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cream_city
07-31-2008, 08:40 AM
I had a meeting with ds's teachers yesterday. He just finished 4 y.o. kindergarten and is going into 5 y.o. K in the fall -- I don't know why we have 2 yrs of K here, but we do.

He's transitioning to a public school this fall. They are very concerned he will not have a successful transition. They shared several red flags with me, etc. We had ds assessed last summer, and have made the recommended changes, but the teachers disagree strongly with the psychologist's diagnosis of ADHD.

So they want me to get another assessment. They think he has sensory issues and social delays.

My question is whether or not I should go through the school with this. Simon's teachers think he will likely fall below the threshold at which the school gives help, and I'm worried about having him pulled out of class for assessments that don't ultimately lead to help.

Should I have a private assessment done, assuming it's covered by insurance? They recommended going to the Children's Hospital. It all sounded so dramatic -- it was very upsetting.

Part of me is in a little denial, I think. He had trouble last summer, but once the structured school year started, he made huge strides. Then, this summer, he sort of regressed again. Part of me is hoping that once in a more structured school environment again, this will resolve itself.

They were clear, however, that they feel his social and sensory needs are beyond the scope of what a teacher can help him with in a regular classroom. Thus, the need for additional coaching/therapy.

Anyone BTDT? Any advice??? My son is so anxious about changing schools already, and he knows about the meeting yesterday (Not the content, per se, but he peeked in and saw our serious faces), which isn't helping.

Sorry this was so long.

chinapiggy
07-31-2008, 09:25 AM
I have no advice just wanted to share my hopes for things to work themselves out. I think I would go with a private eval just because some teachers are so quick to jump on the diagnosis bandwagon.

samiam
07-31-2008, 09:29 AM
I would definately get a second assessment done if it is covered by insurance. I can only imagine what it would be paying out of pocket. I don't know if I would go to a children's hospital persay but I would find another qualified doctor. It can never hurt to have a second opinion when someone like the school is telling you they disagree.

FWIW, we had one psych tell us that my dsd had ADD at a very young age. Her daycare provider (company, not in home) told us that she doubted she had it too. Years later we are looking at the dx again from a different dr and are definately leaning towards her having it.

Funmommy
07-31-2008, 09:30 AM
I agree with chinapiggy.

Funmommy

cream_city
07-31-2008, 09:45 AM
I asked about the diagnosis bandwagon thing, and they were like -- it'll help because it'll be obvious he has issues.

The thing is, I've been looking at the info online about sensory processing disorder, and I just am not sure it fits either. I mean, it sort of does -- he's sensitive to noise, spins alot, is a picky eater. But I'm not sure that's enough to justify the sensory therapy.

Their red flags were that he spins when anxious and doesn't get dizzy after 1 minute of spinning and that he's just started (in the last few weeks) repeating words (like "lipstick") and having trouble getting "unstuck."

I agree he needs social coaching, but I am not getting how playing with playdough, etc. (and I really don't mean to sound dismissive, I just don't get it) is going to help him not repeat words.

Plus, the repeating words is very recent -- he's never done that before, and doesn't do it at home.

I know he's anxious about the new school. I don't know. I sort of feel like whatever specialty the doctor has, that's what they'll diagnose him with (that's what happened last time I think).

mtmomma
07-31-2008, 09:51 AM
Has he seen a developmental pediatrician? I think I would look into a private evaluation. He sounds a lot like my 4 yr old.

cream_city
07-31-2008, 09:53 AM
What's a developmental pediatrician? I was looking maybe into pediatric psychology...

mtmomma
07-31-2008, 10:01 AM
What's a developmental pediatrician? I was looking maybe into pediatric psychology...


They cover many areas of special needs not just one, Like I have to take my oldest 10 yr old DD to one for her tic disorder (mild tourettes) & my youngest who has autism or what is know as high functioning autism or aspergers syndrome goes to the same one.

I kinda lean more towards the Dev. Ped than psychologist If you have any questions or need help looking for a Dr in your area feel free to PM me :-)