How does one go about having a child tested for mental slowness?!
Question: How does one go about having a child tested for mental slowness!?
my step son is 10 years old and shows signs of having the mind of a child half his age!. we went to his teachers and asked them but teachers nowadays don't want to "label" kids with mental disorders!. when helping him with homework he can never remember what he just went over, and i mean never!. a 5 yr old girl who my wife babysits came home with her kindergarten school work, and was asking kyle questions and he was getting all most all of her work wrong!. he wants to act like a toddler and drink from sippy cups, and prefers the company of children half his age!.
now before someone comes on here and judges me and gives me the "how dare you be mean to him" and "maybe he's just this" or "maybe he's just that"!. the fact that i'm asking for advice in where to seek help, is proof of our concern and not neglect on the issue!. i'm sorry if i sound bitter but i've read several posts on here and seen the judgemental responses when all the person wanted was an honest answer to their question!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
now before someone comes on here and judges me and gives me the "how dare you be mean to him" and "maybe he's just this" or "maybe he's just that"!. the fact that i'm asking for advice in where to seek help, is proof of our concern and not neglect on the issue!. i'm sorry if i sound bitter but i've read several posts on here and seen the judgemental responses when all the person wanted was an honest answer to their question!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
The child's biological parent needs to write a letter (very important, it MUST be in writing) addressed to the head of the school district's special services/child study team department!. Explain exactly the situation, and why you think he may qualify for services!.
If your school district is decent (read: law-abiding), they have to set up meetings with the child and your family to do their own special tests to decide if he does qualify for services!. They will completely cover the cost of a neurodevelopmental pediatrician consult, psychiatric profile, etc!.
Once a label is given (just how it works), the school will develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that will cater to your child's specific needs!. It can continue to be modified with progress (and your allowance)!. The child will then be re-evaluated completely every three years!.
Alternatively, you can just book an appointment for a neurodevelopmental pediatrician yourself, but bear in mind that two half-hour sessions will run you upward of $1000, typically not covered by insurance!. It also, unfortunately, won't count for anything to the school, as they have to work within their own network to provide services for a child!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
If your school district is decent (read: law-abiding), they have to set up meetings with the child and your family to do their own special tests to decide if he does qualify for services!. They will completely cover the cost of a neurodevelopmental pediatrician consult, psychiatric profile, etc!.
Once a label is given (just how it works), the school will develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that will cater to your child's specific needs!. It can continue to be modified with progress (and your allowance)!. The child will then be re-evaluated completely every three years!.
Alternatively, you can just book an appointment for a neurodevelopmental pediatrician yourself, but bear in mind that two half-hour sessions will run you upward of $1000, typically not covered by insurance!. It also, unfortunately, won't count for anything to the school, as they have to work within their own network to provide services for a child!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Consult your stepson's school counselor so she can get the ball rolling on him being tested!. It's mandatory if the parent requests it!. In response to those who say "see a child psychologist", your school counselor is a first stop in the process!. School psychologists don't just stay on school campuses!. The counselor identifies the appropriate tester (likely a trained child psychologist) and takes it from there!.!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
You need to petition your school to have him tested!. They will most likely bring it up in a meeting and approve the testing!. Your school can not deny your request to have him tested!. Look up your rights in your state!. All testing and services through your school will also be free!. Good luck!. Do it now so he can receive services, if eligible, at the start of the school year!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
WELL IM NOT SURE MABY A PSYCHOLOGIST OR THE SCHOOL COUNCELOR WILL TELL YOU THE RIGHT PLACEWww@Answer-Health@Com
law; (education code in the united states) you as a parent have the right to request/demand that your child be tested, that upon recieving a conclusive diagnosis your child have special services as deemed neccessary to deal with any learning deficits/disabilities he may have!. do not let school officials shine you on,!.!.!.if they do-then you go over their heads to the superintendant of the district, if that does not work-go to the county office---tell them you will get an attorney if you have to (districts run in fear from potential lawsuits)!.
your child has rights,!.!.!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
your child has rights,!.!.!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
He sounds like he truly has a learning disability---it's sad that the teachers want to wash their hands of the issue--it's part of the "no child left behind theory"!. I would suggest that you take your stepson to his pediatrician, and if he doesn't have one- go and see a good one!. He will evaluate him--which is something that should have been done right after birth and at timed intervals throughout his toddler years--but he could have been fine then, and not now!. Something serious can be going on in his brain if this is a new symptom which is why I am telling you to take him to a doctor!. He's lucky that you were able to notice that he has a problem-- now you can get him the treatment he needs!.!.!.!.!.!.see a doc!.!.!.!.good luck!.
One more thing, if the first doctor you take him to doesn't test him or evaluate him for dysfunctional behavior-- see another one!.!.!.!.they too have become lax!.!.!.!.!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
One more thing, if the first doctor you take him to doesn't test him or evaluate him for dysfunctional behavior-- see another one!.!.!.!.they too have become lax!.!.!.!.!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Try a child psychologist (depending on your health insurance, you'll need a referral from your family doctor--or you can just make an appointment)!.!.!.they have training in recognizing what is "normal developmental behavior" and what is a deviation!. There are lots of IQ type tests etc!. that can be given to help see where he falls in development!.!.!. Once you get to that point---at least you will have options to figure out what to do next!.!.!.and you, child, and family will have lots of support!.
Good luck to you and your stepson, it has to be hard to see that he's treated mean, and you both deserve respect!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Good luck to you and your stepson, it has to be hard to see that he's treated mean, and you both deserve respect!.Www@Answer-Health@Com
Talk to the special ed department at your school!. They have to provide services to you!. They should test him and meet with you to discuss their findings!.
If they fuss about "labeling", it's about getting a diagnosis and getting your son the help he needs!.
You may have to throw a serious fit to get the help!. But the school district is REQUIRED to help!. If the principal won't, then go over his head and call the superintendent!. DON'T STOP TRYING!
If you want to try another route, try your county's mental health department or your child's physician!. These are also ways but you may have to pay!.
Your child needs you to be his advocate!. Hang in there! It's a tough road!!Www@Answer-Health@Com
If they fuss about "labeling", it's about getting a diagnosis and getting your son the help he needs!.
You may have to throw a serious fit to get the help!. But the school district is REQUIRED to help!. If the principal won't, then go over his head and call the superintendent!. DON'T STOP TRYING!
If you want to try another route, try your county's mental health department or your child's physician!. These are also ways but you may have to pay!.
Your child needs you to be his advocate!. Hang in there! It's a tough road!!Www@Answer-Health@Com