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We're going through this all over again with difficult child 1 and easy child 2/difficult child 2, as adults.


difficult child 1 was assessed urgently at age 6 because he was so hyperactive plus inattentive. he was also obviously bright, and clearly trying to be cooperative, but unable to comply.  Rather than get aggressive (back then) he would zone out in class. He was thoroughly assessed (psychiatrist, therapist, pediatrician) and ADHD was confirmed by all. He was started on medications which improved things a bit, but not enough. The label did help, but never explained everything.


The aggression started as he approached puberty. It was also greatly aggravated by caffeine.


We had some dud doctors over the years as well as dud assessments. Both boys had neuropsychologist assessments at the same highly reputable clinic. difficult child 3 was 4 at the time and their report on him was very pessimistic - "He will never attend a normal school. He is incapable of learning." They held back from actually saying "retarded"  but they clearly implied it. They were dead wrong on that score.


difficult child 1 was 15 when assessed at this clinic and was actually at the upper limit of the testing parameters and the clinic's capability. They made a number of mistakes in testing which we realised afterwards. However, while they acknowledged the errors, they did not feel it necessary to amend their report.


Even detailed, careful testing is only as good as the tester. They need to have their brains engaged and not be merely testing on automatic pilot. The same thing applies to doctors, especially those who feel they are too intelligent to need to rely on forms and tests. These doctors have an approach to medical diagnosis and treatment similar to someone filling a car's petrol tank without using any form of gauge. Or perhaps like a doctor trying to assess a patient's blood sugar levels without using a blood test. Unless it's glaringly obvious, a cursory visual inspection will miss it.


Move on. Out of the country if necessary.


Marg


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