jeff
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Post by jeff on Jul 1, 2009 9:31:02 GMT
Hello Forum!
I recently went to see a 'student support officer' at my university. The woman gave me a brief screen for dyslexia and dyspraxia and said she that it was reasonably likely that I was dyslexic.
Apparently it's possible for me to get funding from the University to get a report from an educational psychologist - which I figured I might as well do!
They've given me a list of 4 educational psychologists which they recommend.
I kind of want to go to someone who also has experience of ADD. I was hoping there was a chance that someone on here might know a couple of these guys and whether they're likely to have ADD experience.
Dr David McLoughlin, 1-7 Woburn Walk
Dr James Rouse, Space to Learn, 11 Heathhurst Rd
Dr Tim Harper, 11 Gunnersbury Gardens
Dr Sylvia Moody, 22 Wray Crescent
Anyone by any chance recognise these names? If not, how should I go about finding out about their experience?
Also, does anyone have any ADD specialist educational psychologists that I could maybe go and see instead? (In London)
Thank you!
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Post by melquiades on Jul 1, 2009 11:22:54 GMT
Did your disabilities officer say whether they were ADD specialists or had ADHD experience or not? They may not necessarily be specialists but likely still have experience with it. There were 2 educational psychologists that were ADHD specialists on the list from uni for me. Sean McLoughlin was the one I saw, can't remember the name of the other one. But no harm in going with the ones they reccommend - they're usually such for a reason
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psychjoenot logged on
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Post by psychjoenot logged on on Jul 1, 2009 11:31:59 GMT
I would really suggest contacting each of the education psychologist to outline your concerns (e.g. outlining if they have experience/knowledge with ADHD).
I think you'll find most psychologist (in my experience) will be ameniable to contacting them first.
Just contact them, outline that you are contacting them because you feel you have strong signs of ADHD in addition to dyslexia, so would appreciate seeing somebody who has experience with both.
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jeff
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Post by jeff on Jul 1, 2009 14:06:03 GMT
Okay, thanks guys.
Two places didn't pick up, one the secretary said she thought he did, but one, James Rouse, the secretary was like "Oh yes, ADD is right up his street. He used to work in a clinic with students with ADD". So I've booked an appointment!
Jeff.
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jeff
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Post by jeff on Jul 15, 2009 14:08:11 GMT
Hi again...
I had my assessment with the education psychologist yesterday. It went okay, it was basically just an epic IQ test as far as I could tell, spelling tests, finding patterns, him reading out numbers me having to reverse them, that kind of thing... I'm going to get a full report in a couple of weeks he said, but he showed me a brief outline of the results, and basically I scored above average (quite a lot abvoe average in some ;D) in all but two areas, where there was quite a gap and I scored quite a lot below average: working memory, and processing. Am I right in thinking that that is classic ADD???
The thing is he didn't mention ADD/ADHD once, even though on the form he got me to fill out before arriving I'd made a big point about the problems I have with concentration. He seemed to just say that I was probably mildly dyslexic and that he'd support me getting extra time and other help like that. (I didn't mention it either, I think I've got a think about suggesting conditions to people after my psychiatrist hated it so much....)
I don't know what should do? I think maybe I should email him and ask him if he thinks it's a possibility, and if it is what moves should I take. Does that sound like a good idea?
Thanks!
Jeff.
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jeff
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Post by jeff on Jul 24, 2009 20:28:21 GMT
I got the report today. It really depressed me. He basically concludes that he thinks I'm "a little bit dyslexic". It's so frustrating because he's come to this conclusion because he gave me a dyslexia screening, if he'd given me an ADD screening I'm sure it would have come out with a positive for ADD! When am I going to be properly assessed for ADD?!?
He barely mentions ADD, I emailed him after I made the post above, and in response to that he quite obviously just tacked on a couple of bullet points at the end about a book about ADHD I should try reading and suggests I should contact the ADD Information Services. I just don't get it thogh, because if he thinks it's enough of a possibility to be reading up on it, then why isn't he suggesting further assesment or more substantial steps than just getting in touch with an ADD organisation?
