I suspect ADHD but can’t afford the testing

[Anonymous]

My husband and I have long suspected ADHD inattentive for our now 15 DS. Many factors have gone into not having him tested professionally, to include not wanting him ‘labeled’ (I know) as well as cost. After taking many online tests I can absolutely see this is his issue. Although he puts his all into school work because he knows he has to, it takes him twice as long to do everything. EVERYTHING! Which has been fine with us up until now because e’s happy and we’ve been trying to have our teen find his own path. But what worked when he was younger, like making lists to remember basics like brushing teeth and taking a shower, now is in full reen resistence mode because he’s forgetting he even has lists! We have two other younger kids, neither of whom have these issues. It’s taking its toll on how he feels about himself. And how we as his parents are treating him. He can’t go to college like this! So I’m asking this group for guidance - what to do if you can’t afford testing and know your kid needs help? At this point all the behavioral changes we’ve tried to make aren’t working. I think he needs a doctor’s guidance and possibly meds.

[Anonymous]

If you have health insurance, you can get testing through Children's or Kennedy Krieger. You can also request an evaluation through your public school.

[Anonymous]

If he's in public school, I would start by requesting an evaluation through the school.

[Anonymous]

he is entitled to a free evaluation by his public school. His prediatrician can prescribe medication.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If he's in public school, I would start by requesting an evaluation through the school.

Even if he’s not in public school, he can still get a free eval there. My son is in private, but he just got a complete psycho educational eval from out zoned middle school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If he's in public school, I would start by requesting an evaluation through the school.

Even if he’s not in public school, he can still get a free eval there. My son is in private, but he just got a complete psycho educational eval from out zoned middle school.

FYI, we initiated the process through the district’s central office.

[Anonymous]

Is this something his pediatrician can diagnose? Don’t they have some sort of ‘survey’ he can take in their office and then try him on a medication?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you have health insurance, you can get testing through Children's or Kennedy Krieger. You can also request an evaluation through your public school.

Children’s is a year long wait list

[Anonymous]

Please consider that if you are going to let him learn to drive, you need to get on this ASAP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you have health insurance, you can get testing through Children's or Kennedy Krieger. You can also request an evaluation through your public school.

Children’s is a year long wait list

They have a last minute cancellation list, so does KKI. Both are good options if you live in the DMV area. We got a cancellation slot 2 weeks after putting our paperwork in.

[Anonymous]

So you have not allowed your child to get treatment because you don’t want him labeled? Ok then.

[Anonymous]

We used Dr. Anthony Henley in Springfield VA. He is on our insurance so it cost just $300 out of pocket. See who accepts your insurance. You don't have to be seen at the places that have years-long waits. Our DS was 16 when tested.

[Anonymous]

Thanks to all those who provided such helpful ideas and resources.

[Anonymous]

You can also ask your pediatrician if he/she would diagnose ADHD or refer you to someone who could. If you suspect ADHD and no other issues, you don't need a full neuropsychological evaluation, which is the testing that costs $3,000-$5,000 if you go somewhere that doesn't take insurance. ADHD can be diagnosed just through parent and teacher questionnaires, and it sounds like you do not need a full evaluation, just one looking at ADHD.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you have health insurance, you can get testing through Children's or Kennedy Krieger. You can also request an evaluation through your public school.

It was about $2800 through Childrens with the insurance I had when DS (now 11) was 6. Insurance paid for all but $300. DS7 may need testing but we no longer have the same insurance. We now have a high deductible insurance because that's what my current employer offers. I would end up paying all of that. That's a lot of money. Also, there's scheduling issues and the waitlist at Childrens.