Updating Psych Eval

[Anonymous]

Can anyone give guidance or feedback related to having a second, later-in-childhood, pysch-eval done? We had one done in early third grade for our ADHD, twice-exceptional child (now 9th grade). It seems to make sense to go back to the original provider (Stixrud). But I thought it worth posing the question for feedback, and/or experiences I'd not considered. The primary reason is to have updated docs for accommodations with college exam testing and just maintain the DX primarily.

[Anonymous]

We have had 3 done over the years, and never used the same provider and it was fine.

Using the same provider would probably save a little time when providing the family and child history (milestones, illnesses, birth circumstances) but it can also be helpful to have someone see your child with a different lens.

If you use a new provider you should provide them with the old report. But you should also not be surprised if your DC has learned to manage the ADHD and/or matured, and the accommodations recommended or needed are different than they were before.

[Anonymous]

Our child is younger than yours, but we had one neuropsych in 1st grade and another in 4th grade, with the same provider (not Stixrud). We will go back to that provider when we need to update for high school purposes. We are confident that the diagnosis is correct, and so don't need a second opinion. By going to the same provider each time, we can better see growth and improvement and places where the gap with her non-disabled peers has grown.

[Anonymous]

I don't think it is necessary to go to the same provider. The previous provider is not going to remember any of the details because it's been several years and they do so many of these evaluations.

[Anonymous]

NP. I’m in the same boat. DS is currently in 9th. He was tested in 3rd and 5th. His request for extended time was just rejected by the college boards so we are seeking a new round of testing. Our son doesn’t have ADHD but does have a number of other disabilities. We went with Children’s the last few times and was leaning towards going back but they always have such a long wait. OP were you happy w Stixrud?

[Anonymous]

We used the same provider for the first three, but then she retired and we used some to in her office for the last one. I still preferred the first one, but the second one was perfectly fine.

[Anonymous]

OP. Yes, very happy with Stixrud. I like that he (Bill Stixrud) does some community work as well..gives talks at some Sp Needs schools, writes books, etc. He seems engaged and committed to the industry. Bill Stixrud did not do the actual evaluation work, though.