25 Sep The Cost of Misdiagnosis
The Cost of Misdiagnosis How – How School Labels Can Hold Your Child Back
When a child struggles in school, the tendency for educators to quickly assign labels such as “lazy,” “unfocused,” or even “disruptive” can lead to serious consequences. These labels, often based on superficial assessments, may overlook the root cause of a child’s difficulties, such as a learning disorder like dyslexia, ADHD, or auditory processing disorder. Unfortunately, misdiagnosis or improper labeling can significantly impact your child’s educational journey and overall self-esteem, with long-lasting effects.
The Impact of School Labels
Schools frequently use quick screenings or performance-based observations to determine whether a child is having learning difficulties. However, these methods are limited in scope, often focusing solely on academic performance while failing to dig deeper into cognitive processes and potential learning disorders. For instance, a child who consistently performs poorly in reading may not be diagnosed with dyslexia because they manage well in other areas like oral communication. As a result, the child may be labeled as “lazy” or “disinterested” without receiving the necessary support.
This mislabeling can have severe consequences. Research has shown that negative labels significantly influence how teachers and peers perceive a child, which in turn affects how they perceive themselves. In some cases, teachers who are aware of a diagnosis, such as dyslexia or ADHD, may unintentionally lower their expectations of the child, limiting their opportunities for academic success.
This phenomenon, known as the self-fulfilling prophecy, creates a cycle where students underperform because their educators expect them to. Studies indicate that diagnostic labels can trigger biases in academic evaluations, even among trained professionals, leading to worsened outcomes for the child
Misdiagnosis vs Missed Diagnoses
While misdiagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment plans, missed diagnoses are perhaps even more damaging. Many learning difficulties, including dyslexia and ADHD, are not immediately obvious and require in-depth cognitive assessments to identify. For example, a child who struggles to maintain focus might be mistakenly diagnosed with behavioral issues or low motivation, when in reality, they have an underlying attention deficit or processing disorder.
A report from the Special Needs Jungle highlights that teachers often misidentify learning difficulties due to insufficient training and resources. In one survey, over 57% of teachers believed misdiagnosis was common, with many citing parental pressure or an over-reliance on academic underperformance as diagnostic criteria.
This gap in proper identification is exacerbated in international and private school settings, where resources may be even more constrained, and standardized cognitive assessments are often not conducted. As a result, children in these schools may face a prolonged struggle, failing to access the support they desperately need.
The Role of Comprehensive Assessments
To truly understand your child’s learning challenges, it is essential to get a comprehensive cognitive assessment conducted by a licensed educational psychologist. Tools like the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V) and the Cognitive Abilities Profile (CAP) provide an in-depth look at a child’s cognitive functions, identifying strengths and weaknesses across a range of domains, including verbal comprehension, memory, attention, and processing speed. These tests go far beyond what a standard school screening can offer, painting a clear picture of where your child needs support.
For example, the CAP is particularly valuable because it can screen for up to 11 specific learning conditions, including dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and auditory processing disorder. By identifying these conditions early, educators can implement targeted interventions that help the child thrive, rather than continuing to fall behind. The CAP doesn’t just diagnose one issue; it provides a holistic understanding of the cognitive factors that contribute to a child’s academic performance, allowing for tailored educational plans that meet their specific needs.
10 Signs Your Child May Have Been Mislabeled at School
- Sudden drop in academic performance without clear reasons
- Teachers frequently label your child as “lazy” or “unmotivated”
- Lack of improvement despite increased effort and attention
- Behavioral issues escalate after being placed in specialized programs
- Inconsistent academic achievements across subjects
- School refuses to reassess or re-evaluate your child’s needs
- Your child displays high verbal skills but struggles with reading or writing
- Social or emotional difficulties emerge after receiving a diagnosis
- Misalignment between school observations and at-home behavior
- Standard school interventions (like extra tutoring) fail to make progress
How Misdiagnosis Holds Children Back
The danger of not accurately diagnosing a learning disorder is that children may receive improper interventions, or none at all. When a school labels a child as lazy or unfocused, parents and educators may push for generic solutions like more discipline or harder work, rather than providing the specialized support that would make a real difference. Misdiagnosed children may face social isolation, as their peers may not understand why they struggle, leading to further emotional and behavioral difficulties.
These labels prevent children from accessing necessary accommodations, such as extra time on exams or one-on-one tutoring. Without the right diagnosis, teachers and school administrators are often reluctant to offer these supports, believing the child simply needs to “try harder” or “pay more attention.”
What Parents Can Do To Break The Cycle
As a parent, the best thing you can do is advocate for a full cognitive assessment for your child if you suspect they are struggling with an undiagnosed learning difficulty. School screenings are valuable but limited, and they should not be the final word on your child’s abilities or potential. Insist on a detailed evaluation from a licensed professional, preferably one who uses comprehensive tools like the CAP or WISC-V, to ensure that no aspect of your child’s learning profile is overlooked.
Once a diagnosis is made, it’s crucial to work closely with educators to develop an individualized learning plan (ILP) tailored to your child’s needs. This plan should include specific accommodations and teaching strategies that help your child overcome their difficulties and succeed academically.
The cost of misdiagnosis (whether through superficial labels or missed conditions) can hold children back for years, limiting their academic achievements and emotional well-being. By understanding the limitations of school-based evaluations and pursuing comprehensive testing, you can ensure your child receives the support they deserve, unlocking their true potential.
Alexander Bentley-Sutherland is the CEO of Global Education Testing, the leading provider of Learning Development Testing tailored specifically for the International and Private School community worldwide.