Advice please - 03/31/10 02:08 AM
I sent a written letter requesting a psychoeduational assessment to the school last week and the scheduled an amendment IEP meeting for my son (he currently has an IEP for speech). A little background info: He was referred to his pediatrician for ADHD. He met the diagnostic criteria for ADHD but his ped did not diagnose him because she felt that he may be gifted and having a mismatch at the school. However he is struggling in school. He is not failing and is meeting grade level academic standards, but I don't feel he is reaching his potential. He is slightly behind in spelling and handwriting. He is at to a bit above level in reading. I really suspect that he may be considered what the Eides (Mislabeled Child) call stealth dyslexic. At any rate his pediatrician requested that I request a psychoeducational assessment with the school. However at the IEP, the school psych said that they do not test for giftedness that I have to do it privately. Also, they say if he would just "slow down and attend/focus" he would be fine. They said that they have to do accommodations first before they can do testing. I feel like I am getting the run around. They originally say that they can't assess or diagnose ADHD that it is medical and to go to the ped. I did that. She didn't diagnose ADHD but requested the psychoed testing and thought he might be gifted. I brought up the stealth dyslexia issues and they aren't getting what I'm trying to say. Also I clearly addressed his sensory related difficulties (maybe ovexcitabilities?) I felt that they didn't really address my concerns and maybe even were not particularly truthful in that they can't evaluate for giftedness and can't do testing until accommodations are made first. I am totally frustrated. I am not sure that I even want their assessments/testing at this point and would be better off doing it privately, but upset that I feel that they are giving me the run around and basically saying in not so many words that he has ADHD and you just need to give him meds and he would be fine. What should I do at this point? I would appreciate any advice. Thanks in advance!