I Don't Want My Son Labeled

Dear S.Q. Our eight-year-old grandson is failing in school and has no friends. We babysit during the week so we see that he's awkward. Bright, but can't look you in the eye and lacks simple social skills like small talk. We've begged his mother to get help, and offered to pay for it, but she says he'll outgrow it and doesn't want him labeled. 

Dear Grandparent, To design a specialized, individual educational plan for a student (either private or public school) requires diagnostic testing to pinpoint areas of deficit and strength, tailor instruction to meet the needs, and employ teachers and others with specialized credentials and training. Nationwide, a school district will test a student without cost, and if qualified (as designated by their diagnosis) for special education services, doors open to meet the youngster's learning, developmental, behavioral, or emotional needs. Labels that have the potential of negative effects because of perceived prejudices must be addressed, and weighed against the potential benefits. Should one refuse a medical label, like cancer or pregnancy, if access to treatment depended on it?  Same issue here. -SQ