Categories D and GNew tidbits of information to assist

with grant applications

September 14, 2011Joanne den Boer with Dr. David Carter

The Issues

• There was an exceptionally large number of Pre-approval Grant Applications in May that the Committee was required to review in essentially the same time frame as last year

• looking for very specific information on the applications to ensure the students met diagnostic criteria as stated in the Special Education Policy, Procedures and Guidelines.

The Issues

• Of significance were the students that fell under Category G. A number of applications were denied as it was not immediately identifiable:Assessor and qualificationMulti-disciplinary teamADOS and ADI-RPsych assessmentSLP

SCSBC’s Opinion

• Matter of interpretation• Samples on MoE website came after

applications were due• Clarity came after applications were due• Conversation with Tony Arthurs – very good,

still some grey area• We can still improve … but we have better

information now

If BCAAN, then

• no further review is necessary• a shoe-in

If BCAAN, then

Ministry sample

If BCAAN, then

In terms of the Assessment:• Cognitive level• Adaptive functioning• Comprehensive SLP• Comprehensive medical examination

If BCAAN, then

In terms of the Agency:BC Autism Assessment Network (BCAAN ) Provincial Autism Resource Centre (PARC)

This should be clearly reported in Section C under ‘name of agency'

If BCAAN, what happened?Doesn’t show team member names and

credentials.

Doesn’t show a multi-disciplinary approach.

Could say,

NAME OF AGENCYFHANPartnered with BCAAN

If BCAAN, what happened?BCAAN assessor not the same

as BCAAN Network

Includes SLP, but not apparentit’s a team approach.

What other reports were reviewed?

If BCAAN, then

Under AGENCY• State “BCAAN Team”• State where it was done, e.g. FHAN

Under ASSESSOR• Show multi-disciplinary approach• Name the team members in one box

If BCAAN, then

Under BASIC DATA:• State ADOS and ADI-R• Note other assessments used • Typically:– Psychology assessments– SLP– OT– DSM IV

If Private Agency

Under 61. Registered Psychologist2. SLP3. Pediatrician / Child

Psychiatrist

Over 61. Registered Psychologist2. SLP

3. Best practice will include reports from other practitioners, if available.

If Private Agency

AND ….ensure the doctor/psychologist confirms that BCAAN standards are met

ANDstate clearly in the report that s/he is in compliance with BCAAN standards.

Redundant? Perhaps.

Point of Confusion and Frustration

BCAAN does not maintain a list of BCAAN approved agencies.

A clinician working in one office may meet the BCAAN standards.

Same clinician working in another office may not be meeting BCAAN standards even though s/he is certified by BCAAN.

This is a moving target.

If Private Practice

Ministry Sample

These will be mentioned directly below.

Doesn’t say other reports were consulted.

If Private Practice, what happened?

• Multi-disciplinary “team” not identified, ie.– Registered psychologist– SLP – OT and– PT

• State they’ve seen other clinician’s reports (name and date)

• Diagnosis not up front (because not most recent assessment)

ADOS is missing.

Even though older, put first because it shows the diagnosis in relation to the category applied for.

Doesn’t list other diagnostic assessments in this box

Doesn’t list review of other diagnostic assessments from other clinicians in this box

A Grandfathered Case …

?

?

If Diagnosis is more than 5 years…

An updated assessment must occur every 4 – 5 years by an SLP (to inform the program)

Does not need to be reassessed by BCAAN, pediatrician, registered psychologist, nor psychiatrist.

Category H

Must be reassessed annually.

Category D

Ministry Sample

Put the medical diagnosis “front and center, big, bold.”

Category D - Handy tips to know

Medical diagnosis must be made by a medical specialist who works with:• Registered psychologist• SLP (if required)• OT and / or• PT

Category D – esp FASD

• Update every 4-5 years by an OT to confirm there is still a need & level of impairment on education

• To confirm diagnosis is still accurate

• To see if school has used information for programming (diagnosis must be in compliance with CDBC Network)

• neurological• musculo-skeletal, and• chronic health impairment

Category D – FASD diagnosis

Because pediatrician might trump medical doctor, even though date of assessment is older.

Category D – FASD diagnosis

Not sure what the problem is here. (Sorry)

Other tips to know

• The person who signed the report isn’t “the team”

• Might be easier to get SLP and OT assessments first

• A medical diagnosis by itself does not determine the need for special education services (p. 69 Manual)

• MUST confirm 3 potential impact areas in 2 or more domains (see matrix Section E)

Other tips to know

• MUST confirm 3 potential impact areas in 2 or more domains (see matrix Section E)

• Information in the diagnostic report must address these areas

In other words, pull everything and anything you can, to support the application.