fairfax county assessment

[Anonymous]

Hi. I think our almost 3 yr old (birthday this march) needs to be evaluated. I have from word of mouth that it takes a long time to get an appointment and get a diagnosis. Can anyone share their experience pls? Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Merrifield offers a quick assessment for children. I’ve only used the adult services. It’s fast (walk-in) but pretty much focuses on crisis determination and inpatient needs.

Stimulants and controlled substances will not be prescribed.

[Anonymous]

You need to call Child Find. It does not take long.

[Anonymous]

Childfind will not take long. What takes a long time is getting an appointment with a developmental pediatrician or other specialist who will be the one to make any official medical diagnosis, think 9 months or so. After they turn 3, they age out of Childfind/Early Intervention and must then be evaluated by Fairfax County Public Schools for educational impacts and eligibility for any preschool special education services. That can also take a while but there are timeframes in place that they legally have to follow. It won't take as long as a DevPed appt., but it isn't fast either. You should start all 3 processes at the same time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Childfind will not take long. What takes a long time is getting an appointment with a developmental pediatrician or other specialist who will be the one to make any official medical diagnosis, think 9 months or so. After they turn 3, they age out of Childfind/Early Intervention and must then be evaluated by Fairfax County Public Schools for educational impacts and eligibility for any preschool special education services. That can also take a while but there are timeframes in place that they legally have to follow. It won't take as long as a DevPed appt., but it isn't fast either. You should start all 3 processes at the same time.

+1 start all 3 at once.