First Steps
Now that you are here, you have made a step in the right direction.
Diagnosis
To get proper treatment for your child, it is critical to get a proper diagnosis from a medical professional. Your family doctor is the first step.
Children who have brain disorders can be very difficult to diagnose because their symptoms are different from those of adults. Yet it is vital that your child receive an accurate diagnosis before receiving medical treatment to avoid the risk of mis-medication. You can help your child's doctor arrive at the right diagnosis by reading about the various possibilities and noting similarities, or differences, of symptoms to those of your child.
Family HistoryBrain disorders often run in families because they are hightly genetic. You can also help your child's Doctor reach an accurate diagnosis by compiling a family history, eg. problems with drugs or alcohol, diagnosed mental illnesses, etc. Compile a family history by asking other family members about other relatives.
Rule Out Physical CausesMany physical illnesses can mimic the symptoms of mental disorders. It is important that these be ruled out before your child is given a final diagnosis. Blood tests, CT Scans, Neurological tests can help eliminate othre problems.
TESTS SHOULD BE GIVEN BEFORE BEGINING MEDICATION and after medication is prescribed as many medications can affect organs such as the liver.
Education
"Don't hesitate to move up the administrative ranks in search of services your child needs" - Sue Vandenberg
Children with brain disorders often have different learning styles or requirements than what is generally provided in mainstream classrooms. Reassurance that this does not mean the children are stupid, but in fact these children often have high intelligence. Psycho-educational testing can be obtained at the school and generally require a wait or parents can contact one of the many agencies who provide the service for a fee and generally the wait is less.
Advocates for your child in the school system:
Teacher
- Refers student to Student Support Services or the school counsellor
Counsellor
- In consultation with school administrators, design programs to meet the child's needs, such as reduce number of days in attendance, and number of classes
- Consult with other agencies for referrals to day treatment and other programs
- Contact special education student services
Student Support Services in School District
- Designate what support services are available
- Design programs to meet the designated needs of the students
- Services vary from district to district
Other school alternatives
- Day Treatment Programs
- Private Schools
- Learning Disabled Programs (e.g. James Cameron School, Grades K - 7)
- Alternate Programs (varies from district to district)
- Check out independent schools here.