Anonymous wrote:From my experience it's difficult and expensive. It takes a lot of time and effort on a parents part. Schools fight you. Once you have them, you don't automatically keep them throughout your school years.
Might there be an occasional wealthy parent and corrupt tester who will work the system? Yes. Same is true in all areas of life.
Please know that those with kids with disabilities would rather their kids not have a label. Kids with disabilities would rather not have a label.
Anonymous wrote:I think it's fairly easy to get an ADHD diagnosis and with that get medication. To get accomodations through an IEP or 504, however, you'll generally need a full testing battery, to the tune of $3000. What's probably unfair is that kids with milder learning issues probably won't get tested if they are from families with fewer resources.
Anonymous wrote:In the Wooten special needs publicity thread there are a lot of folks that seem concerned that there are kids who get extra time and accommodations in order to get a "leg up" on their peers. I'll admit that this is a concern I share. So, how easy do you think it is? Are there specialists who are known for being soft sells, you think? Can money buy a diagnosis?
Anonymous wrote:I think it's fairly easy to get an ADHD diagnosis and with that get medication. To get accomodations through an IEP or 504, however, you'll generally need a full testing battery, to the tune of $3000. What's probably unfair is that kids with milder learning issues probably won't get tested if they are from families with fewer resources.[/quote]
True. And usually retesting every three years. plus you have to battle the public school district to get that IEP to get your child the accommodations they need. I can't imagine anyone doing it on a lark to get johnny extra time on a test. It's very expensive to raise SN kids, do the testing, the psychs., the psychiatrists, the meds., the tutors, the OT, and then fight the school for an IEP.
Anonymous wrote:I see someone just started a basically identical thread in the private school forum. I promise it wasn't me, but I guess it's in the ether tonight.