11/16/07

Now What Do I Do?

When we meet to go over the report, I'll talk to you at length about my findings and your options.  By the time you leave the feedback appointment, you will have a clear understanding of your child's strengths and skills, and of the challenges she/he faces as well as ideas for making helpful responses.  You'll leave with a list of next steps you might want to take. 

These might involve further evaluations with other specialists.  For example, if I found a language disorder (expressive, receptive, or auditory processing) I'll refer you to a speech and language specialist for further evaluation and specialized treatment.  By the same token, if your child has ADHD (attention deficit disorder) I'll refer you to a child psychiatrist if you want to consider medication as an option for helping your child to cope.  If your child has academic delays, we will discuss whether or not he/she needs special services at school or might benefit from private tutoring after school.  If your child's problems seem to have an emotional component, I may suggest psychotherapy or supportive counseling for her/him.

How will I find these specialists?

I have a network of practitioners to refer you to.  I've worked closely with them, and have been impressed by the quality of their work.  Of course, if you already know people you'd like to use, or want to use your own network to find referrals, that's fine too.

This Is All A Little Overwhelming

Yes, it can be.  But, it can also be a relief.  Most parents have known for a while that something wasn't quite right--they just weren't sure what was wrong, how serious it was, and what to do about it.  So, in some ways it can be a relief to know what you're dealing with.  And, of course, there's always the possibility that I'll conclude that your child's problems are relatively minor and that, in all likelihood, time will take care of them.

If you want, you can come back for additional sessions with me.  You may have further questions after you digest my report, or want guidance as you continue through the process of getting the help your child needs.  Lots of people check in with me periodically.

There are lots of resources available for parents of children with learning problems, emotional problems, or ADHD.  In the next section (Resources), I've defined some of the most common problems children grapple with, and have listed a number of websites that many parents have found useful in beginning to understand their child's struggles.