There have never been more therapists, psychologists, developmental pediatricians, and neurologists who have been more eager to label your preschool-aged child. Receiving a diagnosis of a learning disability –nonverbal learning disability, asperger’s, auditory processing disorder, “on the spectrum”, the list goes on. Parents can easily seek reports from professional after professional, spending thousands of dollars in the process and subjecting their children to numerous doctor’s appointments, observations, and tests.
In my experience, early diagnoses are often incorrect, and they unnecessarily upset parents. Focusing on children’s needs and putting together programs to help with challenges is infinitely more helpful than any useless label. Anyway, as children age, their needs often change. A label is static, children are not.
Toby Glick of ParentConfidante helps parents navigate these murky waters. You can learn more at www.parentconfidante.com or email toby(at)parentconfidante.com.