Guest Blog from Susan Leckband
Oh, No. They told
me “You should get
him tested”
Your child is obviously struggling at school and you want to help them, but aren’t ready for an official diagnosis.
By Susan Leckband
January 6, 2026
Your child is struggling, but so are you. They are obviously “not getting it” for one reason or another. Easily distracted. Can’t focus. Can’t stop moving long enough to pay attention. Or, maybe struggles with connecting words and actions. There are lots of symptoms, and you’ve been telling yourself “It’s just a phase. He’ll grow out of it” for a while.
Now, someone is maybe telling you that you should get them tested so that they can get the right help. Is it ADHD? Dyslexia? Dysgraphia? Autism? Frankly, it doesn’t really matter exactly which one it is if there is a way to help them deal with the real world more comfortably and confidently. The H.E.L.P program is a drug-free brain training program that helps youth and adults improve their underlying learning and comprehension capabilities so that they naturally interact with the rest of the world in a better way. Students come to us confused, angry, tearful, and, often, desperate. They walk away confident, less stressed and more successful.
A medical diagnosis can help your child in many ways, but it isn’t required for the HELP program to be able to help them. Our M.A.P test measures how a person interprets, processes and retains information. We use it to create an individualized program for each student, but it is not a medical diagnosis. Understanding your child’s strengths and weaknesses is helpful for parents, teachers and our instructors so we can all help your child become the best version of themselves.
Fourteen year-old Sally was impulsive in a way that caused challenges in both school and home. Her mother was frustrated that Sally wasn’t completing her school work in a timely manner and doing her chores. While working with HELP, we identified that she was low in several areas, including auditory processing. The program helped her strengthen these skills, which, in turn, enabled her to focus on her chores and homework and ultimately manage her impulsiveness.
“You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it” – Maya Angelou
Twelve year-old Sid had been on ADHD medicine for two years. While the medicine did help, his parents were concerned about the side-effects. After going through the HELP program, Sid was able to halve his dosage. This was exciting to both Sid and his parents, as he felt more like himself and while still being able to focus and get his work completed.
Joe was eleven and had challenges with body movements, coordination and balance. His lack of coordination made it impossible for him to ride a bike or pump a swing. These seemingly small physical tasks that “everyone” could do were beyond him and it hurt him to not be able to do these things. He wanted to do these things by himself and play with his friends. After working through the HELP program, he was able to both pump a swing and, soon after, ride a bike by himself. At the same time, his academics improved, which raised his confidence and enabled him to try even more activities.
The HELP program changes lives. Come work with us to help your child.
If your child is struggling with school, there is another way. Our personalized, one-on-one coaching program brings real results that you and your child can see in school and in life. There is hope. Learn more.
Share & follow
For any inquiries, please contact:
Susan Leckband
helpadd.org
