He's 7, and draws like a 6 year old.... so he's not great, but in digital imaging, he is like a 12 year old. I know this because this is what I do for a living
Just wanted to chime in that it sounds like he has real talent, and it's really cool you are trying to let him grow in the direction he needs to... I suppose the only leg the teacher has to stand on is the absences, so she is using these. It's a shame, you have to find out what's up medically, perhaps some note(s) from the doctor to help her get some perspective on the big picture?
And I think make-up work would be the way to go, if she allows it.
