Talk to me about diagnosis for accomodations?

[BlsdMama]

So, running this through my head, here is the scenario and the wanted outcome.

 

Scenario: 14yodd being remediated with Barton.  Functional ADHD (hyper not inattentive) with a solid working memory.  Kiddo can read and read quite well but is incredibly slow.  Extensive family history of dyslexia as well as two brothers officially dx'd. 

 

Wanted outcome: DX for accomodations on ACT/SAT

 

 

DD took her first practice ACT this week.  She scored well - a 26.  However, she needed DOUBLE the time to finish.  (The ACT only gives time and a half - I am aware.)

She cannot get a 504 - she hasn't failed enough, needs a 25th percentile on an assessment test.  Plus the school district also requires a medical diagnosis.

 

 

The caveat: Seriously?  I do NOT want to pay $1500 for a neuropsych eval out of pocket. I am up against some serious medical carp myself and would really like to figure out how to get this somewhat covered.  Can I go in for ADHD eval and come out with a dyslexia diagnosis? It is crazy to me that in 2016 learning disabilities cannot be dx'd with insurance.

 

[PeterPan]

ADHD alone doesn't need a neuropsych.  Get a clinical psych who specializes in ADHD.  Around here, even in the big city, I can get that paper trail and eval for $800, where a full np eval is $2500.

[Daria]

I am confused by a few things.

 

1) ACT definitely offers double time. My kid applied for 1.5 time and was awarded double, so they are pretty generous.

 

2) Does she go to public school?

 

3) What do you mean by "needs a 25th percentile"?

[Heathermomster]

DS received ACT accommodations. Go to the ACT website and print out a copy of the specific testing that they want to see. Call providers and get pricing for the testing.

 

My challenge with DS was that he had no IEP, 504, or academic accommodations plan because he attended a private school and was later homeschooled; however, he had a history of receiving accommodations with SAT-10 testing and classes offered by the cover. I submitted a letter from the cover's SAT-10 coordinator wrt to accommodations plus np testing results, and he received his accommodations in exactly 2 weeks. DH and I knew he required np testing so saved for it in advance.

Edited December 1, 2016 by Heathermomster

[Storygirl]

BlsdMama, are you sure that she needs to have failing grades and score under 25th percentile to qualify for a 504? Is that what your school district says?

 

DS11 may end up receiving a 504. He has no failing grades. He does not score that low on standardized tests. He has inattention but not enough to get an ADHD diagnosis. But he struggles with some things in the classroom and has a recent diagnosis of anxiety from a NP. His school (private) is working with him over the next couple of months to see what accommodations help him, with the intention of writing a 504 for him.

 

Perhaps your school district has told you their parameters for writing 504 plans. But I thought you should know that the requirements you mention are not true across the board. You might want to double check.

[exercise_guru]

Some of it depends on the insurance. I know many of you haven't had success with getting an eval but for both of my kiddos I just detailed or voiced concern  or told them the teachers were noticing things that caused them concern. I listed those things and bingo bam bazzoo it was covered by my insurance. Ofcourse I found a provider that was on my insurance but the WISC ADHD Berry and all the language stuff plus CAPD ( audiologist) evals were covered. You might want to check providers and see if they take your insurance. Also the school system where we live will give an evaluation of atleast basic stuff. The only thing that was not covered was achievement testing that tells if they are at grade level in work. I didn't have that part done. 

 

the ADHD stuff can be done through a pediatrician if it is just for testing accommodations. I have found that a 504 can be had if the school is willing to allow it and a medical documentation can support it. A huge advantage of having a dyslexia diagnosis would be to qualify for audio books through the learning disabilities programs. Also as PeterPan pointed out in another thread it is helpful if they need support in college. If they don't get used to having and working with help and support in college then they will not use it. I would think documentation would be very helpful if you child was in need of extra time for tests or notes provided by the teacher. 

 

Edited December 19, 2017 by exercise_guru