New here... What does it take to get diagnosed?

[adhdvocate]

So frustrated. We had a deuce of a time finding a place to get my son evaluated. Made an appointment in November for this February. Got the call today that my insurance company won't cover the testing. And so I enter into being an advocate for my son, a gifted kid who can't control his impulses or his emotions, and my insurance standing firmly in the way of answers. So here I am.

[Onthemove1971]

Welcome! You can ask the school to do educational assessments which will include (it is different in each district) how he functions in the school environment. They can describe his behavior and how it impacts his learning. These are all things that you already know, but they can do it from a educational specialist view. Then help him in the school environment.

Just put in writing that you want an assessment for services for him. If it comes up that he doesn’t need service ( this is often done on an Individual Educational Plan) he may still qualify for a 504 plan. If his learning is impacted but accommodations ( teacher’s notes, sitting up front, taking breaks) can help improve his learning then he should qualify.

It is helpful to bring a statement from a medical doctor telling the school he qualifies, but since you don’t have that the assessments will still help.

Some school districts have services like counseling, behavior modification, occupational therapy, etc. That might help him in school.

Best of luck!

[adhdvocate in reply to Onthemove1971]

Thanks! I wrote to his guidance counselor today to see if there was evaluation available, but I'm also very concerned about his behavior at home as he shows signs of generalized anxiety. It may be a factor of the insurance company thinking it's only education related, and so wanting to kick it back to the schools. But he's so fragile, has hyperventilation attacks when he can't process emotionally what's going on for everyday stresses like... not being able to find something, or having to try a new food. But at least if we can get something going with the school it may be a start.

[Onthemove1971 in reply to adhdvocate]

Giving him as many tools to manage everyday is so important. You could also start counseling with him while you are dealing with school ( to set up an IEP or 504 plan). These.could help him with the stress of school.

Then tackle home.. it's a lot to work on but each is a step to a more stable life.

You could also ask the school psychologist if there are any assistance programs to get him tested.

These types of testing/assessments are usually dont by a Special education teacher or school psychologist. If you don't get anywhere you will need to speak to the staff in special education.

Best of luck.

[helsiu]

Have you talked to your child’s pediatrician about your concerns. Perhaps a referral from them might help. That how we got our son assessed.

[adhdvocate in reply to helsiu]

It may be that there wasn't a formal referral in place causing the problem, even though we're not on an HMO. We're looking into that!

[helsiu in reply to adhdvocate]

You probably don’t need one, but your doctor might have an in with another doctor. The waitlist for evaluations unfortunately are long. Good luck and sending you positive energy.

[anirush]

I agree insist on an evaluation with the school and take it to your pediatrician if your insurance won't cover a psychiatrist. We started with our pediatrician way back.

Counseling helps too. I have 2 grandsons with severe anxiety disorder but they also have ADHD. Medications combined with counseling and school programs like I.E. P's and 504's have been a godsend.

Keep fighting for what your child needs.

[Janice_H]

Hello, welcome! You've come to the right place for advice and support. Having your son evaluated by a psychologist or psychiatrist is a very important first step in getting your son the services he really needs both outside and inside of school. Until you are able to get a diagnosis, there is really not much the school system will do for your son. The evaluation process takes a while to get scheduled and can be costly but it is worth the investment. If your insurance will not cover the cost, you might consider getting a loan to pay for this.

Once you have the evaluation complete and have received a formal diagnosis, request the school to hold a meeting and ask for either a 504 plan or IEP plan to help with his educational needs. You can also receive behavior therapy, medications to help with the impulse control and emotional regulation, occupational therapy, speech/language therapy and many other services he may need. Most insurances will cover these type services.

Good luck. It may sound overwhelming but take it a step at a time. Take a deep breath and get moving towards being the best advocate for your child.

[Pennywink]

We had our son evaluated by his pediatrician, and it wasn't a very long process. We filled out an assessment, and his teacher did one separately. I would say the whole process took about a month.

[adhdvocate]

One of the things I'm struggling with is that when I expressed my concerns about his behavior to his pediatrician, the pediatrician immediately told me to get in with a psychiatrist--and then it took months to even get an appointment. Maybe I misunderstood the pediatrician and needed to get J an assessment first... guess I need to call them too.