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Getting shafted by the school system?

My nephew (8yrs) was evaluated a year ago at a testing center for Autism in TN. He tested 'borderline Aspergers'. When the school was notified, they recommended that he see the school contracted Autism specialist who then determined that he in fact did not have Aspergers, only ADHD and Depression. The school system closed his case before you could blink. Should another evaluation be made by an independant specialist? How can a testing center label him 'borderline Aspergers' and then the school specialist say no? This does not make sense to me, unless the school is simply trying to get out of serving him. I have a feeling he is on the spectrum, maybe Executive Function Disorder, since this is commonly miss diagnosed as ADHD and depression can come out of Aspergers. Any similar situations or recommendations?

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Permalink Reply by Nancy Lucci on August 31, 2010 at 2:34pm

Barbara,

Have you tried contacting the Family Voices in TN? They may have information on the rules regarding schools and diagnoses. It makes sense that clinicians may disagree on the interventions/modifications needed, but even if the school contracts with someone qualified to make clinical diagnoses, I am surprised they would attempt to just cancel out a diagnosis made by a reputable testing center. The website for Family Voices in TN is below. Hope it helps!

http://www.tndisability.org/familyvoices/

~Nancy