Dr. Jim Forgan is a part time Florida Keys Child Psychologist & School Neuropsychologist who tests for dyslexia, reading disorders, dysgraphia, dyscalculia which is a math learning disability and other learning issues. Testing is done in Tavernier (MM93).
Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia Testing
A complete learning disability evaluation includes tests in reading real and made up words, reading speed, reading comprehension, spelling, math, and writing quality. In addition, the cause of your child’s learning difficulty should be identified so neruopsychological processing testing must be conducted in the areas of memory, language, visuospatial processing, and sensorimotor processing. In the cross battery model for determining a learning disability there must be a clear pattern of strengths and weaknesses. These weaknesses are often based on the NEPSY II, Woodcock Johnson Tests of Achievement, CTOPP, and WISC scores. Other tests might be used as well.
Florida Keys Child Psychologist
Some learning difficulties are caused by attention problems so it’s wise to test a child for ADD/ ADD at the same time as the learning disability testing. While ADHD is common, not all children with attention problems meet the ADHD criteria.
ADHD Testing for Children
Five criteria should be met for a psychologist to diagnose ADHD. First, the child must have at least 6 symptoms of inattention, or 6 of hyperactivity-impulsivity, or a combination of 12. Second, the child’s symptoms must have caused problems before 12 years of age. Third, there must be impairment from the symptoms in two or more settings. Fourth, there must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning. Fifth, the symptoms must not be caused by another mental or physical condition.
If you have your child tested for ADHD, a comprehensive should include rating scales filled out by the parent, teacher, and child. The child should also take tests of attention such as the NEPSY II Auditory Attention and Response Set subtests or the Inhibition subtests. The child might also take a computerized test of attention such as the Conners Continuous Performance Test 3rd Edition (Conners CPT 3™) and this assesses attention-related problems in individuals aged 8 years and older. In my opinion, just doing parent and teacher rating scales is not enough to be considered thorough.
Children with Anxiety
Other children struggle with learning or school due to anxiety. Six criteria should be met for a Florida Keys Child Psychologist to diagnose Generalized Anxiety Disorder. First, the individual must have excessive anxiety or worry for at least 6 months about a number of events. Second, the individual must find it difficult to control the worry. Third, the individual must have at least three symptoms of anxiety or worry. Fourth, there must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning. Fifth, the symptoms must not be caused by the effects of a substance or another medical condition. Sixth, the symptoms must not be caused by another mental disorder. Many school age children meet the DSM-5 criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Children with Depression or Autism
Some children struggle to Depression or Autism. These children also benefit from a full school neuropsychological evaluation but autism testing is only completed in our Jupiter office. The evaluation helps you understand your child’s struggles and prioritize the next steps for helping your child.
Contact Dr. Forgan at (561) 625-4125 if you’d like to discuss your child or schedule Florida Keys school neuropsychological testing.
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