If you have noticed that your tends to be hyper, struggles with following directions has a hard time remembering things they maybe struggling from ADHD. One of the best tools to determine this is to have your child evaluated. You may ask, how do I do that? Navigating the process of having your child evaluated for ADHD or learning disabilities is challenging and often times very confusing! However you’re not alone! Philadelphia Family Voices has all of the resources and support systems set in place to assist you with getting the help your child may need.
Insights About Diagnosis Of ADHD In The Public School System
Its is required for Public schools to assess and provide academic support for any child with reasonable concerns for a “qualifying disability” under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This federal legislation outlines 13 domains, or types of concerns, for which schools must provide educational, behavioral or functional support. Your child could qualify under a “specific learning disability” or “other health impairment,” which covers ADHD.
Insights About Diagnosis Of ADHD In The Private School System
An independent evaluation would have to be requested for private schools, as they are not required to provide evaluation services. Parents would need to seek an independent evaluation. A child clinical psychologist or neuropsychologists can complete a psychoeducational evaluation and provide documentation to the school. If you child is attending a private school, it is best to ask if they require a specific test in order to provide support. Many private schools will accept a letter from a psychologist or licensed mental health professional stating a diagnosis such as ADHD.
ADHD DIAGNOSIS & EVALUATION
Mental health experts are trained to evaluate and diagnose ADHD, and distinguish behavior from what is expected during different stages of a child’s development. ADHD is classified by 18 key symptoms. It’s normal for a child to have at least two of these symptoms, but that doesn’t mean they have ADHD. Children have to present six or more symptoms to be diagnosed with ADHD.
A typical evaluation will include completing surveys about a child’s strengths and challenges, an interview with the caregiver and the child gathering information from teachers about the child’s behavior. Your child will also have to complete standardized cognitive assessment to evaluate their abilities intellectually in comparison to their peers. These tests resemble puzzles and games. These assessments typically assess intelligence, memory, how quickly they process information.
THE PROCESS
Going through the evaluation process can feel discouraging, sometimes the language used to describe how your child can feel overly negative. However, all children have different ways of learning, this doesn’t mean you child will have long-term difficulties. An evaluation is a helpful tool for helping teachers and mental health professionals tap into your child’s strengths and create a learning environment in which they can thrive.
We have the resources to help empower you and your family with ADHD information. It’s totally free for Philadelphia residents. Early diagnosis and treatment is key for lifelong health and wellness. Many parents are apprehensive evaluation, but try to remember that it has the potential to help your child thrive in school and beyond. It can also reduce the impact of other mental health challenges that tend to show up with ADHD, like anxiety and depression.
We’re also available to provide additional support related to attentional IEP’s and learning strategies outside of teacher or school-based interventions. If you have any other questions, please contact us.