I am thrilled as we have a motor-cognition evaluation for CB scheduled for this week. One of the top researchers of DCD (Developmental Coordination Disorder – mostly equivalent to dyspraxia in the medical field and is listed in the DSM) in the area has offered to evaluate CB and to share her thoughts about his skills. We really aren’t sure what to expect from this, but hope to find out some things we have not known to look for. It would also be good if she were to provide an unofficial diagnosis. She does not have a medical degree so she cannot officially diagnose him. She is quite knowledgeable in the area, which is rare to find. I have my fingers crossed CB is in a good place and the evaluation accurately reflects most of his skills.
We hope the evaluation will help for next year when CB enters kindergarten. Right now, his IEP just lists that he has speech issues and that is it. We hope this will help provide concrete evidence that CB needs more. His private OT and PT evaluations should help too. We just want to provide as much documentation as possible come the spring time when we meet again for his next ARD. We also need to keep Warren Fried in mind as it would be good to have support during the ARD. The school CB is zoned for mentioned that their approach would be for CB to not get extra help and then if the teacher identified a need, then they would perform additional evaluations. This is so typical of public schools. It is the perspective of let’s wait and see if a child fails, and then provide extra help. This is obviously not going to be our approach, as the parents, and we will work to ensure CB is set up properly with the right services before the 1st day of kindergarten. All of this is assuming we decide to enroll him in public school next year. That matter is still up in the air and I believe a decision will not be made till the springtime.
Bring on the evaluation!! Feeling optimistic!