Academic/Learning Consultation

When parents notice that a child is having academic problems, they are often concerned that the child may be challenged by a disorder such as a learning disability, ADHD, or perhaps a sensory processing issue.  They may be uncertain about how to select a professional who can address the child’s problem. Sometimes adults, children, and teens who do not have a diagnosed problem, still aren’t functioning at an optimum level when faced with learning issues related to tasks at school or work. It can be difficult to know what steps to take that would improve the situation. An academic consultation is a good first step when deciding on a path toward diagnosis and treatment. Such a consultation can be helpful in grappling with questions such as the following:

• How do I determine if my child has a learning disability, ADHD, or a Sensory Processing Disorder?
• How do I select a professional who can diagnose and treat learning problems?
• Is medication required to treat ADHD or other developmental problems?
• What can I do at home to help my child succeed in school?
• What are my legal rights if I would like to receive school services for my child?
• How can I manage adult ADHD? 

Sometimes teachers or other school personnel are reluctant to provide accommodations for a student who is having difficulty in the classroom. It often helps to have the child’s therapist communicate directly with them to provide suggestions regarding ways of promoting the child’s success at school. I often help parents by advising them about the child’s eligibility for special education services, joining them at meetings with the child support team, and assisting them in understanding the contents of reports from the school or other professionals who have evaluated their children.