Recommendation for private testing for AAP appeal

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Anyone use Diana Dahlgren for WISC?

There are posts on this board suggesting the FCPS may have flagged certain private testers. You can search and find those threads. Who knows if that's true, but I certainly wouldn't take chances with a private tester. Also, you can't know for sure whether recommendations of specific people on this board are unbiased/independent recommendations. This is an anonymous forum, anyone can post whatever they feel like.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone use Diana Dahlgren for WISC?

Yes. We used her last year and thought she was great. I thought she was totally professional and had some helpful observations about my DC. She gave the WISC scores immediately in a post testing consultation while DC waited in her waiting area. She then followed up with a timely written report for the appeal. My friend also used her to test her child. My DC did not get accepted on appeal, but my friend's did.

What were your child's scores that did not get accepted?

My DC's Cogat was low 120's; WISC FSIQ was mid-120's; GBRS was 12. Friend whose child got in had a much higher Cogat score and similar WISC to my DC, as I recall, but a slightly lower GBRS. We knew DC did not have a great chance on appeal but also know kids in AAP with Cogat scores in the 120's so figured it was worth a shot. I'd still recommend Dahlgren. I also have another friend who used her for testing and has nothing but positive things to say about her. I don't think the fact that she was discussed on this board means anything other than people have asked for recommendations for private psychologists and a lot of people have used her. She is very familiar with the process and works within the tight timeframe. When I scheduled the testing session last year, I emailed her and heard back from her that day. Responsiveness goes a long way with me.

[Anonymous]

what bugs me about Mason is they use student testers who are still learning and I think do a group test but charge as if you are getting the individual attention and expertise of a professional.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone use Diana Dahlgren for WISC?

Yes. We used her last year and thought she was great. I thought she was totally professional and had some helpful observations about my DC. She gave the WISC scores immediately in a post testing consultation while DC waited in her waiting area. She then followed up with a timely written report for the appeal. My friend also used her to test her child. My DC did not get accepted on appeal, but my friend's did.

What were your child's scores that did not get accepted?

My DC's Cogat was low 120's; WISC FSIQ was mid-120's; GBRS was 12. Friend whose child got in had a much higher Cogat score and similar WISC to my DC, as I recall, but a slightly lower GBRS. We knew DC did not have a great chance on appeal but also know kids in AAP with Cogat scores in the 120's so figured it was worth a shot. I'd still recommend Dahlgren. I also have another friend who used her for testing and has nothing but positive things to say about her. I don't think the fact that she was discussed on this board means anything other than people have asked for recommendations for private psychologists and a lot of people have used her. She is very familiar with the process and works within the tight timeframe. When I scheduled the testing session last year, I emailed her and heard back from her that day. Responsiveness goes a long way with me.

Also wanted to add that there was a lot more flexibility in scheduling with her. I had initially scheduled a WISC at GMU, but the only time they had available conflicted with a specific work obligation. I was stressed about how I was going to manage it, which was the only reason I finally considered using private testing. Having said all of that, I waited way too long to set something up with GMU. If you are thinking about it (and want to try GMU), I suggest you go ahead and get on their schedule. You can always cancel if you need to, but I was left with just one slot because I waited too long.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:what bugs me about Mason is they use student testers who are still learning and I think do a group test but charge as if you are getting the individual attention and expertise of a professional.

I used GMU, and this is somewhat incorrect. They do an individual exam and not a group exam for the WISC. It isn't even possible to administer the WISC as a group exam. It is true that the exam is administered by a student tester, but the entire thing is recorded and reviewed by one of the PhD professors. For the most, part, WISC administration follows a script, so it shouldn't matter much if the examiner is a grad student.

[Anonymous]

I used her because she was on a list from private schools as someone who does testing and when I called around hers was the only slot that fit my schedule. I sure hope it doesn't bite me in the *&! that I had her administer the WISC-V to my daughter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I used her because she was on a list from private schools as someone who does testing and when I called around hers was the only slot that fit my schedule. I sure hope it doesn't bite me in the *&! that I had her administer the WISC-V to my daughter.

I am the poster who mentioned that my friend had Dahlgren test her DC, and DC got in on appeal. Another friend also was successful with her, as far as DC getting into AAP. My DC did not get in on appeal, but what that tells me is that the testing is not padded (I thought my DC's score sounded about right) and that her testing was credible enough to be accepted for two of my friends' kids. I would not stress about it for one second.

[Anonymous]

That’s a real bubble score, OP.

[Anonymous]

OP here -- thanks for the constructive feedback.

[Anonymous]

OP if you decide to go private tester make sure you go with state licensed practitioner. Rather then getting feedback from public forum, call around. Its an IQ test many should be able to offer it. Refer to FCPS for requirement.

[Anonymous]

Thanks -- I was more concerned with the small window and what turnaround times were like (i.e. do they take a week to turn around scores).
Letters go out April 5/6th.
Appeal is due May 11th.
I wanted to give letters a week to arrive before scheduling a test, but want to call to make the appointment sooner (call in March) so I can schedule a time in April that works for my son and for work schedules.
I think we're in a good spot. Hearing that scores turn around quickly was helpful. Also helpful to know people cancel the tests if they is they get good news.

[Anonymous]

What tests are accepted? Any others besides WISC?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What tests are accepted? Any others besides WISC?

I think Stanford-Binet and Woodcock-Johnson are also used to support referrals/appeals.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That’s a real bubble score, OP.

Doesn’t the fact that the school referred count quite a bit? I don’t get the impression that these are common.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone use Diana Dahlgren for WISC?

There are posts on this board suggesting the FCPS may have flagged certain private testers. You can search and find those threads. Who knows if that's true, but I certainly wouldn't take chances with a private tester. Also, you can't know for sure whether recommendations of specific people on this board are unbiased/independent recommendations. This is an anonymous forum, anyone can post whatever they feel like.

I’ve been deep into the appeals threads and have not seen where certain private testers have been “flagged” negatively. Share a link ....that’s interesting.