Talk About DYSFUNCTIONAL!

Character is what you do when you think no one is watching, or listening.

Four days ago, a teacher at our oldest kids' high school called and left a message asking why we opted Bailey out of the ACT test.  Her message said that it was a "State mandated" test and that she would have to make it up. (Not true, by the way, you can opt out of ANY test - you'd think they'd know that.)


As she went to hang up the phone...The call didn't disconnect.

I was able to 'listen in' on a conversation this teacher was having with another teacher....Calling our family dysfunctional....and how she couldn't understand how our family would keep "reproducing"....Creating MORE dysfunction.....

How <her - the taxpayer> would be the one footing the bill of our dysfunction for the rest of her life.

Then laughing.....Saying that at least it was "Job Security" for them (or for us, It's not completely clear, but either way, a classless an clueless conclusion).

My first thoughts after hearing over-hearing the message was -- That I couldn't believe that a teacher that I had grown to respect could say ANYTHING that hurtful...I had to replay the message a few times, just so I could clearly understand the words that were being thrown around about my family....and then laughed at.

I have known this teacher for 3 years.  She seemingly took Bailey under her wing and set in place a GREAT schedule for her and told us it was her job to ensure the IEP was being followed. The fact that it hasn't been followed is, frankly, fodder for another post entirely.

The school administration took action quickly, and assured me today that she will NOT be back, and that the counselor on the other side of the conversation will be investigated as well, and my kids will no longer report to him -- But this brings little comfort to me, as she was going to be retiring in May anyway.  Her words are forever OUT THERE - and the knowledge of how she really feels about our family, about my children - makes me wonder how well she ever did her job, how much she ever looked out for Bailey & Braden, and how many other students didn't get the true care they deserved because of the attitude hiding underneath her public face.


I have heard from people high up on the school board....That things like what happened to our family, happen ALL THE TIME....And that just breaks my heart.

I will probably never speak to this teacher again....Or hear her reasons for saying such cruel things about my family....But in case --By some chance she reads this blog post....

Dear Mrs. Norman,

I am so sorry you have such bitterness in your heart about my family. I know that WE had only respect for YOU.  I have sent you many e-mails, telling you how much I appreciated all that I thought you had done for us.

If I could I would wave a magic wand...So that people with disabilities would never be thought of as a "burden"....or...Like you said -- someone that YOU (the taxpayer) had to take care of the rest of their lives.

I hope you have a nice retirement....And are reassured that our "dysfunctional family"...Will go on to do GREAT THINGS.....Even if YOU don't think so.

I wish you well,

Kristi Hopkins
CONTINUING TO THRIVE WITH NF....Despite people like YOU, who think we shouldn't..

Neuropsych Testing and Neurofibromatosis

Neuropsychological testing is an evaluation of a child's mood, behavior, personality, cognitive ability and over-all IQ.  The testing takes 6-8 hours and is performed by a licensed clinical Neuropsychotherapist.  Lucky for us, our doctor also specializes in children with Neurofibromatosis.

The testing includes various aspects of attention, memory, speed of information processing, language, visuospatial ability, sensory processing, motor ability, higher-order executive functioning, and intelligence.

Anyone with a Neurological disorder, or any type of brain injury should have this kind of testing done, not only to provide vital information to care givers and teachers, but also to provide parents with an understanding about how their child learns, so that they can find proper resources, as the child grows.

Common Questions

*Why should my child have a Neuropsych test done?

An accurate, scientifically based evaluation leads to personalized and more effective treatment, rehabilitation and life adjustments.  The test provides vital information about how your child learns...This information can be passed on to educators, who then can make school, a much more positive experience.

*Does Insurance cover this type of testing?

Typically yes.  Depending on your coverage and plan.

*How do I get the results of this test?

A few days after the test is performed, you will meet with the doctor, who will go over the test.  Your child, typically does not need to attend this meeting.  Any questions you have about the test, or specific questions about your child will be answered at this time.  Further testing, and/or treatments may be recommended. You will also receive a printed version of the test, in the mail about a week after your meeting.  Keep this in a safe place and make copies for your child's school.  You can request an IEP meeting, to go over the test with your child's teachers.

The results of this test can be quite overwhelming...So be sure to ask the doctor any questions you may have.  It may also be a good idea to prepare questions ahead of time, and bring a notebook, to jot down the answers to those questions.

Based on the results of our child's testing, here are some of the questions we had, for our doctor:

*What does the "overall IQ score" mean?

*What kind of future can we expect?

*Based on these results, what kind of job skills or training will be needed?

*How can we get the school, to help with the specific way our child learns?

*What types of rehab/therapy are available?

No matter what the results say, remember that, every single child is unique and special.  The results only define the way your child learns and how they process information. Low IQ scores, does not mean your child isnt smart...It just means your child learns, in a very specific way and the test results will help guide your child to the right kind of therapies and treatment...and is an essential part in finding ways to personalize their education.

If you have any specific questions, please feel free to contact me, or just comment below.