After the school year begins in earnest, teachers may begin to notice that some children are struggling, whether they are failing tests, acting out in class, not connecting with other children, or are anxious about attending school.
It is important that caregivers seek a professional evaluation, and the Child Mind Institute has put together a list of resources to help with the process.
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The resources discuss the three main types of evaluations - diagnostic for mental health, psychoeducational for getting school accommodations, and neuropsychological for complicated symptoms and diagnosing learning disorders.
Children who need accommodations at school are eligible to receive an Individual Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 plan, so the Child Mind Institute discusses in its resources what these encompass and how to get them.
Caregivers should also make sure they are getting a careful diagnosis, so the institute discusses evaluations for common challenges, such as ADHD, autism, and learning disorders, describing what they look like and what to expect. The institute also includes a piece on how to talk about a child’s diagnosis and treatment with family members who may be skeptical.
Below are the Child Mind Institute’s resources: