You are definitely not alone! I, too, knew at an early age (2) that my son had difficulties. When he was tested at age 3 for pre-school they said he was in the normal range. Thankfully, our pediatrician said to take him back to get re-tested due to her inability to understand at least 80% of what he was saying (she could only understand 50%). They did and he qualified for speech disability which lasted until he was ready for Kindergarten. Then they wanted to release him from IEP. I strongly felt something else was going on, yet they said he tested in the normal range. At Kindergarten he struggled immensely and I also helped him at home for hours on end with the basics of letters, reading, etc. I approached the school and they, too, felt he was fine. After talking to a neighbor about that school in particular, my husband and I decided to change schools. What a difference! On day one of 1st grade, of first grade his teacher (with a special ed background) knew he needed to be tested right away! The process through the school district is very long and drawn out (about 9 mos in Illinois). However, my husband and I took him outside the school to be tested. Thankfully so, as he was tested in more areas than the school district is allowed. He was diagnosed with Dyslexia in 1st grade and at his 3 yr re-eval in 4th grade was diagnosed with ADHD (inattentive type). Around that time we also took him to the allergist to see if foods was an issue (none); and as a holistic type method, took him to a facility in a neighboring town that does tests on hair, blood and urine samples. We did find two discoveries and they had the vitamin supplements to help which did help! However, my son does not liking big pills and hiding, mashing or opening them into his food did not work. As a last resort, we tried the lowest dose of meds and it has worked tremendously! I always felt I would "lose" my child if I gave him the meds, but we haven't. The best of him comes out for everyone to see what we already knew! He had such struggles in 3rd - 5th grade; but has flourished in 6th - 8th grade. Yes, prior to meds people made comments, his friends diminished, we had daily struggles. I pray for those people who are close-minded and do not understand what we go through to make the best for our children. His friends have increased, the struggles have been reduced dramatically and we know sometimes cry at the good comments; frankly because people are seeing him for who is really is!

Quote