Thank you for your interest in having your child evaluated at University Pediatrics School Problems Program.  As discussed by phone, enclosed is the packet of parent and teacher forms to be completed and returned prior to scheduling the appointment.  Also included for your review is a pamphlet by the American Academy of Pediatrics entitled "Understanding ADHD".

Our Program's purpose is to improve your child's grades, behavior at home, interaction with friends and self-esteem.  We believe that parents can best solve these problems with the help of a professional "team" providing a complete educational, psychological and medical assessment.  Appropriate learning and behavioral modifications should be instituted first, with medical therapy added only when necessary.

Our evaluation begins with your completion of the enclosed packet of rating forms and consent documents.  We have also included material for your child's school to complete documents.  We have also included material for your child's school to complete concerning behavior and achievement.  Please be sure that these essential forms are correctly done and returned to us as soon as possible.  We cannot schedule the appointment until both the parent and teacher history forms and Conner's Questionnaires are received.  Your appointment will be arranged by phone when all the material is on file with our office. 

If your child has had any previous evaluations or testing, please send or bring a copy of the report.  Any other information that you believe would be helpful, such as recent report cards, work samples or teacher notes, may also be submitted.

We prefer to have both parents present for the initial office visit.  This involves approximately 11/2 to 2 hours of time.  We find it helpful to have your child present for the entire first appointment so that they observe parents and physician working together to solve the problem.  We can also directly address any concerns or questions they may share with us. 

The evaluation consists of : (1) discussion of the problem with the child and both parents, (2) complete physical and neurologic examination, (3) interpretation of the parent and teacher questionnaires, and (4) explanation of the diagnosis and therapy. 

A number of educational articles will be provided to you for home study.  A shorter return visit within 1-2 weeks is usually necessary to review information, answer questions and consider treatment options.  Most follow-up after this second visit will be done by telephone as our patients are most often seen in the office only 2-4 times a year.

Please enclose the non-refundable $25 fee made out to University Pediatrics with the completed packet when it is returned to our office.  The fee is required for processing of the data ensuring that all referred children with school problems can be seen quickly and fairly.

We realize these are long instructions but, as you are aware, school problems are complicated.  We intend to evaluate your child in as systematic and efficient way as possible.  We want you to be fully aware of our policies and procedures.  It is our goal to support parents in developing and supervising a team of medical, education and behavior experts who will together work to fulfill your child's potential at school and at home.

If you have any questions or concerns please call us at 304-691-1323.  We look forward to working with you and your child.

Sincerely,

James. M. Lewis, M.D.
Professor of Pediatrics

Mary Shackelford
Parent Co-ordinator

Kelli Phelps, L.S.W.
Social Worker

Carol Lawrence, L.P.N.
Sarah Adkins, Receptionist