Testing for Learning Disabilities in Children

Updated on December 07, 2011
D.B. asks from Land O Lakes, FL
3 answers

Hello! My daughter is in 2nd grade and is a very good student, however her teachers are noticing that she is possibly having some difficulties processing information/directions. It is nothing that is real obvious and did not really present until the end of last school year but they are genuinely concerned and want to be able to give her the right strategies in the classroom to help her out, although she has not been "diagnosed" with anything.

I know the school system provides testing, however I also know that this can involve a lot of red tape and can take a long time. We live in Pasco county FL, but are close to Hillsborough. I was wondering if anyone can give me any recommendations/feedback on a private practice who does a full battery of testing including an IQ test? I would much rather take her to someone who I know will do a good job especially if it is not covered by insurance, which I haven't found out if it is or not yet, as I understand these tests can be very costly.
Thank-you very much in advance for any advice on this!!

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S.S.

answers from Miami on

I work with kids with these issues and you are right about the schools. I would also include a full evaluation with a SIFT certified OT since most issues are motor in nature and involve timing and primary reflexes. Also good idea to get her to an audiologist who can do an APD (auditory processing disorder). It is different then a hearing test. Also look on the COVD.org website to find a developmental and behavioral optometrist. One or many of her sensory systems is failing her at the foundational level. I would do those things before a psych ed so you know how to help her which is the main purpose.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.M.

answers from Denver on

Are you anywhere near a children's hospital that has a learning services department? That is the only way we were able to get our daughter diagnosed with dyslexia, slow processing speed and low phonemic awareness. We live in the Denver area and Children's Hospital here has a learning services department. The screening tests that the school district did were just that, screening tests, and they could not pick up on anything. After she was diagnosed at Children's, we were able to get her on a 504 which is still in place to this day, 6 years later. We review and revise it every year as her needs have changed, but I am adament that the teachers follow it to a "T". After having several teachers that thought it was at their descretion on whether or not to follow the 504, I have become very vocal about it. It is federal law and they do not have a choice. All you have to do is threaten to call in the Civil Liberties Union and by golly they understand that it must be followed. It takes a "medical" diagnosis to get a 504 in place. Good luck!

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J.O.

answers from Tampa on

Contact 'Early Steps'; your school district should be able to give you the information. If not, call my branch in Pinellas County through 'FDLRS/Child Find' @ ###-###-####. They provided services to my son early on @ no charge, covered by the state. Not sure if they work with kids in higher grades than Kindergarten, but worth asking...Good luck to you....Enjoy your holiday..

1 mom found this helpful
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