New test to help diagnose mental disabilities.

Many of our clients are families with children or adults who suffer from ADHD, learning disabilities and other mental functions. It is easy to see why we specialize in and focus on learning disabilities and other related impairments when one considers that one in ten Canadians has a learning disability and school principals report that 12% of children have a learning disability. However, one of the biggest challenges that parents face is the ability to have their child's learning disability professionally diagnosed. In doing so, they are then able to access support and assistance for the special needs of their child. The options for diagnosis are usually a school psychologist which can result in long waiting period or a private diagnosis which can be costly.

There is good news on the horizon! The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA has approved a new blood test that can help diagnose mental disabilities in babies by analyzing their genetic code. The test known as the CytoScan Dx Assay can accurately spot variations associated with intellectual disabilities. It is designed to help doctors diagnose children's disabilities earlier and get them appropriate care and support.

The test is not meant to be administered to every child but would be used when a child exhibits unusual behavior or certain physical or behavioural signs that suggest a learning disability or intellectual disorder. At this time, CytoScan Dx Assay is not available in Canada. If you have a family member who you believe has a learning disability or intellectual impairment and would like to have the testing available in Canada, we strongly suggest that you write to your local MP and Health Canada have the testing approved.