And in the report he clearly states that my main and significant drawback is working memory! I've felt for ages that the problems I have in my life stem from a lack of working memory! Like I said in the post above, isn't that pretty much what ADD is? I just don't think he's given the possibility of ADD proper consideration.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2009 21:59:56 GMT
Jeff,
if you take your car to kwik fit they are most likely to say your brakes need doing or your exhaust is bust, they only see what they specialise in. A psychologist is totally unequipped to diagnose ADHD, hence the fact that they usually say you've got something they do specialise in. You need to see a psychiatrist, they are the only ones who can give you a useful dx.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 25, 2009 20:29:38 GMT
unfortunately jeff, there's only one way to get assessed for ADHD in this country, and that's to go to your GP, ask for a referral to a psychiatrist and not take no for an answer!
-you will be offered a load of other crap that you don't need. like counselling and antidepressants, you will inevitably be told "ADHD's just a label" "everybody gets distracted sometimes" and "you don't seem very hyperactive to me!"
but these are all distractions to keep you from getting what you need! -don't let them pull the wool over your eyes!
from what you've written, it certainly sounds to me like you have ADHD.
so there is only one way forward for you... get to the GP and don't leave their office without a referral!!!
good luck - matt ;D
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Post by andy12345 on Jul 25, 2009 20:57:19 GMT
ADHD specialist, not just a psychiatrist.
Don't forget that you if you clarify to the Dr. that you have suspected ad/hd, they have power to refer you, although like the prime minister act, they probably don't want you to know........
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 25, 2009 21:53:52 GMT
andy's right,
-a psychiatrist who specialises in ADHD ;D
-MM
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jeff
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Post by jeff on Jul 26, 2009 15:08:16 GMT
It's so frustrating! I've emailed the guy that did the assessment saying that I don't understand why he states catagorically that I have dyslexia but then suggests that I should be reading up on ADD and be getting in contact with ADD organisations!
I also said that I really want to be seen by a ADHD specialist psychiatrist and that could he please recommend it to my university.
I'm home from university at the moment, maybe I should try and get a referall from a totally different surgery....
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 26, 2009 17:35:56 GMT
you 100% should do!
...go to your local GP, tomorrow if you can, and tell them you need a referral!
the reason i say tomorrow, is because, if you're anything like me, you''ll spend the next 6 months procrastinating about it otherwise!...
so strike while the iron's hot, and get yourself down to the doc's! ;D
-matt
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Post by Black JACK on Apr 16, 2019 16:32:46 GMT
Hi does anyone have a contact number for Tim Harper Chartered Psychologist.I've tried the number on the web but it's dead I'm dyslexic, and he did my report, but I don't understand it.
I was sent to a special school back in the 70s, but I was never tested. It was while at college a teacher identified my problems as dyslexia. Life has been an absolute nightmare. I only got a proper test in 2005 when I finished my degree and applied for a PGCE. I also have a hidden disability which my school had no idea how to treat when I was sick. I left school in 1982 a complete dunce we had a reading scheme but nothing else. I was physically and racially abused at the age of 12. I want to take legal action can anyone help. The school has a curriculum today.
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Post by Black JACK on Apr 16, 2019 16:36:39 GMT
I was sent to a special school back in the 70s but I was never tested. It was while at college a teacher identified my problems as dyslexia. Life has been an absolute nightmare. I only got a proper test in 2005 when I finished my degree and applied for a PGCE. I also have a hidden disability which my school had no idea how to treat when I was sick. I left school in 1982 a complete dunce we had a reading scheme but nothing else. I was physically and racially abused at the age of 12. I want to take legal action can anyone help.
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Post by prot on Jul 9, 2019 10:28:27 GMT
tim harper , is a self-employed psychologist complete rubbish at his job, fails on assessment accuracy, seems most times half-drunk himself when he does your tests, untruthful and untrustworthy!, and possibly a racist
I would stay clear of him do your research
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