Would you let your four year old meet behind closed doors alone w/a child psychologist? My son is scheduled to do this for neuropsychological testing.

The child psychologist was recommended by our pediatrician. He checks out on the internet. My DH and I met w/him. He seemed a little pompous but was nice enough.

When I asked about this he said that a parent's presence tends to throw off the testing. I can understand that. He does not have a two way mirror so I couldn't sit behind it and observe.

In today's world I am very concerned about this. I am actually thinking of backing out of this for now. I may call the other child psychologist that was recommended and hear their policy. (Although they unfortunately do not participate w/our insurance carrier.) It's probably standard policy but why couldn't they at least have two way mirrors???

I feel that my son's physical safety right now trumps his socialization/anxiety issues.

Has anyone else had this situation? Again, remember he is only 4. I would feel a little better if he was 8 or 9. I may also feel more comfortable w/a female child psychologist, although I know women can be predators as well.

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My son was diagnosed at 4. We were allowed into the room. However, there was one point, when she took him out and I found out she did a physical on him (I was led to believe she was taking him to a "gym" type of room to check his balance, hopping on one foot, etc.) The only way I found out she did a physical is that there was a note about his physical self, including how his little man part looked normal, etc. I was not there, nor was his dad, when she saw this part of him! From our talking to him later, nothing seemed untoward about how she treated him, but neither did it seem anyone else was in the room.

So I have to say, you have mommy radar for a reason. I wouldn't be comfortable with it, either. I would request that if you can't be there, that maybe the door be left ajar or an assistant (of a different sex) be in the room. I would also make the phone call you are thinking of.

I did, however, allow DS to be in therapy with a female doctor. But he could verbalize things that went on, and I could also hear everything through the wall (not good if there were others in the waiting room, but that wasn't the case). I would go w/your gut feel. That way, you won't be sorry that you failed to protect your child. I do understand their point, wholeheartedly(!), but I think a 1 way window or even a monitor for you would be a good idea, or the door left ajar with you outside (or an assistant present in the room).

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Thank you so much for your comments. After rereading the posts I just want to clarify I really meant one-way mirror when I said two-way mirror.

My DH and I were discussing this again and how the child psychologist knew we were uncomfortable w/this but just brushed over it. He has to know this is a concern w/parents nowadays. I think he should have offered the suggestions desertmom had.

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We recently had our 6 yo tested and either myself or my husband (it was done on two separate days) stayed in the room with them. We sat on the other side of the room and remained silent for the whole time (I read a book). I would not be comfortable leaving a 4 yo in the room alone. I would insist on being present for any testing. JMO.

I would definitely want one of those window thingies so I could watch. My ds is 9 and when he goes for PT they have a window (I can watch but he doesn't see me) or I'm with him in the room.

No way.

JMO.

Thank you so much for your input! It was very helpful! We did cancel the sessions w/the child psychologist.

DS has been making great strides the last few months and the special education teacher who recommended this even thought it wouldn't be necessary now.

Who knows? We may need to go down this path at a later time but know I will be more informed.

Thanks again!

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