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Exactly!

I remember diagnoses day (all three of them) very well. The dyslexia diagnosis was the hardest. I cried in the car on the way home and felt, for a week, like I had been punched in the stomach. Then, I regrouped and read everything I could about it. What made it easier to deal with was DD's elation at finally having an explanation for her struggles.

DS4 just had his psych-ed last week. I'm not sure how I am going to last until we get the results. Psyching myself up for it this time and expecting that he will be red-flagged for it. But, this time we are coming out swinging in primary rather than feeling like horrible parents in 4th grade!

Thank you all so much!

Okay, here's a funny story. Because I have suspected this for so long, I have been reading about dyslexia for about a year. I see my son as having many of the strengths that are commonly associated with dyslexia, such as strong spatial skills and creativity. He knows I have suspected dyslexia, and I have been careful to tell him about the good things about dyslexia, as well as suggesting it might explain his troubles with reading and spelling. He now thinks of dyslexics as especially creative, talented people. So after I had the conversation with the tester today, and told him that he did indeed have dyslexia, he actually pumped his fist and shouted, "yes!"

If you need to grieve, do that. (An autism mom I respect once said, "every tear I shed for my child is another jewel in my shield." Sometimes that's how it is.)

But know this: dyslexia is remediable. You'll find a path forward, and your child will figure out how to manage. Don't worry too much about far-ahead roadblocks; solve the immediate problems as you can, and know that things will be better for your having done so.

You'll get there.

DeeDee

Love it.

I find that we walk this line regarding our DS's autism. On one hand, we have made him aware of all the voices that call autism a difference instead of a disability; he embraces this idea. On the other hand, very often the autism is truly in his way, and then it's a disability. We talk about how it can be both, and how if he works on it, the disability parts may fade, leaving him with something that's mostly just a difference. That is what we're aiming for, and how we frame it. DS is 11, so we can get that detailed.

Anyhow: yes, better to know the pros and cons than to think of oneself as damaged goods! Because it's not damage; it's how one is made, and it's fine that way, even if it brings challenges.

DeeDee