How about instead of label such as ADHD dyslexia capd or the like we say something like the findings of this evaluation taken together suggest a left hemisphere dysfunction particulary in the frontotemporal brain region? Then based on what region of the brain is affected we can make program suggestions. Individuals with a right brain dysfunction need these services and ones with a left brain dysfunction need these ones? Those with a mixed dysfunctioning get all the programs. Then no one would have to worry about if the label is right. You could just concentrate on the area you know is not operating normally.
Re: how does this sound
I think that very specific areas of deficit need to be identified and addressed. A child with motor coordination issues needs occupational therapy. A child with poor reading skill needs a good phonemic awareness based program. Children with memory issues need to be taught coping strategies that improve memory functioning.
Interventions and diagnostics should be based on available research. Leave the theories at the door until there is adequate research supporting them. Lets stop the reading of bumps on the head which is what so much of this seems like to me. There is much available research that is not even considered by practitioners.
I sometimes think that there is a certain stake in coming up with an original theory. You get much kudos for being so creative in the academic circles. Did you hear so and so’s new theory? Oooh sounds like a new bandwagon we can all hop aboard.
Re: how does this sound
School districts cannot make these determinations, they are medical and require medical tests. School districts can determine certain educational conditions: learning disability, language disability, mental retardation….they cannot diagnose ADHD (your doctor can and then you can call it what it is), or link the condition to any area of the brain.
I don’t see how this would help. Left or right hemishpere dysfunction is to vague. The brain is a very complex organ, there are all sorts of areas for it to miscue. Now maybe if you said something like “Little Johnny” has difficulty with writing neatly due to complex motor problems, that might be more useful. Really though how helpful is it if it is not followed with to help “Johnny” become a better writer the following techniques can be tried? When a medical diagnosis is given the individual also gets a recommended course of tx. If the first treatment does not work if available another might be offered. This does not always happen in the education setting. Sometimes no “treatment course is offered, or the old and true even if it is not working is used.”