Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 5/25/2004

Question
I have an 8 year old going to 2nd grade. He has seen a neruologist. She said he may be add, and have a touch of dyslexia, and some trouble with words. She told me to put him on adderal, wait and get him tested for dyslexia when he was older, and gave me a name of someone who could help him with the word problem. I didn't want to put him on adderal, and I will tell you why. The only subject he is having trouble in is phonics and spelling. He is also a slow reader, but has good grades. My childs biggest problem is the test taking. He will make an A or B on oral testing but fail the written. His problem is getting the words from his brain to the paper. I feel as if he were add he wouldn't be able to say it orally either. Or making 100's and high B's in math. Am I wrong? I just don't want him to be dyslexic and not get help. I hope you can help give me some advice.Thank you so much for your time. Sincerely, Betsy Havard

Answer
I certainly can give you advice,however I am not sure you or the doctor will like what I have to say.It is  my intension to advise without offending. Just as one cannot have a "touch " of pregnancy, you are or you are not!Just so you either do or don't have ADD. As dyslexia is a symptom of ADD and not a separare condition ,if he has a potential to develope a reading problem because he cannopt concentrate it will be very difficult for him to be taught without stimulant medication.If a child has ADD now, one should not wait till he is older to be tested!Whatever for? He is already getting behind. As phonics are the main avenue to learn to read so you can later, read to learn,there should be no delay in having him fully evaluated now and start treatment, if he has A DIAGNOSABLE CONDITION.Mechanical maths is done with his right hemisphere of his brain, his good side.His immature left hemisphere is the language ,phonic reading side of the brain and probably need stimulant medication TO MAKE HIM MORE TEACHABLE.I hope I have made some sense?