INTRODUCTION


Dr. Smith specializes in the testing and diagnosis of Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Disorder, ADHD, ADD and other learning Disabilities. Attention Training through home computer software is also available. Dr. Smith also provides these identical evaluations through the Michigan Dyslexia Institute. Dr. Smith is a licensed psychologist and neuropsychologist.

The Michigan Dyslexia Institute provides comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations for Dyslexia, ADHD and other Learning Disorders at the Abrams Teaching Laboratory in Lansing and at the Detroit Metro Center in Berkley Michigan, which can result in an official diagnosis. An official DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) diagnosis is necessary when you are trying to qualify for services at school or work. These neuropsychological evaluations are conducted by Robert D. Smith, PhD, a licensed psychologist and neuropsychologist.

Not sure if MDI is the right place for You? All evaluations by Dr. Smith consider all possible causes for your reading disorder, not just Dyslexia. Most people are correct in their common sense that a Dyslexia Evaluation is right for them. However, Dr. Smith will review the facts during the Intake Interview. If a Dyslexia Evaluation turns out not to be right for you, Dr. Smith can evaluate for many other types of conditions. If our evaluations are not what you need we'll direct you to where you need to go. We won't just go ahead with testing you may not need. All of this will be discussed thoroughly with you after the Intake Interview and before any testing so you can make an informed decision about what's best for you. Dr. Smith is currently conducting evaluations in Lansing and Berkley, Michigan. MDI is planning to expand this service to the other five MDI centers in the future.

Sometimes Diagnostic Evaluations are offered at a seemingly much lower cost than the evaluations provided by Dr. Smith and MDI. However, many of these diagnoses are not officially recognized diagnoses provided by a licensed professional qualified to make an official DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) diagnosis. Make sure that the diagnostic conclusions are provided by a professional licensed to make a diagnosis based on DSM-IV criteria. An official DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) diagnosis is necessary when you are trying to qualify for services at school or work.




Frequently, clients seek a "second opinion" evaluation after a first evaluation by another psychologist is inconclusive. This second opinion testing are frequently completed as an Independent Educational Evaluation, which is paid for by the school system as required by Special Education laws. Clients seeking to qualify for an Independent Educational Evaluation should consult the Special Education departments of their school systems. Individual school systems vary in how much they will pay toward an Independent Educational Evaluation. Some Special Education departments will pay for a large portion of the fee with the client or parent paying the remainder of the fee.

One of the most common reasons for an testing and diagnosis to qualify for special accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA ). Requests for such accommodations must demonstrate through the application material, the written report of the test results and any supportive materials from the schools Special Education department that the disorder causes a substantial interference in educational activities or work related activities.

A formal diagnosis is necessary if you are seeking insurance reimbursement or are trying to obtain special accommodations under the Americans with Disability Act - ADA in school, for standardized testing or for employment purposes. Dr. Smith is a consultant to the Michigan Dyslexia Institute (MDI) and provides testing for the Michigan Dyslexia Institute at the Abrams Teaching Laboratory in Lansing, Michigan and the Detroit Metro Center in Berkley, Michigan.

The Michigan Dyslexia Institute, Inc. (MDI) is a nonprofit organization, funded by a combination of grants, donations and fee for service programs serving children and adults through eight regional centers throughout Michigan. MDI provides teacher training, cooperative programs with school districts and state agencies, public information about dyslexia, diagnostic evaluation and remedial reading instruction. Fees are charged for services, however financial aid is often available for the financially disadvantaged. In such a situation, the prospective client should contact the Michigan Dyslexia Institute in advance to apply for their scholarship program.


Link to: MICHIGAN DYSLEXIA INSTITUTE