Surviving Your Child's Multidisciplinary Evaluation

As the parent of a child with learning and neurological disabilities, I know how overwhelming and confusing it can be to prepare for meetings, evaluations, and doctor's appointments. In the beginning, it is easy to feel "outmatched" - as though the 'experts' have all the answers and you're 'just' the parent waiting for the verdict on your child. With a little time, research, and life experience, however - you also can become an 'expert' on this process.

If your child qualifies for the system and begins receiving services, at some point there will be at least one multidisciplinary evaluation (MDE) which will evaluate and assess several areas of your child's growth and development (such as cognitive, language, social, adaptive, and physical skills). The MDE usually involves at least two therapists with different specialties depending upon the initial screening process (the first phone call where they ask you a lot of questions about your child) and possibly a child psychologist or a special ed teacher. This MDE would happen before services begin to determine your child's needs, and also during the process to assess your child's progress and to prepare for transitioning your child to the next phase of his/her education. The MDE for ages 3 to 5 determines what your child's needs are, and which therapy services or future educational placement will best meet your child's needs.

I have experienced a few of these evaluations and assessments, and they have not been easy or simple to get through, but there are some ways to make them go more smoothly, answer more questions 'up front', and to make the experiences less stressful for your child. In this article I will give a few suggestions help you plan for your child's MDE, and give some ideas on what to expect and how to prepare for it.