Sigh
Just got off the phone with the school psychologist. She just tested RJ to update his IEP(independent educational plan) for special ed. She called to talk about the results and things we might want to talk about in the meeting in two week about helping RJ transfer smoothly into middle school. Academically her results were no surprise. He scored slightly lower this time in some area compared to 2007, but she tested right before I upped his meds to compensate for this last growth spurt. When then started to talk about his social issues - he is a sweet kind boy that has no idea how to relate to kids his age. He is developmental immature for his age. He relates well to adults and kids younger than him, but not his peers. He states he has friends but doesn't play with any of them outside of school. She suggested due to this and some mannerism and ways he talk she said I might want to look into if he has high functioning autism. In reality he got that diagnosis last summer, but I had issues with the psychiatrist who gave it to him. I didn't agree with how he reached that diagnosis or his mannerisms with me - As a therapist I am also trained to diagnosis. But now an independent professional has also suggesting it. So I guess the first guy was not far off base after all. (Though he could really improve his bedside manner)Now I need to figure out what that diagnosis means. Would the school having that label help him? I don't want him to have any labels that just make people to think that that is just they way he is and that he can't improve. But if having that label helps him get the help he needs then I will use it. I am going to bring a copy of the first psychiatrist evaluation to the meeting in two weeks. I guess after discussing it with his teachers and the special ed department I will decide what I do. I then have to figure out if I tell him. He knows he has ADHD and has a learning disability. He also knows that I have a learning disability similar to him. Not sure what him knowing this label would do any good. But if we use it I don't need him to find out by accident at school. (not that they use labels there, but I am paranoid.)*sigh* My boy has a tough road ahead of him