Q: What are some of the topics and issues discussed during consultations?

• School placement issues
• Homework issues
• Organization/study skills issues
• Diagnostic testing
• Learning disabilities
• Screenings for ADHD
• Parent advocacy
• Eligibility for special education services
• Training and teacher workshops
• Need for school observations

Q: How long do consultations take?

Usually one to two hours.

Q: What kinds of recommendations are given during consultations?

• Alternative school placements
• Types of diagnostic testing needed
• Referral to other specialists (speech and language therapists, O.T.'s, psychologists, behavioral specialists, medical doctors, tutors, etc.)
• Parent advocacy tips
• How to communicate effectively with school personnel

Q: How do I know if my child has a learning disability?

Listen carefully to what teachers are reporting to you in your parent-teacher conferences. If problems, weaknesses, or learning issues are reported to you by the teacher, make sure the teacher is addressing these problems by using specific materials and strategies. Follow up in 4-5 weeks to see if improvements have been made. If problems still exist, request that your child be tested to determine the cause(s) of these problems. Go to www.ldonline.org to get lists of common signs of learning disabilities. Go to www.interdys.org to get common signs of dyslexia.

If your child struggles with homework and needs lots of help from you because the homework can't be completed independently, let the teacher know right away to determine if extra help and support are needed in school. This lack of independence might be a sign of a learning problem.

If your child is in kindergarten or first grade and is experiencing difficulty learning, DON'T WAIT to find out if learning weaknesses are present. Often, school staff will tell you to wait a year and see how your child matures. Request immediate testing and early intervention!

Q: How do I know if my child has an attention deficit disorder?

Your child's behaviors are usually compared to age level peers. For young children (ages 4-5), watch the typical behaviors of playmates. Notice if your child is exhibiting problem behaviors which are excessive (more frequently than age peers) in moving around, settling down, following directions, staying focused on task, finishing tasks, getting started, transitioning from one task to another, keeping track of materials, becoming frustrated, being inconsistent in performance.

If your child is enrolled in preschool, listen to what the teacher is describing in terms of differences in typical behaviors of your child compared with age peers.

For school age children, look closely at teacher comments on the section of report cards addressing organization, social skills, work habits. Talk with your child's teacher(s), and guidance counselor to develop a concrete list of problematic behaviors and what specific approaches they are using to deal with the behaviors. Follow-up in a month to see if improvements are noted. Also, consult with your child's physician.

For more specific information, go to:

• www.add.about.com
• www.add.org
• www.addconsults.com