When do you really need to worry and what to watch for?!

My oldest son has a dx (ADD, Dysgraphia, and an auditory processing disorder) and dyslexic tendencies, but we have never medicated him.  I didn’t know about the food allergies/sensitivities so we never pursued that, though we still could.  His needs were naturally met being at home, it’s easy to adapt here.

One area we needed an earlier diagnosis was in Scouts.  If he had needed adaptations for achieving Eagle, then we had to have things documented and people aware of those issues before the final review.  So, while not a biggie, it needed to be clearly known about well beforehand.  (This was to avoid people taking advantage of an adaptation just to reach the rank while not necessarily needing it.  Having it documented and known takes that question right off the table.)   

The one benefit to a diganosis is the future assistance for standardized testing adaptations.  Who knows what those tests will look like in 5 yrs or more, but having something on paper will give you standing/proof for what he needs.  For example, my son will need more time, that’s his biggest need.  The other might be some simple forms for a guide while writing or specific questions to answer instead of an open ended essay.  Whether we get those adaptations or not, we have the formal proof they need to allow them.

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