Reply to Recommendation on CAAT

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]We've had great experiences with evaluations with Dr. Black. Our last one was just before covid and we have another one scheduled for the fall. No admin concerns, the wait is about one year.[/quote]

Thank you and I'm also new to this "reevaluation process". We want another 2nd opinion and frankly do not want to show too many previous evaluations (although it helps) as I worry they will then be biased instead of doing a comprehensive assessment. DS was DX with ASD level 1 - quite mild as we did not even see the signs except speech and sleep challenges. [/quote]

I would still provide the previous evaluation because some tests can't be repeated within a certain time. But definitely tell them the ways you think it's wrong. One of the things I like about them is how comprehensive the parent meeting is. (Not the admin intake when you are scheduled, but the 2 hour parent meeting just before the testing days).[/quote]

That's interesting - so 2 hours, without the child present? How long is the assessment with the child, is it only an hour or 2 in the office, with flash cards, etc.? I really would prefer a wholistic view, at school, at home, but I am finding it hard to find neuropsych to do this...[/quote]

Before they meet with you at all, you and the teacher fill out several rating scales. Then, yes, a two hour conversation with the parent(s), without the child. Then about 8 hours of testing in the office, divided over two days. I'm not sure what you mean by flashcards -- it included the WISC and achievement tests, as well as testing of language processing, Executive function, social engagement, specific aspects of academic concerns. They choose tests based on the concerns identified in the initial parent session. Then a two hour debrief with parents (child not there) about a week later. This is a conversation, where they are telling you what they saw and asking if you have any additional insight -- this conversation informs the report, which you get several weeks later. They give you a draft for feedback before finalizing it to give to school. They were very open to my suggestions about recommendations. We then had them explain the results in an age appropriate way in an additional session, but that's optional.[/quote]

Very helpful indeed, certainly more comprehensive then I had imagined. I wonder if the length of time for testing is the same for a 4 year old?[/quote]

Call them and ask these questions, OP! I believe they prefer for the child to be at least 6 at the time of testing because they can use certain tests at 6 that they can’t use before 6, but you’d have to ask.[/quote]

Interesting point - though isn't that too late for EI (or as early as possible ideally). What I don't appreciate about CAAT is there's an upcharge for everything if DX with ASD...which I find a bit off-putting[/quote]

DP. I think there is a lot of unhelpful conflation between the “neuropsych” and diagnosis. You should definitely take your child for a free evaluation through the school/county to qualify for educational services & therapy. Do that as soon as you see challenges. You can also go to autism specialty centers and children’s hospitals (KKI or Childrens) for a diagnosis but the wait is longer. The “neuropsych” that is extensive and generally the kid has to be 6+ is not necessary for diagnosis, but a lot of people think it is helpful for understanding the supports the child needs. I am on the fence about how useful the neuropsych was for our kid w ASD - the school based testing seemed to be fine for him. I definitely would not have thought paying CAAT $6000 for what I got for free from Children’s would have been worth it. That money is better spent on therapies and an educational consultant. [/quote]

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