You are correct that formal testing would be the only way to clarify if your older daughter has a disability.

ADHD is a neurologically-based disorder. Key to making the diagnosis is to establish a chronic and a pervasive history of the behaviors noted.

There is a category within IDEA for Traumatic Brain Injury; however, students with your daughter’s history are usually identified based on how the prenatal trauma impacts on their ability to

A non-verbal learning disability can be part of a larger picture of learning disabilities or can be part of other psychiatric disorders.

The only way to clarify where your daughter’s areas of learning strengths and learning weaknesses are is through formal testing. These studies are called psycho-educational evaluations.

Your son is fortunate to have a father who cares and is concerned. Your worries are appropriate. How would a 15-year-old reflect that he might have ADHD?

I am sorry to hear of your problems. First, may I comment on your emotional difficulties.

I am so delighted that you understand your learning disabilities and learning abilities so well. As you know, this means that you have areas of great strength and areas of weakness.

Meredith,

I cannot explain or justify the actions of the psychiatrist.