II. 1. I’m ready to be evaluated for a possible LD.  How should I go about finding the right clinician for me?

Begin by logging on to the ODS website and looking at our referral list: “ODS Referrals List for LD/ADD Testing.” This list includes testing sites visited by our office and private clinicians whose credentials have met our standards. Of course, there are many testing centers and private evaluators nationwide to choose from; just be certain that these alternative sites are able to comply with Barnard's testing standards as outlined in “Documentation of a Learning Disability/Attention Deficit Disorder.”  Please contact me directly or Susan Quinby if you have any questions about a specific center or clinician you are considering.

Of course, cost is a primary consideration, and the range of fees is considerable. Be aware that “clinical sites” may be less expensive, but may require several visits to complete the evaluation, have rigid testing hours, and a somewhat sterile environment with a long wait for an initial appointment and final report. However, the cost will be lower than a private clinician, insurance plans may be accepted as payment, and a “sliding scale” (cost determined by ability to pay) might be negotiated. Clinics, which are affiliated with universities or teaching hospitals, will most probably use student interns who are closely supervised. Although the quality of these evaluations is acceptable, expect the testing and report writing of the process to be slower. Private clinicians, although having higher fees which range anywhere from $750 to $2000, will likely have the advantage of offering testing specifically tailored to your LD issues, flexible appointments, feedback and follow-up with respect to evaluation results, and information regarding remedial and medical referrals.

Another consideration should be the time frame within which you can get an appointment, the period in which the evaluation takes place, and the turn around time before receiving a written report. These variables often depend on seasonal demands for testing and are subject to holiday schedules and vacations.

Anticipate that each testing site and individual clinician allots a different amount of time for a complete psychoeducational evaluation. Expect the minimum time to be about four hours, equally divided between psychological and achievement testing.

Once you have selected a few options based on location, setting, and price, set up a telephone appointment. Convenience with respect to transportation (is the site located near a subway station or bus stop?) should be another consideration. Remember that you are the consumer. Being tested for a learning disability is a very personal experience. If for some reason, you feel uncomfortable speaking to the clinician or get “negative vibrations,” try someone else.

Email Okie a question or comment!

II.  Screening, Testing, and Diagnosis

1. I’m ready to be evaluated for a possible LD.  How should I go about finding the right clinician for me?
2. It takes me twice as long to read assignments and I never have enough time to finish tests. Do you think I have a learning disability?
3. What happens if I get tested and find out I don't have an LD?
4. I'm a Writing Fellow and one of my clients has a problem with transitions and spelling. I think that she may have an undiagnosed LD. What should I do?
5. I'm a current Barnard student and would like to have an evaluation for a possible learning disability (LD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). It's so expensive. Who is responsible for paying for the evaluation?