Dyslexia Testing

This was finally the week that W got his dyslexia testing.  We drove up to the Bronx, met with the neurophysiologist, and started the 4+ hours of testing.  W sat in a small air-conditioned room with the tester while I watched through a 2-way mirror and filled out a ton of forms.  He did all kinds of tests:  spelling, listening, blocks, writing, word sounds, logic, patterns, etc.  He got a few 5-minute breaks and about 45 minutes for lunch (which they generously bought for us).  When he was done, he was given $54 cash, which he was thrilled with.

The neurologist told us she has to sit with the tester and go over all tests.  It could take a while.  The next step would be to take part in a brain wave scan as part of a dyslexia study.  We already met the EEG guy who went over what it is he does and what W would do if he's eligible for the study.  It's basically just  performing a bunch of tasks and computer activities to see which parts of the brain is used while wearing something that resembles a shower cap that they attach dozens of wires to.  The only kids eligible for the brain wave study are dyslexics.  The neurologist said she won't have a full diagnosis for a week or 2, but just by a quick once-over of W's responses, she thinks he's a candidate.  And the next day the EEG guy called me to schedule an appointment.

Sigh.  I knew since he was 8 that W did in fact have dyslexia.  There's a big emotional difference though, between a mom-diagnosis and an actual neurophysiologist diagnosis.  I guess I still just held onto the idea that W's reading/spelling/writing issues would just go away one day.  When I do get the full report, it is going to be very bittersweet.  I mean, I'll be so glad and relieved to finally have it in writing that this is not something I did to him, that there is a name for what he is going through, and that he is entitled to certain accommodations once he's in school.  Also, I'll be able to know specifically what the issues are and research the best way to teach him.  But on the other hand, I feel like omg, my son has a learning disability and there's nothing anyone can do to cure it.