Expert: Tim Runner - 9/3/2009

Question
QUESTION: I just received my 7 year old son's psychological evaluation. The "Diagnostic Impression" is Asperger's Disorder. Is that an official diagnosis?

The tests administered were WISC-IV, VMI, ADOS, BASC-2; Parent Rating Scale, and GADS. On the WISC-IV he demonstrated average overall intellectual capabilities, but because he had some difficulty adhering to the parameters of some of the tasks, some of his scores may be a slight underestimate of his true abilities. On the BASC-2 and the GADS questionnaires I completed the probability of Asperger's Disorder is high. On the ADOS his score was at the cut-off for ASD in the area of communication. He exceeded the cutoff for ASD in social interaction.

The report has a lot of X's mother indicated, reported, endorsed... etc. and then is followed by, "During testing, however..." How heavily do they rely on my observations to make a diagnosis?


ANSWER: The school psychologist can only make diagnoses as they pertain to education, not medical diagnoses. The assessments used are only indicators of this medical condition. I suggest you have him assessed by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist who works with children. You need a medical diagnoses, not just a school one. Then you should share the results with the school.

I wish you and your son the best,
Tim Runner, Advocate
Advocates 4 Kids
Email: timrunner@cox.net
Phone: (949) 582-3601
You can learn more at my web site:
www.special-education-answers.com
www.education-advocates.com (for DSL and phone)

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for answering my question so quickly. I guess I forgot to mention that this was a clinical evaluation. The report was signed by a Psychological Assistant, Licensed Psychological Technician and a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. We haven't had him educationally evaluated, yet. Is that something that is recommended in addition to the clinical testing?

Answer
For once a school did is correctly. You may still want to have your own diagnosis made just to make sure. This is a very important diagnosis, one that will last a life-time. You also need to work with the school in developing the placement and services for son. Most Aspergers kids need good structure, academically challenging material, and social skills training. I represent many kids diagnosed with Aspergers and they are doing very well. But sometimes the school will try to place them in Special Day Classes (SDC) for lower achieving and emotionally disturbed children. Most of my students are better served with Resource Specialist Programs (RSP). And some very intelligent kids do best in regular classes with a 1 to 1 instructional aide. Most also need accommodations such as seating at the front of the class. It all depends on the needs of each child. I provide advocate services in all 50 states. I often participate in IEP meetings via telephone after I review all the assessment results and the school district's report.

I wish you and your son the best,
Tim Runner, Advocate
Advocates 4 Kids
Email: timrunner@cox.net
Phone: (949) 582-3601
You can learn more at my web site:
www.special-education-answers.com
www.education-advocates.com (for DSL and phone)