When a bright child keeps losing work, missing directions or getting in trouble for being out of their seat, an evaluation separates attention problems from learning problems, anxiety and everything else that can look the same.
Standardized attention, behavior and executive functioning scales from you and from teachers.
Your child during instruction and independent work, where attention problems show up.
Working memory, processing speed and the other skills that affect focus and follow-through.
Reading, writing and math, to see whether a learning disability is part of the picture.
Anxiety, mood, sleep and other things that can look like ADHD are considered, not assumed away.
A functional behavior assessment and behavior plan from a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
Email the school's special education office and ask for a special education assessment. Date it and keep a copy.
In California the school has 15 days to send an assessment plan, not counting breaks over five school days. Once you sign it, the evaluation and IEP meeting must happen within 60 days.
If you disagree with the school's evaluation, you can ask for an independent evaluation at the district's expense. How that works
A free phone call to talk through where you are and what makes sense next.
General information for families, not medical or legal advice. Dr. Valentine serves families outside Kern High School District.
A free phone call with Dr. Valentine is the first step.