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We've decided that we need to do neuropsychological testing with ds7. I have yet to find a neuropsychologist in our area that has significant experience testing gifted children. Ds's teacher is concerned there could be some kind of learning disability or processing issues going on, among the myriad of other issues about which I've posted.

So, my question is: CAN YOU RECOMMEND A NEUROPSYCH ANYWHERE IN THE COUNTRY WHERE WE CAN GET THE BEST POSSIBLE TESTING DONE?

I'm tired of piecing all of this together, hoping the tester, therapist, or doctor knows what the hell he/she is doing. We need some more definitive answers before we all go crazy. Please tell me there's someone who can give us answers.

A few months ago I had the same question. I have requested an evaluation with the Drs. Eide in Edmonds, Washington. After reading their book, The Mislabeled Child, I felt that it would be worth the cost to travel across the country (we are in Georgia). Their website is very informative. I do not know how to post a link but if you google "Eide Neurolearning" it should come up. They are MDs, not psychologist, but the do offer a "Neuropsychological Assesment" and will review previous IQ tests and psychological assessments.

We are waiting to find out our appointment time as they are only scheduling in 2-3 month blocks. Their daughter has been diagnosed with cancer and they have to travel for her treatments. I sent in my paperwork two weeks ago was told that the appointment would be this Winter.

Thank you for the suggestion. I have that book and actually considered contacting them as well. My concern was that there would be a long waiting list. That's terrible about their daughter. I had no idea. I hope you get in there soon.

Jen, is there a children's hospital in your region? Not that everyone who works in a Ch. H. is perfect, but we have found excellent experts in our region's children's hospitals.

I may also be in the minority here in saying that gifted may not be the most important factor in your DS's testing. Our DS's neuropsych testing was done by an autism specialist, not a gifted specialist; but he was perfectly capable of helping us sift out the gifted piece as well as we needed it sifted.

I am a little skeptical about the idea that you absolutely have to travel across the country to get tested. Many good providers do have months-long waiting lists, and some don't take insurance, it's true; and they're not plentiful in all areas; but I wouldn't say there are only a few people in the country who are qualified to test a 2E kid. Our medium-sized city alone has several I'd trust to do a good job.

DeeDee

Thanks Deedee. We do have a children's hospital nearby, and they have one neuropsychologist. I just don't know much about her. There's also another neuropsych nearby, who appears to be pretty good on paper, but I don't know anyone who can give me a recommendation. Even our developmental-behavioral pediatrician doesn't have anyone she specifically recommends. I'd definitely prefer not to go traveling all over the country! We just need answers, and I want ds to finally get the help he needs. I feel like everything we try is like a shot in the dark. Your post helps me to feel better about our local options. Thank you.

Whoa! My mother just called me about the doc I mentioned that "looks pretty good on paper". He came highly recommended by someone she works with who also works part-time for a local neurologist. Anyway, this guy apparently has people travel from all over the US and other countries to see him. I called and asked lots of questions, and they are extremely knowledgeable about giftedness and 2e kids. The assistant I spoke with was answering my questions before I even had a chance to ask them. I am so relieved to know there's someone so qualified nearby. Unfortunately, we couldn't get an appointment until January, but we are on a waiting list in case there's a cancellation. I guess 3 months isn't that far off.

Jen, that sounds good. Those cancellation lists are often a lifesaver with these docs. You can also call back every once in a while (I'd do monthly) just to check for cancellations. Sometimes your doc can pull strings with one of these specialists to get your DS in sooner, but that's a rare event.

From now to January isn't a bad wait in the neuropsych world... however frustrating it may be for you in the meantime. You can use this time to compile a list of evidence and examples that you can present to the neuro about what you think the issues are. Specifics and documentation are always helpful to them. (Meltdowns are how many times a week, in what contexts? In what settings is the attention worst, and where is it best? And so forth, for every issue that concerns you.)

I also agree with what Masterofnone said-- be very frank and upfront with the tester about the issues you are concerned about, and keep their attention trained on those issues. This will determine what assessments they do and what goes into their report.

Our neuro gave us a 12+ page report on DS's quirks, positive and negative, with 2+ pages of specific recommendations for school. Don't leave the followup/feedback appointment post-testing without the promise of such a report and an understanding of what they plan to include in the report, making sure it addresses what you need addressed.

DeeDee

Jen, it sounds like you have a good lead. If that doesn't work out, you might consider talking to your district's gt department. While they can't give you a direct recommendation, they can tell you who has given them the most useful reports or if there is anyone who seems well versed in 2e issues. They read a lot more of these type of reports than your doctor.

I found one tester through a company that advocates professionally for kids who are 2e and gt. I found one tester by calling a gifted school and asking who they use. Have you looked at the hoagies gifted site for testers? there is a list there.

I would imagine that many on this list would be well versed in 2e issues, whether there are any convenient to you would be another matter:

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