks for these links and the advice.  Unfortunately, non from my area are listed, but it gives me somewhere to start.  Maybe I can get referrals to someone closer by if I start the networking. 

[joensally]

I think the Eidies would be the ultimate 2E testers (authors of The Mislabeled Child and 3 websites/blogs).  They're in WA state and their assessment is ~US$3800, but you'd know everything within reach of knowing about your child.  We're considering it.  I haven't figured out the money part, but we've had two psych eds and don't have it all figured out yet.