Re: Assessments and Testing

[Guest guest]

Hello Patrice,

My son, 13 yrs, received a psycho-educational evaluation at Vanderbilt Kennedy Center this last August. It was very thorough and they gave us a 13 page report. Not that it helped us a whole lot with the school but it is helping us know what to fight for and gives us a reliable assessment that we can refer to.

What our evaluation entelled was a lot of assessments to fill out at first. Then we went down for a three hour face-to-face assessment. Our son was in one room with assessors and we were in another room on the other side of a one way mirror so we could see him and keep an eye on him. While we were in the other room we were interviewed and asked a lot of questions. Three hours worth. But it wasn't bad and we were given breaks if we needed it etc.

Anyway, we received the report a few weeks later and it was very detailed and it included recommendations and offered strategies for various behaviors or symptoms. It had a list of recommended reading and listed various local agencies to contact for assistance.Can I ask where you live that you are going to Vanderbilt? ne

From: Reece <ninasmom27@...>Subject: ( ) Assessments and Testing Date: Tuesday, November 16, 2010, 8:49 PM

Hello Everyone,My name is Patrice and I first suspected that my son had something that was causing him to have more difficulties than his sisters as well as his peers. The first time was when they told us that needed to repeat 1st grade. Not because of his grades, he has always been a straight A student. But because of his behavior. The final deciding factor was the start of a fight with another student over a hula hoop that ended with him attacking the teacher. Another factor was the llack of interaction with peers,frequent unexplained emotional outbursts, headaches, lack of appetite, and the ADHD. That's not all of it, but a good portion of it.Since then we have struggled with getting a diagnosis. My mom had printed out and mailed me the article from the Mayo Clinic website as she was determined that has Asperger's Syndrome. I remeber crying and promising that I am going to do what it takes to find out what needs to

be his best. I remember crying and telling my mom that I had felt like someone had been observing and I the few years previous and had written a journal that was posted on the Mayo Clinics website. Finally, after over a year we are getting results. is scheduled for an assessment at Vanderbilt Kennedy Center. Does anyone know what all may be done or required?Sincerely, PatriceMother to 10 yrs (possible Asperger's Syndrome)

[Guest guest]

Patrice,

Yes I felt it was very accurate. A lot depends on the assessments you fill out as well and how accurate you can answer all the questions. The three hour interview my husband and I went through asked some of the same questions over again but it was only a way for them to be thorough. They also did a battery of tests with him and had him do different activities.

I think it was the most accurate assessment we've had yet and we've had plenty.

They are also real helpful in giving recommendations and information to resources. I had a good experience and am glad I went there. We got our assessment free since we agreed to participate in a research project. We are also getting ready to participate in another one where my son gets to interact with a virtual "classmate" and goes through senarios while hooked up to sensors that will monitor his heartrate, anxiety, etc. It's kind of like an interactive video game. It sounds interesting and my son is excited to try it out especially since he gets a free gift card for participating. You should check into research projects that you might qualify for because if you participate then your assessments are free.

I hope it turns out well for you. You'll have to keep me posted if you don't mind. By the way where is Crossville in relation to sville? ne

From: Reece <ninasmom27@...>Subject: Re: ( ) Assessments and Testing Date: Thursday, November 18, 2010, 6:58 PM

,We live in Crossville TN and our school districts special education co-ordinator is the one that gave the number and stated that Vanderbilt would be the best place to go. Did you feel like it was an accurate report? Was it really helpful? Patrice> > > From: Reece <ninasmom27@...>> Subject: ( ) Assessments and Testing> > Date: Tuesday, November 16, 2010, 8:49 PM> > > Â > > > > Hello Everyone,> > My name is Patrice and I first suspected that my son had something that was causing him to have more difficulties than his sisters as well as his peers. The first time was when they told us that needed to repeat 1st grade. Not because of his grades, he has always been a straight A student. But because of his behavior. The final deciding factor was the start of a fight with another student over a hula hoop that ended with him attacking the teacher. Another factor was the llack of interaction with peers,frequent unexplained emotional outbursts, headaches, lack of appetite, and the ADHD. That's

not all of it, but a good portion of it.> Since then we have struggled with getting a diagnosis. My mom had printed out and mailed me the article from the Mayo Clinic website as she was determined that has Asperger's Syndrome. I remeber crying and promising that I am going to do what it takes to find out what needs to be his best. I remember crying and telling my mom that I had felt like someone had been observing and I the few years previous and had written a journal that was posted on the Mayo Clinics website. > Finally, after over a year we are getting results. is scheduled for an assessment at Vanderbilt Kennedy Center. Does anyone know what all may be done or required?> > Sincerely, > Patrice> Mother to 10 yrs (possible Asperger's Syndrome)>