Questions Prior to Special Needs Testing

Before testing for dyslexia, ADHD, sensory deficits, autism, and so forth, here are some things to consider.

I suggest that you ask yourself some questions:

1. What do you hope to gain from the testing? (information? Suggestions to improve situation? Placement in the ‘system?’ Confirmation of what you already know?

2. How will the diagnosis (or lack of it) help or hinder us? (Help in the homeschool? Encouragement for the parent/teacher? Understanding for the student?

3. If he "IS" ‘diagnosed,’ how would that change my expectations and/or plans?

4. If he "IS NOT" ‘diagnosed,’ what would I do then?

5. What else could I attempt that is (less expensive, less threatening, potentially more helpful)?

Then have some questions ready to ask the people providing the testing:

1. What would you be testing FOR?

2. What measures and techniques would you use?

3. If you were to determine that my child WERE to be labeled, what type of recommendations would you suggest? (Change of curriculum, change of placement, change of expectations, etc.)

4. If you were to determine that my child WERE NOT so labeled, what type of recommendations would you suggest (change of curriculum, change of placement, change of expectations, etc.)?

5. What would be the primary focus of your report? (Potential answers: test results; recommendations; how to help the parent (understand, cope, "fix," adjust; how the student should (change, adjust, cope, understand) or something else

Armed with these questions and a rich TIME OF PRAYER and seeking God's answers, I think you can make a pretty good decision for yourself.

God bless you! Joyce