Independent evaluations?

My DD just started Kindergarten. She has always been a typically developing child, very social, inquisitive and bright.

Recently, however,I have developed a couple of separate concerns:

First, I suspect she may be low muscle tone (I think I probably am too) - she has coordination issues, scored low in gross motor schools during her K evaluation, and I have been observing her during gymnastics and she seems to have greater difficulty than other kids.

The second issue is that I am concerned about her possibly having ADD. While observing her at gymnastics I noticed she spent the entire time fooling around, not paying attention to the instructor while the other kids were listening. Then, whenever it was not her turn she spent the ENTIRE hour jumping up and down.

Anyway, from what I have heard if it is not interfering with her school development the school will not really evaluate. So should I seek an independent eval? From who? It seems like these are two separate issues that would be evaluated by different professionals, right?

Please help, I am lost. Thanks!

Message edited 9/20/2012 9:35:14 PM.

Re: Independent evaluations?

I believe the school needs to evaluate a child if you contact them. I could be wrong on that but I believe it's your right to request an evaluation. Even if it's not interfering with her schooling.
We did both private evaluations and a district one (DD is autistic). For private ones, perhaps ask your pediatrician for a recommendation. For ADD/ADHD, you'll need to see a neurologist. Not sure where you're located but we've used Dr. Mark Gudesblatt in Islip and were happy with him!
Best of luck with your daughter!

Re: Independent evaluations?

We started with a private eval and he was the one that recommended going through the school district, because he felt my son had stuff going on that could interfere with his ability to focus well in a school environment.

We just completed our evals and while we haven't had our CPSE meeting yet (that's this week) I got the sense that the school district is not going to recommend services.

My son is younger though and displaying different behavioral issues, so that could certainly change down the line either way.


I guess in my long winded way, I would recommend going first through a private eval and then based on that, go through the district.

I also could be off base, but I get the sense with the school-based evals too that THEY need to feel something is way severe or really interfering in a child's learning before they will get involved. ETA: Meaning that legally, they must at least evaluate the child, however, they do not have to move forward in offering ongoing services.

I know there's pluses and minuses for that, for the child.


I was also told that "teachers these days know how to handle many issues with kids". As a parent, and a taxpayer, and someone who works in a similar field, I have mixed reactions to that kind of statment.

Message edited 9/21/2012 7:54:34 AM.

Re: Independent evaluations?

Thank you for your responses!

Where do I go to get these evaluations done? Any recommendations? Does anyplace evaluate for nth things/ everything?

Re: Independent evaluations?

Where do you live?

We met with a child psychologist initially in our area.

I then went with Kidz Therapies for the school based eval from his rec and I also have lurked in the past on here and have heard good stuff about this agency.

Re: Independent evaluations?