Introduction to Claire: A Success Story

Written by Dr. David Nilsson, Ph.D

I first met "Claire" about 9 nine years ago. She was first referred at that time for a neuropsychological assessment, presented as "bright" but with unusual variation in her academic function, presenting difficulty for hand/eye coordination, handwriting characterized as "horrible." Claire presented with particularly low stress and frustration tolerance, and promiment elevations of anxiety. Through her diligent effort she had been an excellent student, consistently on the honor roll but working unusually hard for grades. Math has been a particular concern; she nearly failed math, even with a calculator. Claire struggles socially still and becomes overwhelmed and over-stimulated. Her speech had been rapid and dysfluent, describing herself as an "intense person." Claire recognized the need for external structure having a difficult time relaxing and overreacting emotionally. She presented with an impressive tenacity, reactive irritability, and social anxiety. She displayed an unusually strong sense of right and wrong.

In completing neuropsychological testing, Claire presented with a mixed neurodevelopmental profile a pattern of impressive elevations and frustrating functional deficits. Based on history and testing it was my opinion that Claire experienced neurological injury, the source not clearly evident. No pregnancy or delivery complications were evident but Claire did have early vision problems (ie strabismus) undergoing surgery at 18 months. She developed asthma at age 2, clearly familial. She was described as her mother as beginning to stutter, expressive language becoming noticeably dysfluent, right after receiving a vaccination. Her oral motor function became somewhat imprecise. She did not learn how to ride a bike until 7 or 8 years of age.

Claire's drawings early in school were immature, drawing a circle as a straight line.

Subsequent to a rocky beginning, Claire has been very attentive in accepting feedback and applying it, continuing to the present day, having successfully completing a Master's Degree in Special Education. Claire continues to progress, making an important contribution to children and their development as a teacher.