Once a neuropsyschologist told us that our daughter's brain was like Swiss cheese. Yep, she actually compared my daughters brain to stinky cheese (I didn't mind because I very much enjoy swiss cheese). Then she explained that some parts are in perfect working order and other parts have the holes but there isn't a scan that shows the holes so it's hard to know where the deficits are. It's almost like a treasure hunt searching for the holes (although a sick twisted one with no map or jewels). When we discover a hole it's actually a relief because now we know what we are dealing with. It's like turning on the light in a dark room, it's not scary when you see it in the light.
One black hole that we have identified for sure is that Isabella has a severe auditory processing disorder. This past summer our family took a rode trip to Newport and listened to several of the Harry Potter books on CD. When we got home Isabella asked if she could watch the movies. We decided that we would do it as a family even though we had all seen the movies before and read most of the books. Together we watched all eight movies ( yes eight, remember the last one is divided into two parts). I was impressed that Isabella was intently watching each movie. I thought to myself, "Wow! She is actually paying attention and getting this." Until, UNTIL, on the 8th DVD half way through the movie she blurts out, "Waaaaaait a minute! Harry Potter has a scar on his forehead. Do you guys see that scar? Why does Harry Potter have a scar?" We all sat there speechless. Awestruck. THIS WAS THE 8TH MOVIE PEOPLE! How had she missed one of the most important points of the entire movie? MovieS. EIGHT of them. How? I have no answer for this question except- Swiss cheese. She seems to be listening, she looks like she's comprehending, she appears to be studious and thoughtful and yet the information is not being processed; it has fallen into a hole before she even knew it.
