What is the point of assessment?

January 13, 2011

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?

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