jenL Posted October 8, 2012 Share Posted October 8, 2012 (edited) UPDATE in post #8 Dh and I are meeting with a neuropsychologist tomorrow for the first time to determine if dh's ADHD diagnosis is accurate and to determine if there are other issues at play since we are all still struggling despite meds. The protocol at this office is to meet with the parents for an hour without the child, and from there, a plan is created with regards to further testing, etc. Dh and I have filled out the extensive medical form that asks about health, academic behavior, and social/emotional behavior. I feel like the form focused on all the negative aspects of my child, but I guess they have to ask for the "bad" in order to determine the issue. Will they ask about his strengths? Ds9's ADHD diagnosis came 10 months ago from a Vanderbuilt assessment done by dh and me and then it was scored by his pediatrician who has been wonderfully supportive. We tried holistic alternatives and diet changes before putting him on a non-stimulant. His ped says the next step is more testing before we leap into a stimulant since he has anxiety issues and extreme trouble sleeping (despite melatonin). Having never walked this road before, I'm wondering if any of you have any suggestions in terms of what questions I should ask or what things I should not forget to tell them? I'm feeling nervous because I just want to make sure this leads to answers and not more frustration. I want to make sure dh and I are doing all we can to help them help our son. Edited October 9, 2012 by jenL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravin Posted October 8, 2012 Share Posted October 8, 2012 Just wanted to post some hugs.:grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarolineN Posted October 8, 2012 Share Posted October 8, 2012 :grouphug: The anticipation is always the worst part. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterPan Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 You're going to be fine! Our neuropsych was a dream! He was easy to talk with, a good listening. Kind of like a psych. :D (just joking) Seriously, I found the process very cathartic. Yes, he spent a lot of time in our results session talking about strengths, not just dissecting her. I don't know if that's his norm, but I told him that's what I really wanted. The whole thing was so cathartic. The main thing is to WRITE OUT everything on your mind. You'll forget things when you get in there, so write it out. And what I did (I think on the advice of someone here) was to write out everything I wanted answered by the end. I took those pages into our follow-up session and wrote like fury. The np eval was so good for us. We learned much more than just a label. You're going to be fine. It makes you feel kind of sick in the moment, but you'll get lots of information to help you sort things out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaleidoscope Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 We are just a bit further down the road. I went to the intake about a month ago. The 26th I take 3 of the kids in for their evaluations. It's not as scary as it feels the night before. I understand being nervous. I am so hopeful we really end up with usable information. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GAPeachie Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 We are just a bit ahead of you. We did intake and evaluations and are waiting on the official follow up. We did discuss strengths, but a lot of what we discussed were his areas of opportunity. I felt drained afterward and drowned my sorrows in some icecream. Be kind to yourself and take it easy tomorrow after your appointment. ((HUGS)) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenL Posted October 9, 2012 Author Share Posted October 9, 2012 Thank you so much for the pep talks and hugs, ladies! We leave in an hour... I'll keep you posted! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenL Posted October 9, 2012 Author Share Posted October 9, 2012 (edited) We met the neuropsych today, and she is FABULOUS! She was warm, friendly, understanding, and seems to eager to begin working with ds. Even dh commented on how it's obvious she loves her job and really believes in making a difference (he hardly ever comments on people). She's also homeschool friendly as her sister homeschools and so does her good friend! What a blessing!!! The next step is 5 appointments: 3 with her (one with ds on meds, one without) and 2 with an educational specialist. From there we'll have a diagnosis and our interpretive conference. We won't have all the answers until right before Thanksgiving, but that's okay. At least the ball is rolling, and I am feeling MUCH relief knowing that. Thanks for listening to me as we begin this journey! Edited October 9, 2012 by jenL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GAPeachie Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 We met the neuropsych today, and she is FABULOUS! She was warm, friendly, understanding, and seems to eager to begin working with ds. Even dh commented on how it's obvious she loves her job and really believes in making a difference (he hardly ever comments on people). She's also homeschool friendly as her sister homeschools and so does her good friend! What a blessing!!! The next step is 5 appointments: 3 with her (one with ds on meds, one without) and 2 with an educational specialist. From there we'll have a diagnosis and our interpretive conference. We won't have all the answers until right before Thanksgiving, but that's okay. At least the ball is rolling, and I am feeling MUCH relief knowing that. Thanks for listening to me as we begin this journey! YAY! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterPan Posted October 9, 2012 Share Posted October 9, 2012 We met the neuropsych today, and she is FABULOUS! She was warm, friendly, understanding, and seems to eager to begin working with ds. Even dh commented on how it's obvious she loves her job and really believes in making a difference (he hardly ever comments on people). She's also homeschool friendly as her sister homeschools and so does her good friend! What a blessing!!! The next step is 5 appointments: 3 with her (one with ds on meds, one without) and 2 with an educational specialist. From there we'll have a diagnosis and our interpretive conference. We won't have all the answers until right before Thanksgiving, but that's okay. At least the ball is rolling, and I am feeling MUCH relief knowing that. Thanks for listening to me as we begin this journey! That's awesome!! That's about as good as you could hope for!! :thumbup: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenL Posted October 9, 2012 Author Share Posted October 9, 2012 That's awesome!! That's about as good as you could hope for!! :thumbup: :iagree: I'm feeling so blessed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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