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Post by katiekat on Jan 15, 2007 11:36:03 GMT -5
I too got the feeling that they are suspecting something that they cannot diagnose. I am going to call the neurologist and find out specifically what testing they would do. If they do not do the educational testing is it possible for the school to do that part after he is seen by the neurologist? I just want to do the right thing but am getting so confused by the conflicting information I am getting from all those involved.
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Post by notellin on Jan 15, 2007 12:29:43 GMT -5
Is the school directing you to a specific neurologist? Have you thought about just getting a neuropsyche eval instead?
Personally, I would proceed with the private evaluation now, and when it is done, send a written request along with a copy of the report requesting that he be evaluated for special education services. The school will have to evaluate him, whether it's now or later. Maybe they would be more comfortable doing it with the medical dx in hand.
I'm assuming this has all been verbal so far? I've learned that if it's not documented either in letters, email, or via IEP minutes, it did not happen.
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Post by lillian on Jan 15, 2007 13:25:00 GMT -5
I think your plan to do the medical evaluation first is an excellent plan. Do ask the neurologist if s/he does educational testing. It's unusual for them to but that doesn't mean they don't. It's unusual for pediatricians to do the testing, yet one of the finest evaluators in Houston is a pediatrician, so there you go.
I know the SPED world is confusing. It's very, very confusing. I was already certified in SPED when my son came to live with us, and I now am ashamed about everything I did not know with a SPED certification. I am always learning something new. It's a never-ending educational process, and, actually, I happen to enjoy it because of the fact that there always is something new to learn. It's one of the most intellectually challenging things anyone could ever wish to study.
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Post by katiekat on Jan 16, 2007 8:48:28 GMT -5
The school did not recommend a specific neurologist-the nurse said she cannot do that but if we had a list she could look over it and see if she recognized anyone on it. We got a few names from our insurance company and went with one of them. Is there a difference between a psychologist and a neuropsychologist? When we spoke to the psychologist last week about the whole eval. situation she did not mention that she could do any testing. We had a very difficult time getting an appointment with any one-I really wanted to take him to a psychiatrist because I believe medication is going to be the way to go but not one psychiatrist that takes our ins. was accepting new patients. The Dr. we are seeing now is not even a child psychologist specifically. We have an appt. today,this time without Sean so I'll let you know how it goes.
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Post by lillian on Jan 16, 2007 9:02:05 GMT -5
Both a neurologist and a neuropsychologist study the neurological system, but a neuropsychologist has a Ph.D. in psychology and a neurologist has an MD. When discussing meds, for example, a neurologist will be able to write a prescription, but a neuropsychologist will not; when discussing testing, a neuropsychologist almost always uses educational testing, but a neurologist does not. The following is a link that has nothing to do with education, but it gives a very good description of the differences in psychology and psychiatry, neuropsychology and neurology: www.fhipa.com/ipa-faqs.html
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Post by notellin on Jan 16, 2007 12:34:34 GMT -5
I'm pretty sure that you said your child has a heart issue, so I wanted to mention that in August 2006 the FDA said stimulant meds (Dexedrine, Ritalin and Adderall for sure) must have a label that says the meds are not recommended for people with structural heart abnormalities. So you'd probably need a really really experienced psychiatrist to prescribe who works hand in hand with the cardiologist. Even Strattera, the non-stimulant, requires frequent heart monitoring.
My ped had a very hands off approach when I discussed meds with him. He didn't want to have anything to do with it. He told me to get a Behavior Plan in place.
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Post by katiekat on Jan 17, 2007 13:06:09 GMT -5
After talking to my husband and I and Sean, the psychologist so far says that she believes that something other than ADHD is going on with him. She also does not think that it is a conduct disorder. She said at this point she cannot be sure exactly what his diagnosis would be however when I just straight out asked for her thoughts she said bipolar or Aspergers. With the family history bp is very likely ,but she was concerned about his obsessive behavior. I never thought of Aspergers and while some things sound alot like Sean others dont apply at all. Many of the symptoms are similar for both and I dont think Aspergers would explain the severe depression and hours long crying episodes. But then again some of the symptoms described him so perfectly it was scary. I also listened to The sounds of Aspergers link and the little boy talking was like listening to Sean. On and on without ever really saying much. So that is my project for the day-researching. Oh I also have to keep a journal of Seans behavior for a day. By the time he goes to bed tonight its going to be the size of an encyclopedia.
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Post by charliegirl on Jan 17, 2007 13:16:26 GMT -5
Oh I also have to keep a journal of Seans behavior for a day. By the time he goes to bed tonight its going to be the size of an encyclopedia. What brands of paper and pen do you use? I'm going to call Schwab and invest in those companies!
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Post by katiekat on Jan 17, 2007 13:26:12 GMT -5
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Post by lillian on Jan 17, 2007 14:49:47 GMT -5
Katiekat,
Sean could have both Asperger's and depression. My sister suffers from major depression and has Asperger's tendencies. At her age, 50, the psychiatrist will not dx her with autism, but he doesn't question the possibility. When my sister was growing up, my parents had never heard of Asperger's. When my sister reached a life-and-death situation almost two years ago and had to be institutionalized for six months, I sent my father information on Asperger's, and he agreed that she had always shown signs of Asperger's. With her, treating the OCD and depression through medication has changed her life. She takes an anti-depressant and an anti-psychotic. One drug without the other won't do it. I'm glad to say, she's been living in her own apartment for a year now, taking her meds regularly, and functioning well on her own.
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