My 8 year old has trouble in school, but to talk to him, he seems quite bright. His teachers were postive he had ADD.
Instead of having him tested through the school, we took him to a private psychologist. The psychologist found visual processing problems and short term memory issues.
This tactic backfired on me because the testing instruments used were not on the approved list for the school district and so they couldn't accept the results. We would have to test again privately using approved tests, or wait for it to be done through the school.
Luckily, with his teacher's understanding that there are issues, we are able to just help him without having to wait for the testing and getting an IEP written. Eventually, he will get a teacher who is less cooperative and we'll have to do it all again.
My pediatrician commented that she never prescribes meds without the testing being done. She's lost some patients over it.
God bless your pediatrician. My son (not the one I talked about earlier in this thread) has recently been diagnosed as bi-polar. He's 30 and has had a hard life but the meds are doing wonders now. He's my oldest and as I look back I wonder what else we could have done for him. He was always very bright but didn't do too well in school, was not popular, had some weird behaviors but who knew? I do know that he is an honorable person. He has a very good soul. I just wish his life were easier but I know God has something in mind for him. I used to think that they didn't diagnose bi-polar in children but I guess that they do now. sigh.
My daughter has short term memory problems as well.
I think before a parent puts a child on medication, they should put the child through a thorough evaluation (outside of the school).
My daughter had a great evaluation through a neuropsychologist and a learning specialist. It really helped us figure out how to help her.