Questions about diagnostic testing

[lbayley]

I'm wondering what other members' experiences have been with diagnostic testing options and whether they have recommendations. I have an 8 year old daughter with ADHD. I believe she also has dysgraphia. She was unofficially tested and diagnosed with ADHD at 5 (because they are not allowed to do an official diagnosis here until 6), but we did not need that diagnosis to know she has it. It is not subtle. We homeschool, so we haven't needed much more and have done lots of our own research which has been mostly helpful. We are at a point where we would like a more detailed diagnosis that would also identify any co-existing conditions, such as the dysgraphia or anxiety, that would help us support her the best way we can and open up options for other help for her as we need it. (Although we understand that it might be a future consideration, we are not interested in medication for her at this point.) I researched and found a diagnostic place that sounded wonderful, but then learned it would cost $3000 and they don't take insurance. I was heartbroken since that isn't possible for us right now. Some testing is available through the school district, but I've heard they are not very accurate and do not test for co-existing conditions. I am eager to hear from other parents about what was helpful and not helpful from a diagnostic standpoint. I'm new to the group, so I apologize if this issue has been addressed before.

[jingwang32]

hi, I am new to this site. Just want to share with you. I was exploring neuropsych testing as well. I am in New York, it costs $5000. But I called my insurance, depends on your plan, I was told they will cover up to 80% after meet annual out of network deduction. (for us is $1000). Also, I was told some teaching hospital/ pediatric department will do the testing as well, and it cost much less (one place told me $2500, and another one told they would accept our insurance, but the waiting is long, like 4-6 months, so if its not in.a rush, that would be a choice too). So this is information I got so far. Hope this helps.

[lbayley in reply to jingwang32]

Thank you for mentioning the out of network idea. I have an opportunity soon to change insurance to one that would allow out of network visits at 80/20 and I will have to contact that center again to see if they would accept that. We aren’t really rushed but we also don’t want to put it off longer than necessary. I am certainly not waiting for that extensive diagnosis however to do lots of my own research and learn all I can.

[Grandma01]

I agree with your decision not to Medicate. Try for greater issue in school which is ADHD. MAYBE LOOK at behavioral learning issues for which you can request testing fir an IEP or 504 PLAN. Check out the U.S. Department of Education's Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) website, which brings together information and resources.

I have through many websites trying to find answers to many questions about ADHD, SPI, AUTISM, EXECUTIVE FUNTIONING, and ASPETGER'S SYNDOME. I'm fighting for my 6 yesr old grandson.

We started noticing problems when was between three and four years old.

We went to to a local mental health for children they did a report and called it Pervasive Delopmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). He had behavior issues in preschool and after a series of test they just said a learning disability and not much more than that.

She has the capability to to very bright, keep fighting, look for answers everywhere, read everything, and join other chatlines.

[lbayley in reply to Grandma01]

Thanks for the resource ideas. I imagine that kind of diagnosis would be frustrating since it doesn’t give you a clear definition of the problem or the solutions. Hopefully you will get more clear direction as he gets older. Lucky boy having a grandma like you pouring so much love and effort into his life.