Neruopsychology testing anyone?

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-19-2004
Neruopsychology testing anyone?
5
Thu, 10-27-2005 - 3:25pm

First off, I want to thank everyone who responded to my 2 earlier posts. I really appreciate all of your input. Anyway, I wanted to know if any of you had your child get neuropsych testing by a neuropsychologist? I have only been to the child neruologist. He has done no testing. Just 3 20 minute appointments with him. I have a recommendation for a child neruophycologist and I just don't know if I am going in the right direction. Do they give their assesments and then give you a diagnosis? I guess I am just really wanting a diagnosis (2nd opinion). She has an IEP through her preschool, but sometimes I don't feel like she is getting everything she needs.

Thanks for any input
Rachelle

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 10-27-2005 - 3:33pm

Yep,

Actually, when Cait was 3 her neurologist wouldn't give a full diagnosis until Cait had been tested by a neuropsychologist. She was pretty sure but wanted to see all the testing to make sure it wasn't something else.

Cait's neuro psyche (been done 2 times, one at 4 and one at 9) basically is mostly the same testing that a psychologist does with a couple additional tests to test for neurologic functioning. They also are much better (IMO) at interpreting the results of all the psyche testing. By far the 2 neuro-psychs we worked with had much more complete evaluations that really nailed cait's strengths and needs.

Renee

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iVillage Member
Registered: 02-24-2004
Thu, 10-27-2005 - 3:36pm

Rachelle,

We got Nathan's dx from a neuropsychologist. I had to fill out alot of forms regarding his behavior and also have his teacher fill out a form too. He and his colleague saw Nathan in 2 separate sessions, while I waited in the waiting room. The sessions, I believe in total lasted approx 4 hrs. Lots of observing, talking to him, playing "games", etc. I then had to come back, by myself, to receive his dx and discuss Nathan's eval. I didn't get the actual report....they had to mail that to me.

He already qualified for services at school, but we wanted the "official" dx, because the school wasn't sure if Nate was on the spectrum or not. If you have any other questions, ask away!!!!

hth,

Michelle

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 10-27-2005 - 8:02pm

A neuropsych sounds like the perfect thing for your situation. As a special education advocate, this is one of the best testings that my clients get. I most often recommend neuropsychs. In the event that my clients, and for my own children, need outside testing, whether privately or publically paid for through an Independant Educational Evaluation, this has been the kind of testing that I have had the most success with.


They do not always give a firm diagnosis/diagnoses (dx). When they do, there is no question about it. They may rule out a dx, or they may say that they can not rule out a dx.


They will give ideas for accomodations, modifications, and/or related services that will help the child. It is unusual to see a school district comply with every single suggestion that is made in the report from the neuropscyh. However, it gives everyone a firm footing to start on. IF the IEP team utilizes the report. This is very important to note. The

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iVillage Member
Registered: 02-19-2004
Thu, 10-27-2005 - 10:16pm

Thank you, thank you for you opinion. I really appreciate it. I am definitely getting her evaluated. I, too, think it is the best thing, now especially, since I have read all the posts.

Rachelle

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-08-2005
Thu, 10-27-2005 - 10:20pm

Just wanted to add that I agree with the others, neuropsychology testing can be really helpful in identifying PDD/autism spectrum issues.


Let us know how it goes.