Homeschoolers and ADHD assessments

[ebrindam]

We just filled out the Vanderbilt assessment for ADHD for our DD. My DH and I filled out our own, DD's Sunday School teacher filled one out, and DD did a self-assessment.  I included a few work samples. Will that be enough? I could have her ice skating coach fill one out because the issues are seen across the board, but I don't know if that will be necessary.

Has anyone gone through this?

[EKS]

Yes, and frankly, it seems to me that the checklist-type assessments assume that the child is in a standard classroom environment, and that the person filling it out has ample experience with typically developing children, neither of which is necessarily the case when assessing homeschoolers.  

 

My point here is that I think the people who are going to give the best information from the evaluator's point of view are those whose interactions with your child most closely mimic those in a traditional classroom.

 

 

Edited June 18, 2017 by EKS

[Julie of KY]

I haven't dealt with ADHD, but just went through the process for my son with learning disabilities attending Vanderbilt in the fall.

 

When I look at the Vandy website for ADHD accommodations, it looks like a lot of it is based on an official assessment by a professional. Do you have that already?

 

Basically, what we found for learning disabilities was that if the professional recommended it then it was done. In speaking to the disability office about our specific concerns they even offered some things I had never thought of.

 

I'd call the Vanderbilt disability office and ask your specific questions. They were very friendly and helpful for me to deal with.

[PeterPan]

I assume you're using a psych or ped, and yes that should be enough. If you want meds, your ped might run his own tools. Usually the psych will also do some kind of computerized tap tap test like the TOVA. I like the Quotient better because it gives a good breakdown and uses more sensors. Our ped runs the Quotient.

 

You might look at the 360 Thinking materials to use with your dd for time management. They just did a really helpful, REALLY helpful webinar. It's only $39, and it's great stuff. On Demand Time Management Webinar

 

Cognitive Connections

 

My dd used to ice skate. ADHD is rampant in sports. Personally, I'd be cautious about asking a sports coach to fill out the forms. They may be ADHD themselves and noticing less. Just because *you* see the issues across environments doesn't mean everyone in the room does. You'd be astonished how much people miss.

 

You've filled out enough forms to satisfy them probably.

Edited June 18, 2017 by OhElizabeth

[Julie of KY]

I assume you've already seen this, but here's the link to the specific requirement for ADHD accommodations at Vanderbilt. (Scroll toward the bottom and open the ADHD pdf). It does require a psych/neuropsych evaluation with both aptitude and cognitive testing along with ADHD specifics. If you are filling out questionnaires as part of an evaluation then you are probably good.

 

http://www.vanderbilt.edu/ead/disability_services/students.php#types_of_services

 

If I remember correctly, the deadline for submitting paperwork to the disability office is coming up soon to have accommodations starting at the beginning of the schoolyear.

 

Good luck.

Edited June 18, 2017 by Julie of KY

[PeterPan]

NICHQ.Org | NICHQ Vanderbilt Assessment Scales

 

Does she mean Vanderbilt University or the Vanderbilt Assessment Scales for ADHD?

[Julie of KY]

Oops - I have no idea, assumed Vanderbilt Univ. as that's what's on my mind.  :closedeyes:

As far as if that is enough people to ask to fill out an assessment, I think that is fine.

[Butter]

Our ped used the Vanderbilt ADHD assessment.  She had me fill it out specifically as teacher, my husband as parent, and then asked for anyone else.  His taekwondo instructor filled it out and ended up laughing because he never realized just how ADD he himself if until filling it out.  What you have should be plenty.