Jim Forgan, Ph.D., is a part time Key Largo school psychologist who specializes in testing and treatment for dyslexia, ADHD, ADD, processing disorders, and other learning disabilities and school difficulties. Testing is done in Tavernier (MM93) or at your home if you live between mile marker 80 and 106.
The Florida Keys have many schools that have students with learning differences. Schools provide an IEP or 504 Plan to make accommodations for students with an officially diagnosed learning disorder. The school neuropsychological testing provides you with answers and direction for helping your child. Dr. Forgan’s primary office is in Jupiter but he offers testing on select Fridays for children and families in Key Largo and surrounding areas including Plantation Key, Islamorada, and Key West. Since Jim is licensed by the state of Florida, his testing is accepted in all Florida Keys schools.
A Key Largo school psychologist offers school neuropsychological evaluations for all types of learning disabilities including dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia and other processing issues.
Types of Testing for Children in Key Largo through Key West
Dr. Forgan provides dyslexia testing for children in Key Largo and surrounding schools in Key West. Dyslexia is a type of reading learning disability that most public school psychologist don’t like to test for and identify. This is mostly because if they identify dyslexia then the school district must provide teaching for dyslexics and they often don’t have the resources.
One-on-one tutoring using Orton-Gillingham methodology is the gold standard for dyslexic reading instruction. The benefits of this type of tutoring are supported by research. Consider the evaluation and tutoring the best investment you can make for the future success of your child. Your child’s self-esteem will rise along with his or her reading. Read my book, “Parent’s Quick Start Guide to Dyslexia” to learn more about what to do if your child is diagnosed with dyslexia.
ADHD Testing from Key Largo to Key West
ADHD testing can vary from two to four hours depending on your child’s unique needs. At minimum, the ADHD testing includes neurodevelopment tests of attention (such as shifting attention, divided attention, attentional capacity, sustained attention), tests of executive functioning, memory, processing, rating forms, and a measure of the child’s self-esteem or emotional status. All this information is summarized in a written report that includes specific recommendations that we review with you in a face to face meeting. Each child is unique and the battery of tests used is a customized approach designed to answer your questions and give you answers about your child. Learn more about ADHD in my book, “The ADHD Empowerment Guide.”
Non-medication Options for ADHD
At the final parent review meeting we discuss treatment options for your child including non-medication options. In addition, psychologists do not prescribe so Dr. Forgan has no vested interest in seeing your child on medication as the only option. We’ll discuss nutrition, supplements, brain training programs, behavior therapy, counseling, coaching, and engineering your child’s environment to support their needs.
Anxiety and Depression Testing in the Florida Keys
Your child may not be working to his or her potential due to excessive anxiety or depression. Yes, anxiety and depression occur in elementary age children and older. The anxiety and depression testing include an interview, cognitive processing testing, social-emotional rating scales, and other measures to help identify your child’s challenges. Once you understand why your child is struggling, you can provide the best treatment rather than taking a wait and see approach.
Dyscalculia and Dysgraphia Testing in Key Largo
Dyscalculia is a type of math learning disability that interferes with your child’s ability to either memorize and quickly recall his or her math facts, compute a sequence of math steps necessary for solving a math problem, or applying math knowledge to figure out everyday math problems such as money, measurement, fractions, and other types of math word problems.
Dysgraphia is a type of writing learning disability. Some children struggle with writing because they have dysgraphia which makes penmanship look extremely messy, the same letter is formed different ways, letters don’t sit on the line, and children can have difficulty copying from the board to paper. Some kids with dysgraphia think great thoughts but can’t transfer them to paper. If your child has these warning signs, consider a dysgraphia learning disability evaluation. Learn more about dysgraphia in my book, “Parent’s Quick Start Guide to Dysgraphia.”
As a Key Largo school psychologist, I can help you help your child. Some families make the 2.5 hour drive and come to Jupiter for testing. Our phone number is (561) 625-4125.