Need neuropsych for 2e (gifted reader) with dyslexia type problem
Hi All,
My daughters received some diagnoses from visual optometry centers (Rising Star in Marin and Visual Eyes in Pleasanton) demonstrating severe visual impairments. Do you know of any practitioner who can help get IEP services for this? She was in the top 1% for gifted reading but hasn't read a book in years and fallen way behind (but of course school says she's just fine) noone catches it in the IEE or school testing process. I just need someone who is skilled with this more complex kiddo. I've read through older posts but they are too old and those practitioners listed (Greenberg, Raskob) are fully booked this year of 2024.
Thanks so much,
Mary :)
Jan 24, 2024
Parent Replies
I have recommended this before, but the Binocular Vision Clinic at UC was wonderful. They did some related testing and gave us some documentation for a 504, but we ended up getting a full evaluation through the psych department. The vision training made a huge difference for our child. A good evaluation also might make other suggestions like audiobooks, or using a computer for writing projects.
1. Contact DREDF right away for the IEP/504 support.
2. The diagnosis from the visual optometry centers (although I am not sure if medical doctors are involved) should be enough grounds to get either an IEP or 504, IMHO. I don't know if you need a neuropsych at this point.
3. You don't say how old your child is, but I would be very worried about the not-reading, not even for pleasure. Can you get her into audiobooks as a bridge back into literature?
My daughter got an evaluation at the UC Optometry clinic, in 3rd grade, which is now 8 years ago. Their report that identified the main issue helped with getting the public school to do a free evaluation -- the school would be required to do it in any event, but it made things roll along easier. And the clinic gave us materials to work with each evening to help with her visual tracking issues. My daughter needed a 504 (accommodation but the same classwork). When the school did their evaluation they also found very slow processing speed and limited working memory, as well as attention issues, in addition to the vision problems. I remember she didn't used to like museums because she couldn't read the little information cards by each picture, but now she is into it.