Need to get tested for LD ASAP. Where to go and how much does it cost?

Pre-College Issues Learning Differences and Challenges - LD, ADHD
#1

<p>This is my second attempt at posting this. I just typed out a long post and when I clicked submit it had logged me out and everything I'd written had disappeared. It shouldn't log people out after 10 minutes. Glitch?</p>

<p>Anyway...I have been accepted into a Cal State University for the fall. I have done very well in my major, however, I am a miserable failure at math and a few other areas. The university will definitely rescind their offer of admission due to my failure at math, unless, perhaps, I can prove I have a serious learning disability, which I feel must be my problem. One of my professors thinks so too, and informed me about getting tested for it. </p>

<p>The CSU apparently does not test on campus, they refer you to local clinics, which, at the moment, are very far away from me. I am wondering if anyone knows how I can find clinics closer to me that do this type of testing? I looked on Google but couldn't really find anything. I'm in the Los Angeles area. Is there a website or a number I can call? </p>

<p>Also, the CSU told me clinics charge around $1200. Anyone know of a way to get it done for less? I do not have insurance. I have been approved for financial aid which would cover the cost of testing, but of course I will not receive any until classes start. I thought about trying for an "emergency loan" via the financial aid office, but I doubt they will loan $1200.</p>

<p>It may not matter much since it's probably too late to help me for fall. I've heard testing can take weeks, and the admissions office needs something ASAP. But even if I can just get testing started, that would be better than nothing!</p>

<p>I really have little knowledge on how this whole thing works. Thanks for any resources you can point me toward.</p>

#2

<p>To be tested for a learning disability in a way that will have meaning for your college, you should first call the support office at the CSU to which you've been accepted and find out the names to the tests that they want students to take to determine if there is an LD. Write down the names of all of the tests. Ask if there is any particular form of the tests they'd prefer. Write that down. </p>

<p>Then call the CSU closest to where you live, talk with the support office there, and get a list of testing psychologists to whom they refer their own students. Call up or email the psychologists on the list to determine 1.) what they will charge to do the test battery required by the CSU you plan to attend and 2.) if they are able to do the test battery and get a report back to you in the time frame you need. </p>

<p>I think you might have a hard time getting a full battery done for less than the $1200 figure you cite, but perhaps you will be able to find a psychologist who slides or who supervises a less expensive assistant who could do your testing.</p>

<p>You might also get a list of psychologists from the support offices at UCLA or USC. You can reach these offices by calling the main switchboard at either university and asking for the disabilities support office.</p>

<p>When you ask for the lists of psychologists, you might also ask if the support office knows of anyone on the list who has a sliding fee scale. This might reduce the cost if you have limited funds.</p>

<p>Make a preliminary appointment with the psychologist you select in which you describe your issues with math and explain why you think you might have an LD. You don't want to go through expensive testing if the psychologist feels, upon talking with you, that there are probably things other than LD going on. Be as frank and open as possible, so that you will have the best chance of the psychologist helping you to figure things out.</p>

<p>If you were ever evaluated for an LD in elementary or secondary school, or if you had a 504 plan, try to get ahold of the records to take to the psychologist.</p>

#3

<p>You may want to look into the cost of insurance through your school. It may not be as high as you probably assume it to be through the college for someone your age.</p>

#4

<p>Insurance usually will not cover LD testing for school accomodations, as it does not meet medical necessity. I there is a referral for evaluation and treatment recommendations with a medical diagnosis referred by a physician, that may be covered by insurance, but quite often insurance will not cover anything they consider "developmental or learning".
That said, some colleges/universities offer testing to their enrolled students at a discounted fee (some schools have grant support).</p>

<p>Totally agree with the recommendation to get copies of any previous testing that was done, any accomodations you have been given in HS and also read the school's website to see what documentationthey require. </p>

<p>Many psychologists/neuropsychologists have waiting lists to be seen, and it takes time to get the testing completed, scored, interpreted and written up. In some cases, if insurance is involved, the company may require a preauthorization. Sorry, but its unlikely this can be done within a very short timeframe.</p>