Baylee’s appointment with the child psychologist is this Friday. He will do about a five hour battery of tests and knows some of Baylee’s history since she had his wife as a teacher for K/1st grades and we have shared info since over the phone. He will do full academic, psych, behavioral, mental, evaluation of about 8 tests etc…
Well, the assistant prinicipal called today and recommended we look into the Schmeiding Center for Learning. It is a center for children and seniors but provides other services. The dr’s there are neurosurgeons(sp?). The assistant principal didn’t come out and say but mentioned that they usually get more of an academic result than a medical/add/adhd diagnosis like they do from the child psychologist. I just don’t know what/which would get us what we’re looking for. I have a call in to a friend of a friend who has gone to both, so waiting to hear her suggestions. I just need to make a big decision….soon! I did cringe a little when the child psch. mentioned he’d be testing her for depression and anxiety. Ack!!! I think she does have a bit of anxiety at school over her friends doing/being faster than her and her teacher says it’s very apparent to her as well. I mentioned that to the principal and she seemed to be on the same page…that basically if any of that showed it up it was/is more likely due to failing at school….so find the reasons why she’s failing???!!!
I just wasn’t sure if anyone knew the pros/cons of a child psychologist vs. a neurosurgeon. Oh, I can get into the child psych. in TWO DAYS or the learning center not until the beginning of next year!!! Thanks!!!
Christi
Evaluation from a Child Psychologist or Neurosurgeon?
We’ve done both. The Psychologist was good for initial dx of mental health issues which can and do play a role in the difficulties students have.
The Neuropsychologist was great for confirming the mental health issues but also was able figure out the LD part of things.
Both issues need to be addressed to help the whole child.
Evaluation from a Child Psychologist or Neurosurgeon?
Okay, I was about to say that I was sure you meant neuropsychologist! There are educational psychologists who do testing for learning disorders and there are neuropsychologists. You may get the same result from both, but you may get more detail on the underlying processing issues from a neuro-psych. A neuro-psych will also diagnose ADHD if present. Either could be good, but I would focus on one that specializes in whatever your child’s problem is. If you suspect dyslexia, for example, I’d need to know a little more about both of them. In that case I’d contact the International Dyslexia Association and ask for a list of qualified evaluators in your state. Then see if either name is on the list. If the issues are more behavioral, then I might try the psychologist first. But it really depends on what your child’s problems are.
Sorry!!! Neuropsychologist not surgeon
Christi