|
|
|
Click on a question below to view answers to
our
most frequently asked questions. |
|
|
What is ADD? How is it different than ADHD?
ADD
was used to define Attention Deficit Disorder.
However, it has been incorporated in diagnostic
manuals with one of the subtypes of ADHD:
-
ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type
-
ADHD, Predominantly
Hyperactive/Impulsive Type
-
ADHD, Combined Type (Inattentive and
Hyperactive/Impulsive Type)
|
|
While using the term ADD may no longer be
“technically” correct, it is still used to
describe a child with an attention disorder.
At Learning Profiles, a diagnosis is given
according to DSM-IV criteria when
appropriate. Therefore, we would use one of
the three terms named above.
|
Does an ADHD diagnosis mean my child will have to
take medication? In a word - no. Many children with ADHD find
success with educational and behavioral strategies
that reduce the attentional or hyperactive
impairment. Learning Profiles offers recommendations
that have proven to be successful with students of
all ages. Our recommendations can be
implemented at home and at school. Depending
on your child’s profile, our recommendations may
include a discussion with your child's pediatrician
to determine if medication may be appropriate.
Do you provide
Behavior Modification?
As
part of our counseling services, Learning Profiles
offers behavior techniques for parents and children
to help reduce undesirable behaviors. We also
provide assistance in working with children who
appear to be developing behavioral skills at a
delayed rate.
However, as part of our evaluation process we may
determine that a behavioral disorder, such as
Autism, is present and may require more than
short-term counseling or individualized behavioral
techniques. When appropriate, Learning Profiles
works with other Clinics and Therapists to determine
the best course of action.
Why are these behaviors occurring in one setting,
such as school or at home, but not everywhere?
Children often display different behaviors in
different settings. There are many possible reasons
for this, including the different demands placed on
your child, the different reactions or expectations
of the other people around during that time, or the
levels of motivation and/or frustration in each
setting.
Learning Profiles evaluates your child’s strengths
and weaknesses to help determine which settings are
suited to their strengths and which settings may
expose their weaknesses. In addition, we look at
behavioral responses and the settings they occur in
by observation, interviews, and other behavioral
assessments. In this way, we look at the whole child
and their environmental responses to determine the
function of their behavior. |
Why should I get private gifted testing
for my child?
The biggest advantage of having a gifted evaluation
done privately is the testing is scheduled at the
most appropriate time for you and your child. Gifted
Testing done through the public school system often
can be a long process, and getting the results may
take as long as a full school year from the time of
testing.
Another advantage of Private
Gifted Testing is that you (and you alone) control the
test results and information. Many parents are concerned that their
child’s teacher will not challenge them if the child
does not test in the “Gifted” range (or if they
achieve a score that places the child
within the "Average" range). If you want to know your
child’s abilities, and then use the results how you
see fit, a private evaluation may be
more appropriate for you.
Will the results of a private gifted test count in
the public school system?
Absolutely. If your child
does score at the 98th percentile or above, there is no need
for your child to be re-tested in the public school
system. You can submit
the private gifted test report directly to your
child's school for inclusion in any and all gifted
programs.
How long is the Gifted Testing Session?
These sessions typically take 1-2 hours.
What are the advantages of a Learning
Profiles Gifted evaluation?
There are several reasons to choose Learning
Profiles over other private testing companies.
First, we tailor the assessment instrument to your
child’s strengths. For example: |
-
If your child has an expressive or receptive
language disorder, we use a valid testing
instrument that does not require answering
general comprehension questions or describing
how two items are alike.
-
If your child enjoys playing with blocks and
puzzles, we use an assessment that has several
of these types of activities.
|
|
Some companies pride themselves on using one
specific instrument that they claim to be the best
measure. There is limited, if any, current evidence
that any of the standardized tests of intelligence
accepted by the public school systems are more
reliable or valid than the others. This “best
measure” statement normally means that it is the
best instrument for the examiner to use (as it may
be the only one they know), and not the best one for
your child's specific skill set.
Additionally, Learning Profiles Customized
Evaluation Report is far superior to many
"standardized" reports often prepared by test
practitioners. Learning Profiles customized
reports detail your child’s cognitive profile in
great depth. Additionally, recommendations are
included in Learning Profiles reports that are
specific to your child’s profile, rather than a
cookie-cutter statement saying if the child is or is
not gifted.
What are the benefits of having an evaluation administered by Learning Profiles?
Learning Profiles evaluations are personalized and
tailored to meet your child’s needs. Interviews are
conducted with parents, and information is gathered
from your child’s teacher prior to testing to
determine which assessment instruments should be
used to most accurately capture your child’s
strengths and weaknesses.
As the evaluation progresses, additional tests are
used based on your child’s performance. When the
evaluation is complete, a detailed and
individualized report is written that not only
explains your child’s abilities, but relates their
specific strengths and weaknesses to their academic
progress and behavioral functioning. Disorders
according to the DSM-IV, or eligibilities according
to public school criteria are given if the criteria
are met.
Many test practitioners use a “one size fits all”
model: a series of tests is administered, regardless
of the individual child’s needs. These
assessments often give overlapping information and
are given in an effort to beef up the report. This
additional testing is unnecessary, and often
provides contradictory information as the child’s
attention and concentration wanes during the various
sessions. (A simple analogy would be your doctor
ordering an MRI, EKG, blood tests, and a chest
X-ray, when the patients primary complaint is a knee
injury.) Just because someone can administer
extraneous tests does not mean they should - or that
these additional test will provide any useful
information. Learning Profiles evaluations reflect
your child, not the quantity of testing instruments
available to us. |
How long does a Learning Profiles evaluation
take? Other than gifted testing, information is first
collected from you and your child’s teacher. If
behavioral observations are necessary than they will
be conducted prior to testing. The first testing
session will then require a minimum of 3 hours.
After this initial data is scored and reviewed,
additional testing will be conducted based on your
child’s strengths and weaknesses. The additional
testing will likely be 1-2 hours but may take
longer.
Can a Learning Profiles evaluation provide my
child with necessary accommodations for the SAT,
PSAT, ACT or AP exams? Learning Profiles evaluations will satisfy the
evaluation requirements as mandated by College Board
and the ACT for testing accommodations, if there is
a disability, and accommodations are necessary.
Can a Learning Profiles evaluation provide my
child with accommodations for the FCAT?
There is no evaluation that can require schools to
give accommodations on the FCAT. That decision is
made by school based teams who review all the
relevant information based on your child’s
educational performance. However, a Learning
Profiles evaluation can provide information as to
WHY your child would need accommodations to be
successful on the FCAT. This information can
then be provided to your child's school for them to
consider when making a final decision. |
|
|
| |
|
