Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Twice Exceptional I need your thoughts on this

You probably need either a pediatric neuropsychologist (a PhD who specializes in testing such as IQ testing, etc) or as they suggested, a pediatric neuropsychiatrist or pediatric behavioral specialist (an MD who evals/treats these disorders, sometimes using medicines if appropriate). Any of these specialists should be able to help, although I would ask the scheduling personnel specifically when you make the appointment.

If you're in the Boston area, maybe this would help

http://www.childrenshospital.org/clinicalservices/Site1893/mainpageS1893P0.html

From my experience with friends who went through this, you will probably need to seek out this consult on your own. The school may not help you with the referral, but the school should recognize the results if you seek out a reputable professional. You may want to check with your health insurance provider to see if any of this would be covered by insurance.

Here is the big question. What is to gain with a diagnosis? Really, a diagnosis isn't necessary for an IEP, period. Qualifiying, documented need is all that is necessary for an IEP. My DD has an AS diagnosis by a psychologist that isn't recognized by the school. One isn't necessary for services. She has a pragmatic speech delay and that qualifies her for services. That doesn't make sense unless they are pushing for money. I would read up on IDEA 2004 before any more meetings and look at what benefit your son would get from all this testing. If he is doing well this year then it might not need addressed at all right now.

Completely unrelated to the problem at hand with the school. It is common for many AS kids to test 'within normal range' on speech tests such as the CASL and others commonly given but fail miserably when given something like the PLSI (pragmatic language skills inventory). So, if they aren't giving the right test he may have AS and not qualify without the right test. Does that make sense? My DD didn't qualify two years ago because the school didn't yet have the PLSI. Most GT kids walk all over the CASL regardless of an AS diagnosis until around middle to high school. I'm not saying he has AS, just giving you the scenario. The psychologist picked up on it where the speech therapist didn't until later when pressed for more AS specific testing.

Austin, you are right! The school doesn't have a policy. The counselor called me today, and I asked her to send me a copy of the policy. She became very flustered and said everyone was confused on this. She got off the phone as soon as possible. It was pretty funny in a sad way.

I think we will try to get an appointment with a child Psychologist that deals with GT and Aspergers. She's down in RI. Could take a while to get in.

Could someone kindly tell me how to multi-quote?? It's very difficult to respond to members, one post at a time

Thank you everyone who responded to this thread. I was really up set about all of this. It was a breath of fresh air to talk to you all.

I'd figure out how the School District is structured and who keeps copies of all their policies and procedures. And do your own enquiry.

If they don't have one, then you can contact Dr Ruf or the folks at Davidson and get a model policy for them to adopt.

That's how bureaucracies work.

Hi Tall boys

I don't know about the US but I found out that here in NZ the schools would much prefer a child is diagnosed on the Autistic Spectrum because they get extra funding for that but nothing if a child is gifted. If they see behaviour issues they like to be able to support the teacher with a teacher aide which they can get if they have an autistic/asperger's etc child in the class.

And his behaviour may be no more than my DS6 who; when bored acts out, when being overly perfectionist has major melt-downs and is emotionally very sensitive. We also warned the school right at the beginning of the year to put him with a strong teacher who will see through his manipulating and not put up with his arguing - seems to have worked so far, although we are having a bad week, as I've said somewhere else he may be taking a developmental leap or just in need of end of term break.

Good luck - hope you find the right help, we did and it made all the difference.