From a Master's in Counseling Psychology degree-holder (and one who could be a Licensed Psych Examiner if she takes the exam...)
I guess they consider ADHD and Dyslexia as "medical diagnoses" because they are differentially diagnosed and are listed in the DSM-IV. However, an MD isn't the one qualified to test and diagnose these conditions...someone with a Psychology/Psych Examiner Degree is. This would include a School Psychologist (the one who does the Special Ed testing).
Learning disabilities are also in the DSM and when diagnosed are listed on Axis I (same as ADHD and Dyslexia). Now that I think about it, exactly what did the school mean when they said that ADHD and Dyslexia were "medical diagnoses"...why did they refer you to an MD? If they work with Special Ed or School Psychologists, seems like they should know better.
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i have a student in my classroom who has never been formally evaluated by a neurologist. we all know that his diagnosis will be mental retardation, but we are unable to give him that label. the school district can do academic testing and write a report which they will ask you to share with his pediatrician or other doctor.
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See, that's weird to me. A school psychologist with a PhD (or a Master's level person supervised by a PhD) who works for the school CAN give that diagnosis. A teacher can't, but a licensed psych examiner can (at least in most states). A general MD/pediatrician would have no clue on how to diagnose MR...it takes an IQ score below 70 AND significant limitations in adaptive functioning in two skill areas (like communication skills, self care, home living, social skills, etc.) which means it takes a battery of tests to diagnose.
In any case, Wendi...you know your son the best. If you carefully observe him and his patterns, you could probably figure out what works for him and what doesn't without any sort of testing. You could also do some of your own "tests" by experimenting with different reading material, different patterns/routines at home, etc. to see what helps him excel.
Good luck on this!!
PsychTau