Which route? Developmental Ped or WISC and dyslexia tutor? long

[Aunty Social]

I need to have my ds8 tested....

As a toddler, he was examined by a dev.ped. and wound up getting speech and physical therapy. We were told he had "worrisome behaviors", but that there was nothing diagnosable. Fast forward a few years and I'm pretty sure he has dyslexia - he has many of the signs. He still tends to fixate on one or two activities (lego and pretend war/spy/star wars fight play) - but does have other interests. He also, despite knowing and being able to verbalize the rules for behaviour in various settings, seems to be incapable of consistently following them. (how much of that is age, and how much might be an issue, I have no idea - he's 8) He is also very strong willed, and will not always follow the teacher's directions - especially if he feels they are not necessary.

He is a very sweet, loving child - who sometimes will flip a switch and turn into a temper tantrum throwing, anger managment issue child. I'm at a loss as to how much is personality and just needs normal coping mechanisms, and how much may need some specialized instruction.

All of that to say I need to have him tested. We have an appointment with the dev.ped. that saw him as a toddler, but it's not until June. It's also $1300 and not covered by insurance. I just found out that one of my dd's friend's mom is a dyslexia tutor and also administers the WISC (an older version). She's free, and available immediately. So, she could probably tell me if my ds is dyslexic. Would the WISC tell me if any of these other behaviours are normal or not? Or is it strictly an intelligence test? Do I even need to worry about these behaviours or are they all normal little boy things? From your experiences, am I better off going to the dev.ped. (I told him that the dr. just wants to follow up and see how he's doing) or is that overkill and using this other woman would be enough?

If you've made it through this, Thank You! I'd love any advice/suggestions you have.

[Laurie4b]

I need to have my ds8 tested....

As a toddler, he was examined by a dev.ped. and wound up getting speech and physical therapy. We were told he had "worrisome behaviors", but that there was nothing diagnosable. Fast forward a few years and I'm pretty sure he has dyslexia - he has many of the signs. He still tends to fixate on one or two activities (lego and pretend war/spy/star wars fight play) - but does have other interests. He also, despite knowing and being able to verbalize the rules for behaviour in various settings, seems to be incapable of consistently following them. (how much of that is age, and how much might be an issue, I have no idea - he's 8) He is also very strong willed, and will not always follow the teacher's directions - especially if he feels they are not necessary.

He is a very sweet, loving child - who sometimes will flip a switch and turn into a temper tantrum throwing, anger managment issue child. I'm at a loss as to how much is personality and just needs normal coping mechanisms, and how much may need some specialized instruction.

All of that to say I need to have him tested. We have an appointment with the dev.ped. that saw him as a toddler, but it's not until June. It's also $1300 and not covered by insurance. I just found out that one of my dd's friend's mom is a dyslexia tutor and also administers the WISC (an older version). She's free, and available immediately. So, she could probably tell me if my ds is dyslexic. Would the WISC tell me if any of these other behaviours are normal or not? Or is it strictly an intelligence test? Do I even need to worry about these behaviours or are they all normal little boy things? From your experiences, am I better off going to the dev.ped. (I told him that the dr. just wants to follow up and see how he's doing) or is that overkill and using this other woman would be enough?

If you've made it through this, Thank You! I'd love any advice/suggestions you have.

The older version of the WISC won't tell you as much as the newer one. However, it wouldn't hurt to have your friend begin to tutor him.

If your child is attending school, he should be able to get a free evaluation for dyslexia, using the latest tests. You need to write a letter to the principal and director of exceptional children stating that you think he has a learning disability in reading and requesting an evaluation. That will get the process started. Their evaluation should decrease the cost of the one done by the developmental ped. The WISC-IV is an expensive test in a test battery.

There is not enough description in your post to definitely say whether his behaviors are within normal limits or possibly indicative of a problem. Frequency, intensity, and duration are the key distinctives. However, since you are concerned, I think there is enough question in your post to see the developmental ped. about the behavioral stuff. Is the $1300 for an evaluation (I assume) or just an appointment?

