Two Days of Neuropsychological Assessment

Cassie has had an intraventricular hemorrhage, hydrocephalus and multiple shunt surgeries making her learning disability more complex and thus she was referred for neuropsychological assessment at Chedoke Hospital. A highly specialized psychometrist named Bertha Parish did the assessment. I was very proud of Cassie, the test was over four hours long (broken up into two days). Cassie sat through a battery of tests to measure cognitive development, problem solving, attention, memory, language, spatial ability, sensory functioning and motor development. As a parent I felt Cassie gave an excellent effort. Bertha has a wonderul way with children, she uses a soft teacher-like voice and she gives constant positive encouragement. The assessor's style appealed to Cassie and she tried her best and I was extremely proud of her effort. The test should help us clarify Cassie's learning style. I am so thankful she was tested as it will assist with her Individualized Learning Plan and hopefully help her in school.

Neuropsychological assessment takes a "picture" of the many thinking and learning parts of the brain, including intellectual development, memory, attentional control, problem-solving, behaviour and many other areas.

I feel very releived that we will be getting a formal diagnosis of Cassie's learning disability. The report will help us better understand her strengths and weaknesses. The report can be given to her medical team, her learning resource teacher and it will be interpreted and input given to her teachers for better planning for grade 3.

Cassie taking a break between assessments. Having a quick snack at Chedoke Hospital waiting for Bertha Parish to continue with her testing.

I spent another day meeting a wonderful Educator Angeline Sarabura who runs the Gregory School for Exceptional Learning a school right here in my home town of Ancaster. The school first opened in September 2002 by the founder, Angeline Sarabura, who wanted an appropriate educational setting for her son. Angeline believes children with special needs require special programming. The Gregory School tries to individualize the development, delivery and evaluation of curriculum so that a child will achieve success. They offer small class sizes, specialized programming and therapeutic interventions making sure the learning is enjoyable and rewarding. I commend this exceptional teacher and innovative educator. I wish I could make it happen for Cassie to attend this private school. A year of attendance is around 17, 000 dollars. I just cant see how I could ever afford this type of program. I wanted desperately to make it happen but got overwhelmed and gave up easily. I am staying optimistic that after having Cassie tested I can find some help for her within the public school system. Othersise I have still not ruled out sending Cassie next year to summer school at the Gregory school (at a much reduced rate). If I don't see some real progress particularly in learning how to read I will have to knuckle down and explore better options. Cassie is making continual slow steady progress and I hope her latest assessment guides me towards the right decision.