Those who have had formal testing,

[rafiki]

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[ktmo]

I had my DD testing last year. I chose the group because I had read many of their reports and knew that they were thorough (I am a special education teacher and we often get private assessments to review - I afterschool my DD). Initially, I called and expressed my interest in getting her tested. It was a rather quick process, I don't think that I had to wait too long, maybe a few weeks for the next step. I was scheduled for an "in-take" conference over the phone. I spoke with this women for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. She asked a series of questions. I told her about my concerns and DD's strengths and weaknesses. Then we were scheduled for the testing. DD was 4yo at the time and we scheduled two dates, both morning sessions. The first few minutes I went back with her, to make sure she was comfortable. The sessions lasted about 3 hours and there was a break, where we had a snack and played a little. Then a week after the testing, we had a "parent conference" with the psychologist to talk about results and answer any questions that he might have had prior to writing the report. Then about a month later we got the full right-up (this was the longest process, we had to reschedule our parent conference and then it was over Christmas and that just pushed everything back).

 

Some practices have multiple people who could test at the same time. The one we used, had a lot of psychologists and those doing educational assessments. They might recommend a different one for a different child based on history and/or age. Then you could have them tested at the same time. If not, I would probably go one at a time. I think that I would start with the child with the most needs or the most questions that you have. You also might want to consider who would do best first. If you have a child that is nervous and worried, you might want to start with a different child, so then you could prepare the "worrier" - You could say "see Johnny did so well, you will be fine"- if that makes any sense.

 

I am planning on have my youngest tested at the end of this year (before she starts Kindergarten). I will probably go with the same group. I was very pleased with the experience and information gained.

[KrisC]

would you share how the process was for you? Overall, a positive experience.

 

How did you select your evaluator? We applied to three hospitals, Mass General, Tufts, and Children's Hospital. We ended up getting offers for an appointment about 4 months later from both MG and Children's, and chose MG because it was closer.

 

Did they have an informative website? Somewhat. http://www.mgh.harvard.edu/children/specialtiesandservices/psychology_assessment_center/default.aspx

 

Did you talk or email them prior to scheduling anything? I had an appointment with the evaluator before he met my son.

 

How far out did they schedule? It took about four months.

 

How long did the entire process take? Six months, it took a long time to get the written evaluation, although I think it's because it fell through the cracks and if I'd call it wouldn't have. It took like 2 months (11/2/10 eval, got the written on in early Jan). I did meet with him in late November and got the verbal results (i.e., he explained the results to me.)

 

Did you have a "meet and greet" session prior or did you just show up and dig in? We just showed up with my son and dug in.

 

How many sessions did this take? One, about six hours.

 

I have three children being tested. Would you want one to go through the full process, then move on to the next? Would you pick the one with the most issues, least issues, most complex, or what? I would pick the one or two most impaired, probably, if you have reservations about where you're going. Or do all three. My husband and I decided that our insurance would pay for another in one year, so if we were really disappointed we could have him re-evaluated in a year.

 

What do you wish you knew then that you know now? Nothing, really.

 

Anything you would be sure to ask? I had so many questions, I guess it would depend on the child and the issues at hand.

 

Would you do it all over again? Yes.

 

Anything else? Make sure to call your insurance and get that all sorted out. Our coverage was great, fortunately. Also, the results were insightful and we are glad that we have had the feedback. Let me know if you want to talk in more detail.

 

Breathe!

[RamonaQ]

would you share how the process was for you?

Very helpful, very hopeful. Met my criteria of supplying directions and predictions for the future.

 

How did you select your evaluator?

They have written a well-known book, have an ongoing interest in dyslexia and had homeschooled their own children. They are local.

 

Did they have an informative website?

eh, maybe.

 

Did you talk or email them prior to scheduling anything?

Talk to schedule appt. Otherwise, an extensive intake form that was emailed prior.

 

How far out did they schedule?

6 months

 

How long did the entire process take?

Two half days, left with initial eval and directions, and about 6 weeks to get final report.

 

Did you have a "meet and greet" session prior or did you just show up and dig in?

no, arrived and began.

 

How many sessions did this take?

see above.

 

I have three children being tested. Would you want one to go through the full process, then move on to the next? Would you pick the one with the most issues, least issues, most complex, or what?

I would pick which child you feel you need the most information.

 

What do you wish you knew then that you know now?

that it is really expensive!!!! And likely we will have to do it all over again for SAT accommodations/ college accommodations.

 

Anything you would be sure to ask?

no.

 

Would you do it all over again?

yes. It has proven to be very instructive for this year.

 

Anything else?

[Paisley Hedgehog]

nm

[Dobela]

would you share how the process was for you?

 

How did you select your evaluator? I asked friends who they used locally that was homeschool friendly. I also had the option of using a children's hospital about 60 miles away.

 

Did they have an informative website? Nope, no website at all.

 

Did you talk or email them prior to scheduling anything? I did meet with the psychologist once before testing began. She wanted background information, what I was looking for, why I was wanting testing, and so on.

 

How far out did they schedule? About a month.

 

How long did the entire process take? About 3 months. It should have been less but a new assessment had been ordered that she wanted to use on my son. It ended up being backordered and we just kept waiting.

 

Did you have a "meet and greet" session prior or did you just show up and dig in? Ihad a meet and greet, my ds did not. His first session was just digging in. She did however spend some time with him in the beginning of the first session to help him feel more comfortable.

 

How many sessions did this take? about 4 or 5. My son fatigued easily and she would stop at any signs of stress or fatigue.

 

I have three children being tested. Would you want one to go through the full process, then move on to the next? Would you pick the one with the most issues, least issues, most complex, or what? I started with my oldest, but I also had different testing and such happening with my toddler. I chose my oldest because he was the most stressed and delays were most apparent. He needed assistance sooner than later. Once he was going well, I pushed thru my dds testing and such.

 

What do you wish you knew then that you know now? I knew that issues could be complex, but I really had never experienced it personally. One small part (my son's vision issues) was really a huge part that effected the accuracy of the formal evals. The psychologist actually has in her report that due to his vision issues she is not confident that his scores are a true picture of his abilities. For my dd I had to really 'get ugly' with one of her doctors to get accurate diagnosis and appropriate referrals. He kept writing off major issues as 'poor parenting skills'.

 

Anything you would be sure to ask? For copies of evals and for reports to be detailed. Then I would ask for a session just me and the person administrating the formal eval so I could ask lots of questions - about a week after I received the report.

 

 

 

Would you do it all over again? Absolutely. It gave me confirmation that I was right, and that I did need to do things differently for my children. It eventually led to the right therapies and the right tutors for maximum progress. It also improved the quality of life for my children, somethign I wasn't directly expecting. It was a long time arriving there though.

 

Anything else? Don't give up. It can be overwhelming. It can be frustrating. It will take hours of follow thru, questions, pestering for the right referrals, finding the right person to do what you need. It is all worth it though. Your child is worth the effort you will put into this.

[PrincessAriel]

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