Looking for child psychiatrist who can help assess learning disability (Providence: insurance, middle school)

[maillemaker]

Hi,

My son is struggling with reading comprehension. I'm looking for a child psychiatrist who can do an assessment. He attends Providence Elementary which I am told has no additional reading help available. Evidently there used to be a retired teacher who used to work with the kids for extra help but she is no longer there.

I don't know anything about IEPs or what role this might play in things. I'm totally new at tackling this kind of issue.

Any recommendations here would be great and a big help.

Thanks,

Steve

[hey teach]

Does your child have an IEP? If so the school should be providing services through SPED. If not, has he/she been evaluated? If not you can request an evaluation. That would be my first step rather than a psych.

If you want to go that route, I would discuss it with my child's doctor, who would be able to guide you to the correct person for your situation.

[maillemaker]

Yeah, it occurred to me to address this with my child's pediatrician.

My child does not have an IEP. When I had a conference with his teacher she said he was too smart for an IEP. However I have just read my wife's psychiatric evaluation from when she was his age with the same problem and it fits my son to a "T" - above average intelligence but difficulty with sequencing words.

I have requested a conference with the teacher and whoever does this evaluation. But I don't know what they actually evaluate or what recourse there is pending the results. I don't know anything about IEPs or SPED or anything like that yet.

Steve

[HazelGreenCitizen]

You need to find someone who offers psychoeducational cognitive testing. I know Alabama Psychological services offers it and I'm sure there are others. A word of caution, I was advised by a middle school counselor not to get an IEP as that would send a red flag to future prospective colleges. We figured my son's above average IQ would offset any LD. Since he was a very conscientious student, most teachers were gracious enough to give him extra time when he really needed it. Once he started college, I was glad we hadn't. It was tough enough for him. It would have been even harder if he had been used to a lighter high school work load or more accommodations.

[pkbab5]

I highly recommend Alabama Psychological Services, we have had testing done there before. The test administration, reporting, and analysis were all thorough and well thought out. The report had a very detailed and reasonable list of suggestions for how best to accommodate the student in and out of school. They are booked solid for months out so it may take a while to get an appointment. Also, our testing was covered by insurance due to a medical condition. Please know that the tests are a bit pricey if they aren't covered.

Another option: have you looked into Kumon or Sylvan? They offer reputable after school help with reading and math. I have heard great things about the Kumon system, and I'm pretty sure there's a center nearby.

[JDesta]

Try Dr. Gagandeep Dhaliwal. He's building his practice after years of experience at Crestwood's Behavioral Health unit, and he wants specifically to work with children and adolescents.

[maillemaker]

I have an appointment with Dr. Cope at Alabama Psychological Services in December.