Where Do I Get My Daughter Tested for Learning Disabilties?

I just want to also encourage you to give your local independent school district HELL about this. I have worked in community service with special needs youth for years and have always had to fight this battle. Actually, my job was to help parents fight this battle. My recommendation is to call and hound them on a weekly or daily basis, whatever it takes. Don't take know for an answer. This is your families RIGHT, which you have paid for with your tax dollars. By putting you off they are trying to avoid taking the financial responsibility of caring for your daughter in their special education system. Also, when and if you do get her ARD'd REMEMBER you NEVER have to sign a treatment plan that you don't agree to. If you don't like it or think that it will set your daughter up for failure, tell them so and make them revise to something that will help her be successful. They may tell you that you have to, but that is simply not true. Once your daughter is in the Special Education system, they have to provide adequate allowances to meet her needs and provide an education. (end rant) Lastly, if you have insurance you might also contact Dallas Metrocare, who also does testing. They are very experienced and do a lot of work with special needs kids. Some folks may tell you they are only for mentally retarded individuals, but that really isn't true. My husband is a psychologist that has done testing for them in the past. Good luck.

I second the Scottish Rite thing. It takes awhile, but you can ask about going on their cancelation list. Your Pedi should have the forms- I know our office keeps them on hand at all times.
While waiting, start documenting things- like grades and comments made by teachers- does she do better in the AM or PM? What about discipline issues? What types of things do you notice when you do homework together? does she consisitantly get words mixed up? Where are her strong areas and weak areas? This will really help your Pedi and who ever else sees her to get a good picture of what is going on.

Best of Luck,
D.

I've been there.. My childs doctor reffered us to Scottish Rites. They have a wonderful program... Ask your Dr. to refer you there.. its the best.. And if your Dr. refers you, it doesn't cost anything.. Just remember to donate what you can.. Donations keep this wonderful hospital going!

We do affordable testing at Meadowview School in Mesquite. It has been our experience that school districts will not test unles the student is failing. So, as long as they are passing, even just barely, they normally will not agree to test. That's why a lot of parents end up at Scottish Rite. However, if you don't want to wait that long call Gail Lane at Meadowview School. They do the some of the same testing and it doesn't cost nearly as much.

Meadowview School
2419 Franklin Dr.
Mesquite, TX 75150
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J.,
I also have an 8 year old boy in the 3rd grade with learning disabilities! I have been fighting this situation for so long with seemingly no help from doctors, school, tutors, etc. I finally found Scottish Rite Hospital on the internet. They are wonderful!!! It took almost a year to get in there but we finally did. They spent 4 hours with me going over the behavior problems his learning disability is causing and 5 hours testing him and all for free. We go back on the 5th of December to get the results and I can't wait!!! The other option I was considering was The Sheldon School which is in north Dallas off Preston. It has an awesome website where I learned about many types of learning disabilities. You just have to get deep within the website where they describe the different kinds. The only problem with the school was it seemed very expensive but they did have scholarships. Having gone through this myself with very little support I understand your frustrations and feelings of helplessness. Please don't hesitate to email me at ____@____.com if I can help.
M.

i had my daughter tested at the school. You write a letter to the principal requesting this. If you get know where with them go to the school district.