[EKS]

Is the friend officially qualified to administer the WISC? If not (and the fact that it is an older version), I'd have the testing done by someone who gives the current test and who can write up an official report of the results in case you ever need them (for school/testing accommodations for example).

I'd probably go with the developmental pediatrician first, as you are describing a number of worrisome behaviors. Then, if you feel that you need more information, I'd get a dyslexia evaluation that would include the WISC IV, an individual achievement test, and some additional tests.

[Aunty Social]

It's nice to get some confirmation that testing with the dev. ped. is probably the best route to go....my dh, bless him, tells me to go ahead and do whatever - but doesn't want to talk about why I want to do it. When I try to tell him about my concerns, he just tells me to do what I think best. Glad he trusts my judgment, but someone to hash things out with (aka dissect and worry with) would be nice.:tongue_smilie:
Let's see...

Yes, the $1300 is for testing. They do test for dyslexia as well as dev. diabilities.

Unfortunately, testing through the local school is a no go. We homeschool in a very small, very insular town - so we are pariahs at the school. They are unwilling to work with me unless I enroll him, which is not happening because the school is substantially below par.

I don't know if this other woman is certified in the WISC or not - she was a ps teacher of some sort, but I don't know her qualifications. And since a very large impetus for the testing is to get an official write up should there be anything diagnosable, that is a very large concern.(I am thinking of future testing - ACT, SAT) Otherwise I would just buy either Barton or Wilson and continue with our behaviour reinforcement at home.

Looks like I'll be keeping our appt. with the dev.ped.

Are there any recommendations for specific questions to ask or tests to have done? What should I expect as far as suggestions and recommendations from the dr. when the testing is over?

[KarenAnne]

If you are paying $1300 and having a full evaluation done you will get a broad spectrum of tests, some of them overviews and many specific, detailed subtests that will reveal how your son's brain works. The WISC alone would not give you anything like that amount of detail, and it's well worth paying for.

If what you get resembles what I had with my daughter several years ago, it will be somewhere around ten to twelve hours of testing spread over a few days, and at least two hours of discussion with you, before and after. You should get a detailed report documenting all the results of the subtests along with a list of recommended therapies, interventions, or ways to proceed.

It's just invaluable. The roadmap we got three years ago for my daughter has been something I've referred to over and over. It confirmed many things I already knew about her, but also gave me a lot of very specific details about how her mind works that have been so helpful in dealing with her, educationally, socially, and emotionally.

You might want to begin documenting or keeping some kind of notes on your son's behaviors, issues, and signs you think indicate dyslexia. You will be having a long conversation with the person giving the test and it helps to have specifics to refer to.

[Ottakee]

Can you call the dev. ped. and ask to talk to the insurance person. They might be able to figure out a way to code it differently (still legal) to have your insurance pick up the costs.

We had that before. If they bill under CP (a medical diagnosis) then things are covered but they they bill under developmental delay (an educational diagnosis) then they are not.

The doctor might also offer a cash discount, etc. if you ask.

[microcarter]

My ds is 7.5, has dyslexia, dysgraphia & is in OT for motor planning issues. I am very familiar with a lot of your concerns.

While the WISC is sometimes used to help discern whether there is ADHD or a learning disability, it is primarily used to determine IQ. Typically it is better to us a multi-test battery because learning problems, attention, and emotional difficulties can have similar symptoms, co-occur, or influence each other. For example, children with learning difficulties can become emotionally distraught and thus have concentration difficulties, begin to exhibit behavior problems, or both.

You say that your son had speech therapy & physical therapy as a toddler. The dev. ped. will be able to tell you whether your son is now on target with these issues & whether their is a concern that he might be on the spectrum; however, he will probably not be able to confirm dyslexia.

One of the best sites that I have found for information on dyslexia is the following: http://www.brightsolutions.us/
The webcast videos are wonderful. There is also a whole section devoted to "Testing" & another one on "Teaching that Works".

