I was tested last term of college after breaking down during exam week. I’d just been inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and was set to graduate Magna Cum Laude from a highly selective SLAC. But I just couldn’t take it anymore and left. All my life I’d felt like an academic fraud, never admitting how hard it was for me to do well, taking twice as long to do everything. My advisor called me at home and begged me to come back and finish my exams. He set me up to get tested at UVA. Diagnosis: Specific Learning Disorder (Dyslexia).

Had I known, I would have worked every bit as hard to achieve, but I wouldn’t have felt as stupid doing it. Undiagnosed learning disabilities can take an enormous toll on self-esteem. And I might have learned to take the help that was offered instead of suffering in silence. I’m a successful writer and editor today, BTW.

No. My sibling got diagnosed at 18. They said they wished that they’d been diagnosed earlier, but at least they had services for college.

Our kid was successful in HS, but got an ADHD diag at 17. A few years later, they're still amazed at how much better life is with proper supports/meds.

Getting a neuropsych is a great idea (especially if it's not clear what's going on), but can take months. While you wait, if you suspect ADHD, you can get that evaluated quickly through your pediatrician. They will give you a parent and teacher questionnaire and if the behavior meets the criteria for ADHD in both settings, you have a diagnosis. That can get your DS accommodations at school more quickly—there will still be some paperwork hoops to jump through, so the sooner, the better. Good luck with your surgery!