Re: Re: What is the point of assessment?

[Guest guest]

Just wanted to counter the Sensory issues working themselves out. Just from personal experience, that doesn't always happen. I have an undiagnosed sensory processing disorder and have daily issues. I have a strained relationship with my husband because I can't stand him to touch me, I struggle daily with sounds, touches and smells. I am constantly dizzy and losing balance. The sooner and better you treat this disorder, the better the child will do later on in life, I have seen amazing differences in my daughter!!

Carolyn

From: Pamela <susanonderko@...> Sent: Fri, January 14, 2011 9:05:47 AMSubject: ( ) Re: What is the point of assessment?

Your son doesn't sound like he has any severe behavior issues right?And it seems the most concern is with socializing. At age 6 thereare still many types of activities for him. Would he be interestedin any kind of sports (a way to meet other boys) or is he a lego type of kid? First is to find him boy groups at least 2 timesa week, that meet weekly. Some boys like martial arts. I would wait until his issues get more pronouced (hopefullythey won't) or about the age of 9. You will see if it isAS or not. He coped with change well. That is amazing.If your son has some coordination issues. he could have a medical excuse for OT. If he does not I would not spendthe money on OT. You can do a lot just at home nightly.He has some anxiety but it does not seem severe. And he goes to school. He has some sensory issues, but that will get betteron it's own. My daughter's sensory issues go up with

stressand anxiety.I don't know that there is any evidence based therapyfor kids your sons age. He does not need cognitive therapyat this age, he doesn't sound like a behavior problem.You can read about Dr. Stanley Greenspan's Floortime therapyfor interacting with autistic children. You don'twant to have your son isolate himself at home. If bothparent's can interact and talk to him about 30 minutes a dayin play, that would be helpful.I was able to set up playdates at my home up to the ageof 9. I had to call and initiate. I had to pick up and dropoff. And my daughter has some issues. I think you can arrange that now. Establish some friends for him. You may have to organize hisplaydate. First we are having a snack together, then youcan play a few together games that you faciliate and thenyou can let them play side by side for another 30 minutes or so. Maybe you want to

play ball with the two boys.Observe your son, what is he doing is he retreating intohis own play? Is he interested in the other child?Regarding his fears, I would work on very small gradualexposures, in just a few areas at a time. Don'tlet this anxieties grow. Pam pergersSupport , "" <kilpatrickclan@...> wrote:>> My son is 6 years old and shows some quirky behaviors. Recently, at a parent teacher conference, the teacher thought he might have Aspergers. She filled out a checklist. I agree with some of it, but some scores I don't. We saw his pediatrician and she suggested testing at our local hospital's behavior clinic. I contacted them and of course our insurance does not cover the tests and it will be about $5000. This is about 3-6 apts plus some

time with the teachers at school. Here is the kicker, I am a social worker in the disabilities field. I have been working with adults and children with disabilities for about 12 years. I saw some odd things in my child as he was getting older, but he was meeting all of his milestones. He also had a pretty crazy first couple years of life as we were living with my family while I worked and my husband went to school. When he graduated, we moved and our life is a lot more stable. He has trouble with social groups. He does not have any friends. I am not sure he can say who is his best friend. Kids don't call our house for play dates. It makes me sad and I know it makes him sad. I do know though that he talks to kids about things they may not be interested in. He will repeat jokes and be a little too silly at times. He does show empathy. He does seem to understand some social rules and things. I am just confused about what to do. > > My

thoughts are, in my work I have seen time and time again parents pay for really expensive assessments only to have them not really do anything but 1) tell them their kids has issues and 2) give recommendations. But, by the time the assessment is paid for, there is no money for treatment. If I were my own social worker, I would say that I needed an OT assessment and to see a psychologist for therapy. My son jumps and skips all the time. He has a huge fear of the dark. He will not go to the bathroom unless someone watches him and he feels secure that he is ok. He will go to bed and stay asleep, but will not enter a dark room. He HATES Halloween. He does not want to sit on our couch. He refuses to sit on it unless there is a blanket to sit on. He likes to be in just his underwear. His academics are great though. He functions a grade or two above where he is (1st grade). It is just his social and emotional that is at risk. Does this sound familiar to

anyone? Does anyone else have a kid like this? It would be helpful to talk to someone who has seen this type of behavior.> > Do you think an assessment is necessary? It seems like all it will do is give my kid a label. The school will not do anything because he is not academically challenged. My insurance won't pay for anything as it is not a medical need. Should I just start OT and Psychological services myself and spend my $5000 on therapy instead of evaluations? Thoughts please?>