Reply to 1st Neuro-psych test: what age?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]My ASD child turns 5 soon.  At what age should I be seeking her first neuropsych evaluation?

I had heard age 6, but I recently contacted a neuropsych testing practice to inquire about the wait times (as I didn't know whether to schedule her appointment 2 months in advance or over one year ahead), and they encouraged me to get her tested soon -- at age 5.  So I'm now confused.

Thanks.[/quote]

Hi OP - Hindsight being 20/20, here is what I would tell my friends if they asked for advise -

.......I wouldn't trust any doctor that makes you feel panicked that you MUST hurry NOW to get the evaluation...not even Stixrud.  They run a business, just like everyone else.  Last thing they are going to do is turn anyone away.  Unless your DS has a very unique situation or is harming himself or others or is completely unmanageable.

My DS was 6.5 at his first evaluation.  Huge mistake. We should have waited another year at a minimum. His DX was ADHD + LDs.  He was way too young to really understand the "what's and why's" of the testing, and he was un-medicated at the time making the test results fairly unreliable.  That was an expensive waste of time, and all it did was cause us a lot anxiety.  Fast forward 6 yrs, he is due for another evaluation - different doctor this time. First thing out of her mouth was "he was too young when you did his first evaluation, and the tester should have told you that".  This is coming from a highly-regarded Psych that is referenced quite often on this forum.

I would slow down, take a deep breath. Don't let anyone make you feel anxious or panicked.  Call both Children's and Kennedy Krieger and get on their wait list now for their Autism Centers.  They will tell you that the wait list is 3 months long but they have cancellations all the time.  This happened to us.  I called KKI, got on their waitlist and a day later they called with an opening for that following Monday.  Let their very skilled Developmental Pediatricians evaluate your son.  Then, depending on what the Developmental Pediatrician tells you - schedule an educational evaluation around 1st grade if LDs are suspected. Or even if you suspect he might be gifted.  This will help you determine if he requires an IEP or even private school. [/quote]

I'm confused about why you said that his being un-medicated makes the test results fairly unreliable.  We had testing done at almost age 8 for ADHD, and my dd was not on meds.  How would ADHD be diagnosed while the child is on meds?[/quote]

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