Evaluate now or am I jumping the gun? Help me assess.

[Anonymous]

DS 6 transitioned to a new school and we have been getting complaints about him not paying attention and not listening to instructions. There is also some anxiety. In the past he has exhibited some stimming behavior. Academically he is doing well, reading ahead of grade level. Same with math. Socially he is good with kids his age and older/younger but shy around adults. Defiant and doesn't do things unless he is bribed with TV. Loses focus easily. Needs help with food and sleeping.

It doesn't sound terrible when it is written down like this but dealing with him is taking a lot of energy and his teacher agrees.

Is a comprehensive evaluation the right next step? I know the wait lists are long so i want to set things in motion. I also wonder if we should give him time to get used to the new routine and wait to test.

[Anonymous]

It doesn’t hurt to make an appointment. You will likely have to wait several months anyway. If things improve dramatically you can always cancel.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It doesn’t hurt to make an appointment. You will likely have to wait several months anyway. If things improve dramatically you can always cancel.

A follow up question - should we opt for a neuropsychological evaluation or a psycho educational one? I am seeing mixed advice about both options.

[Anonymous]

Based on your description, I'd just take him to a child psychologist for a look-see and for you to get some parenting strategies around behavior at home. He's doing fine in school and socially, despite the issues noted by the teacher. I think the priority is to address it right away (in part to just be able to placate the teacher) -- nothing here screams out to me that you have to pull out the big guns.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Based on your description, I'd just take him to a child psychologist for a look-see and for you to get some parenting strategies around behavior at home. He's doing fine in school and socially, despite the issues noted by the teacher. I think the priority is to address it right away (in part to just be able to placate the teacher) -- nothing here screams out to me that you have to pull out the big guns.

... in other words, I would jump straight into treating the issues you see as opposed to spending a lot of time/$$ on intensive evaluations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It doesn’t hurt to make an appointment. You will likely have to wait several months anyway. If things improve dramatically you can always cancel.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It doesn’t hurt to make an appointment. You will likely have to wait several months anyway. If things improve dramatically you can always cancel.

+1

Things often don't improve until they've been adequately assessed, properly identified, and appropriate "treatment" has begun.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Based on your description, I'd just take him to a child psychologist for a look-see and for you to get some parenting strategies around behavior at home. He's doing fine in school and socially, despite the issues noted by the teacher. I think the priority is to address it right away (in part to just be able to placate the teacher) -- nothing here screams out to me that you have to pull out the big guns.

... in other words, I would jump straight into treating the issues you see as opposed to spending a lot of time/$$ on intensive evaluations.

Getting started doing something with professional guidance is better than waiting until you have a definitive, comprehensive evaluation. You can adjust once you have the more detailed neuropsych results.

[Anonymous]

How was he at his past school? If he was fine at his old school and not now, its a school issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How was he at his past school? If he was fine at his old school and not now, its a school issue.

The previous school was a half-day kindergarten with a low student-teacher ratio. He did great there. he goes to public school now. That is part of the reason I am very hesitant. But on the other hand, his behavior is not exactly new.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Based on your description, I'd just take him to a child psychologist for a look-see and for you to get some parenting strategies around behavior at home. He's doing fine in school and socially, despite the issues noted by the teacher. I think the priority is to address it right away (in part to just be able to placate the teacher) -- nothing here screams out to me that you have to pull out the big guns.

... in other words, I would jump straight into treating the issues you see as opposed to spending a lot of time/$$ on intensive evaluations.

Getting started doing something with professional guidance is better than waiting until you have a definitive, comprehensive evaluation. You can adjust once you have the more detailed neuropsych results.

Who should we see then? This is all very new to us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Based on your description, I'd just take him to a child psychologist for a look-see and for you to get some parenting strategies around behavior at home. He's doing fine in school and socially, despite the issues noted by the teacher. I think the priority is to address it right away (in part to just be able to placate the teacher) -- nothing here screams out to me that you have to pull out the big guns.

... in other words, I would jump straight into treating the issues you see as opposed to spending a lot of time/$$ on intensive evaluations.

Getting started doing something with professional guidance is better than waiting until you have a definitive, comprehensive evaluation. You can adjust once you have the more detailed neuropsych results.

Who should we see then? This is all very new to us.

Where are you located?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Based on your description, I'd just take him to a child psychologist for a look-see and for you to get some parenting strategies around behavior at home. He's doing fine in school and socially, despite the issues noted by the teacher. I think the priority is to address it right away (in part to just be able to placate the teacher) -- nothing here screams out to me that you have to pull out the big guns.

... in other words, I would jump straight into treating the issues you see as opposed to spending a lot of time/$$ on intensive evaluations.

Getting started doing something with professional guidance is better than waiting until you have a definitive, comprehensive evaluation. You can adjust once you have the more detailed neuropsych results.

Who should we see then? This is all very new to us.

https://www.mindwell.us

http://caatonline.com

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Based on your description, I'd just take him to a child psychologist for a look-see and for you to get some parenting strategies around behavior at home. He's doing fine in school and socially, despite the issues noted by the teacher. I think the priority is to address it right away (in part to just be able to placate the teacher) -- nothing here screams out to me that you have to pull out the big guns.

... in other words, I would jump straight into treating the issues you see as opposed to spending a lot of time/$$ on intensive evaluations.

Getting started doing something with professional guidance is better than waiting until you have a definitive, comprehensive evaluation. You can adjust once you have the more detailed neuropsych results.

Who should we see then? This is all very new to us.

Where are you located?

In Tysons Corner.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Based on your description, I'd just take him to a child psychologist for a look-see and for you to get some parenting strategies around behavior at home. He's doing fine in school and socially, despite the issues noted by the teacher. I think the priority is to address it right away (in part to just be able to placate the teacher) -- nothing here screams out to me that you have to pull out the big guns.

... in other words, I would jump straight into treating the issues you see as opposed to spending a lot of time/$$ on intensive evaluations.

Getting started doing something with professional guidance is better than waiting until you have a definitive, comprehensive evaluation. You can adjust once you have the more detailed neuropsych results.

Who should we see then? This is all very new to us.

https://www.mindwell.us

http://caatonline.com

KKI - Dr. Katrina Yelin
Children’s hospital - Dr Michael Mintz