Diagnostic Signs That You or Your Child
May Have a Commonly Missed Disability

Diagnostic Signs - Many people struggle with disabilities that have not been diagnosed. They are labelled as lazy and indifferent. Others think they don't care about doing well. They often get mediocre or bad grades at school, and are not successful on the job, even though you would think they could do much better. Their undiagnosed disability is holding them back from enjoying the success they could otherwise achieve. Often they do not know why they are struggling with school, jobs and life. As a result, they often feel like failures and suffer from depression, even self-loathing.

Diagnostic Signs - Child

1. The child is having ongoing problems at school.

2. The child is having run-ins with law enforcement or other authority.

3. Adults have difficulty "handling" the child.

4. The child is frequently sick or frequently misses school.

5. Adults are concerned that the child is not performing up to his or her abilities, ie, is under-achieving.

6. The child is not developing with his or her peers. This can include physical, emotional, academic and skills development.

7. A parent, teacher, significant caregiver, friend or relative have concern that something is not quite right.

Diagnostic Signs - Adult

1. The adult is having ongoing problems on the job.

2. The adult is having run-ins with law enforcement or other authority.

3. The adults has few close friends, has difficulty with relationships and frequently feels misunderstood.

4. The adult is frequently sick or frequently misses work.

5. The adult has difficulty performing up to his or her abilities, ie, is under-achieving.

6. The adult's life is not moving with his or her peers. This can include education, job promotions, salary raises and significant long-term relationships.

7. People in the adult's life have concern that something is not quite right.

These checklists are designed to help people get started in the right direction. This material is provided for informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. This is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Professional medical advice should be sought whenever appropriate.

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