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Child Behavior (Expert Forum)
Testing for A.D.D or other issues
Answered by
Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D. - Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy, Family Therapy, Crisis Intervention
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
This forum is for questions and support regarding child behavior issues such: Child Discipline (behavior management), Normal Child Development, Parent-Child Communications, Social Development
Testing for A.D.D or other issues
by RickCFP, Jul 31, 2002 12:00AM
Hi,
I'm the father of a very healthy 10 year old boy. At age 6, he was diagnosed with having some markers for A.D.D. Here is some brief history. My son had speech delays and would get very frustrated as we couldn't understand him. This caused him to kick and scream for endless periods. We put him into speech therapy and for several years his speech has been perfect. However, he can still be quite defiant when he doesnt't want to do something. He is very bright. In fact, one of the complaints his 4th grade teacher had was that he would see a math problem on the boward and figure it out in his head. Thus not showing his work. his response is, "why do I have to show it if i know how to do it?"
However, when it comes to writing a report or story, he really has a hard time geting the words down. Also, his handwritting is awful (like me!) orally, he can tell great stories but doesn't like to write. i tried getting him to type them but it is only slightly less of a fight.
I recently read a book by a Dr. mel Levine. A mind at a time. He talks about the fact that children (and adults) learn in different ways. Now, to get to my question. Where in the Boston area can I have him tested where he won't be grouped into the A.D.D mold if in fact it is something else such as getting his hand to write. (he can do math problems all day long). My wife and i differ on treatment. I am really against using the drugs if it can be avoided. She is not for them per se but feels we could try it and see if it helps. My feeling is that it could help alot of kids but could hinder other areas.
Any help here would be greatly appreciated!
rick
I'm the father of a very healthy 10 year old boy. At age 6, he was diagnosed with having some markers for A.D.D. Here is some brief history. My son had speech delays and would get very frustrated as we couldn't understand him. This caused him to kick and scream for endless periods. We put him into speech therapy and for several years his speech has been perfect. However, he can still be quite defiant when he doesnt't want to do something. He is very bright. In fact, one of the complaints his 4th grade teacher had was that he would see a math problem on the boward and figure it out in his head. Thus not showing his work. his response is, "why do I have to show it if i know how to do it?"
However, when it comes to writing a report or story, he really has a hard time geting the words down. Also, his handwritting is awful (like me!) orally, he can tell great stories but doesn't like to write. i tried getting him to type them but it is only slightly less of a fight.
I recently read a book by a Dr. mel Levine. A mind at a time. He talks about the fact that children (and adults) learn in different ways. Now, to get to my question. Where in the Boston area can I have him tested where he won't be grouped into the A.D.D mold if in fact it is something else such as getting his hand to write. (he can do math problems all day long). My wife and i differ on treatment. I am really against using the drugs if it can be avoided. She is not for them per se but feels we could try it and see if it helps. My feeling is that it could help alot of kids but could hinder other areas.
Any help here would be greatly appreciated!
rick
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D., Aug 01, 2002 12:00AM
, Aug 01, 2002 12:00AM
Your description indicates that, while ADHD may be an issue with your son, he may well display a learning disability that accounts for some of the difficulty. So, while not ignoring ADHD by any means, because it may be a factor, I'd strongly suggest some LD testing. You have a number of options in the Boston area. The ADHD evaluation will probably be covered by your health insurance, so use select among the resources your health plan covers. Call the number on the back of your insurance card in this regard, or check with your son's pediatrician. Some insurances require a referral, others (such as Harvard Vanguard, where I am employed), welcome self-referrals. As far as the LD testing is concerned, don't be surprised if this is not covered by insurance, though it's worth checking because it may be covered. One option, which circumvents the insurance issue entirely, is to have your son tested via a CORE evaluation, by your local public school district (even if he does not attend public school, the district can do this). Other options are going to a private clinic (such as the Weaver Clinic in Weston), going to an educational psychologist or learning disabilities specialist in private practice (you can even look in the yellow pages), or contacting a hopspital-based program such as the Children with Special Needs program at New England Medical Center or Learning Disabilities programs at either Mass General or Children's Hospital.
thanks again