What is an ADHD IEE?
An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) focused on ADHD is a detailed assessment conducted by experts outside of your child’s school district. It’s designed to identify and explore the unique cognitive-linguistic and social challenges that children with ADHD often face.
What Does a Speech IEE for Children with ADHD Involve?
This independent testing takes a comprehensive look at how your child’s speech and language skills are impacted by ADHD. This evaluation goes beyond a typical speech assessment by also considering the role of executive function—how your child manages time, organizes ideas, and follows through on tasks. We assess the following domains to create a complete communication profile:
- Articulation: Can your child clearly produce sounds and words?
- Receptive Language: How well does your child understand spoken language?
- Expressive Language: Does your child have trouble finding the right words or structuring sentences?
- Narrative Skills: Can your child tell stories or relay information in a logical, organized way?
- Social Pragmatics: How well does your child understand social cues, body language, and conversational patterns?
- Fluency (Stuttering): Are there disruptions in the flow of your child’s speech, like stuttering, that make communication harder?
Testing looks at the whole picture, including how your child’s profile impacts their academic performance, relationships, and daily life.
Who Should Consider a Speech IEE for a Child with ADHD?
Parents of children who have been diagnosed with ADHD or who suspect their child may have ADHD can benefit greatly from this type of testing. This evaluation is designed to give you a deeper understanding of how speech-language issues are influencing your child’s development, especially if previous school evaluations have left you with more questions than answers.
Some Signs Your Child Might Benefit From Independent Testing Include:
- Difficulty following multi-step directions or understanding complex instructions.
- Trouble organizing their thoughts when speaking or writing.
- Frequent interruptions in conversations or difficulty staying on topic.
- Difficulty making friends due to impulsivity or misunderstanding social cues.
- Struggles with fluency or getting “stuck” when trying to express ideas verbally.
Why Speech IEEs Matter for Children with ADHD
- Ensure your child receives the appropriate speech-language services in their IEP.
- Advocate for accommodations in the classroom that directly address your child’s communication challenges.
- Develop a long-term plan to support your child’s growth in both academic and social settings.
