InterDisciplinary Evaluation Service (IDES)

Although some difficulties with learning and behavior can be diagnosed by a single professional, many children are seen with especially complex situations that require evaluations by more than one profession. Our experienced, interdisciplinary team works with families and their primary care providers to formulate a comprehensive treatment plan for each child.

Common Conditions leading to difficulties in school or home:

• Dyslexia or other learning disorders
• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD)
• Mental Retardation
• Fine or gross motor disabilities
• Hearing or vision deficits
• Emotional disorders
• Social disorders
• Autism
• Speech or language delays

Who Should Be Referred to IDES?

A child who fails a grade or is constantly struggling in school

A child who has difficulty communicating or speaking

A child who finds reading to be especially difficult

A child who frequently has trouble with a teacher or peers

A child who is required to attend summer school

A child who has a developmental delay

Whenever a parent or teacher believes that a child should be doing better in school

How Does The Team Work?

Families call our case manager to schedule an appointment with our team. We will ask families for information about their child, especially any previous evaluations. Our team works with each individual family and child to set up an interdisciplinary evaluation that will meet that child's particular needs.

During the first appointment, each member of the team interviews the family and examines the child in order to develop individual recommendations. The team then meets to discuss and coordinate their findings. Approximately one week later, the family meets with the team to learn what the team found, ask questions, and assist in formulating a comprehensive plan of intervention. A formal report detailing the plan is sent to the family, the child's primary care physician, and other professionals as determined by the family. Our case manager follows up with the family and the school to help implement the treatment plan. Most children return to our team every 1-2 years for reevaluation.

Team Members from the following specialties are included:

Other team members such as genetics, neurology, social work, and ophthalmology are available when needed.