You also mentioned that your friend's mom is a dyslexia tutor. I'm just wondering what program she uses to tutor. There are many very effective programs out there but also some that are not so wonderful.

You said that you homeschool. If it becomes more evident that your son is indeed dyslexic then there are several great programs that a hsing mom can implement effectively. While I use the Barton Reading & Spelling program (LOVE IT!), there are others such as the Wilson Reading System that are great too.

Blessings as you continue this journey!

[scrapbookbuzz]

Regardless of whether or not your child is enrolled in the nearest public school, BY LAW they are required to do any testing (dyslexia, Asperger's, etc) that you request. If the school is uncooperative, call the school district. I've been the route (or, at least, starting on it) and I'm becoming well versed on this.

Ask the school/district to also test of autism and Aspergers. I say this because my dd was ALOT like your ds at the same age, based on what you've told us. I've newly discovered what Aspergers is and my dd fits alot of the criteria. On the same basis, homeschooling is a better fit for her, despite the fact that the local school psychologist keeps trying to convince me to enroll her in the school! Regardless, do NOT let your local school treat you like a leper. You are a tax paper and therefore are entitled to any help available via the public school system. HTH!

[Laurie4b]

Regardless of whether or not your child is enrolled in the nearest public school, BY LAW they are required to do any testing (dyslexia, Asperger's, etc) that you request. If the school is uncooperative, call the school district. I've been the route (or, at least, starting on it) and I'm becoming well versed on this.

Ask the school/district to also test of autism and Aspergers. I say this because my dd was ALOT like your ds at the same age, based on what you've told us. I've newly discovered what Aspergers is and my dd fits alot of the criteria. On the same basis, homeschooling is a better fit for her, despite the fact that the local school psychologist keeps trying to convince me to enroll her in the school! Regardless, do NOT let your local school treat you like a leper. You are a tax paper and therefore are entitled to any help available via the public school system. HTH!

Actually, that is not true everywhere. It is true most places. In the state in which I live, it is up to the local school district to make that call.

[Aunty Social]

*snip*
You also mentioned that your friend's mom is a dyslexia tutor. I'm just wondering what program she uses to tutor. There are many very effective programs out there but also some that are not so wonderful.
*snip*


She uses Wilson. I was debating between using Wilson or Barton here at home....but wasn't sure if it would be better to have someone with experience work with him or not.

Regardless of whether or not your child is enrolled in the nearest public school, BY LAW they are required to do any testing (dyslexia, Asperger's, etc) that you request. If the school is uncooperative, call the school district. I've been the route (or, at least, starting on it) and I'm becoming well versed on this.

*snip*

Actually, that is not true everywhere. It is true most places. In the state in which I live, it is up to the local school district to make that call.

I think in our state, they are only required to test if the child is enrolled. I'll look further into it though. I also think that they only test for a few things - they are not qualified to test for everything. (And as I said before, our local school is substantially below par...not sure how much I would trust the testing)

Thanks for all your advice! I'm going to call the dev.ped. and double check what tests they use, what type of info I'll get, and what code they use for insurance (we *have* the money- sort of- but not having to spend it would be nice) and I'll check into state law regarding school district testing.

[microcarter]

[QUOTE=Aunty Social;1670540]She uses Wilson. I was debating between using Wilson or Barton here at home....but wasn't sure if it would be better to have someone with experience work with him or not.

I really like Barton because you don't need any experience to tutor. It is simply so easy to learn from the DVDs and we've had good results so far.

BUT sometimes it is simply easier to have someone else tutor your child instead of yourself. If you can afford it, I can understand why you would want to go this route and I've heard so many good things about Wilson too. How wonderful to have a Wilson tutor nearby! You have some nice options that many don't have.

Angie

[scrapbookbuzz]

Shawna, you might also consider looking at the HSLDA website to see if they have any articles/information about those kinds of laws in your state.