11/16/07

How Do I Know If My Child Might Need Testing?

There are a number of ways that parents might come to consider getting a psychological, neuropsychological, or psycho-educational evaluation for their child.  If you're wondering whether or not testing makes sense, it's probably worth scheduling a consultation with a psychologist to help you decide. 

If you decide to contact me, and you go ahead with the evaluation, the initial consultation will be included in the price of the testing.  If we decide that testing doesn't seem necessary right now, you'll just pay for the session.

Common Indications for Testing:

Developmental Delays in Early Childhood:

It can be particularly difficult to tell if an infant or toddler is developing normally.  Many parents believe that a small child cannot be tested or evaluated, but this is not true.  If your child does have delays, it is crucial to identify and address them as early as possible.  At this age, a little bit of intervention can go a very long way!  If you are concerned that your baby or toddler might be delayed in some areas, this guide to Developmental Milestones  can give you a general outline of what is considered normal for very young children.

Why Should I Pay For Private Testing?

You should know that the public schools are required to do an assessment on any preschool or school-aged child, whether or not that child attends the public schools, for free.  In New York City, Early Intervention is required to offer a free assessment for any child birth to age three who needs one.  For an outline of the Early Intervention process, click on Early Intervention in New York City.   For school-aged children, all you have to do is request it in writing at your local district office.  You can call your local public school to find out the details of how to submit the request.   For an outline of the special education process in New York City, click on the Getting Special Education in New York City  link.

So, why would I choose to have testing done privately?

The public schools often do a very good job in assessing a child.  However, you will not be able to select the psychologist who will do the assessment.  In addition, there is often a backlog of children who need assessments--you may be able to get it scheduled much faster privately.

Most importantly, I can spend as much time with you and with your child as is necessary.  If your child's situation or needs are complex, a thorough assessment may well take many hours.  If your child tends to work slowly, or to require coaxing to stay focused, I can devote the time needed to give your child every opportunity to succeed.  If I need to use lots of different tests to develop an accurate understanding of your child's learning style, I will do that.

Finally, as somebody who does not work for the schools, I can give you an unbiased opinion.  In our feedback meeting I will talk to you about what steps I think it would be helpful for you to take to assist your child.  This could involve further assessments, or getting extra support for your child.  I know a great deal about the educational options (public and private) available to children.  I can help you with getting any necessary accommodations, establishing or revising your child's IEP, or working on getting your child funded to attend a different sort of school if necessary.

I believe that it's important to have your child in a school which offers a good "fit" for him/her.  Whether your child requires special services, a special placement, additional support in the regular classroom or after school, or just a setting with a different sort of culture or "feel," I can help you think through your choices.