. Sorry, this is a repeat of another posting.

Yes, teachers first. Also there should be psychologists at the school. I would get it started immediately while she still has resources around her every day,

One of my friends has a child with this; maybe take a look and see if it seems to fit the child in question, esp the inability to find places and being unable to measure the passage of time. Of course, professionals will be your best source of information and help.

dyscalculia

You might look up and perhaps ask school to check for "executive function deficit" Executive function is the set of brain activities that allow people to acquire, organize and access information. Poor time mangmentment, getting lost, not doing well remembering and following directions are all pretty common. From your brief description, it may be worth checking out.

I agree with Maisie. My daughter is a school psychologist. I would suggest you have the teen tested at school, first, then elsewhere if needed, or suggested by the psychologist.

I would start with her personal physician. She's a senior in high school (5 months left) so I think it's a little late in the game for the school psychologist. She's also legally an adult regarding her health care and privacy issues.

What does she have to say about her issues? The things you describe can be due to so many different and/or overlapping issues, ADD, ADHD, Dyslexia etc. It can also be that she simply was not encouraged to develop life skills. Many young people today are being raised to do little but go to school, then at 18, all of a sudden they are supposed to know how to do the things they should have learned from early childhood. Like tracking time, taking responsibility for getting themselves from point A to point B etc.

I would encourage her to see her doctor, be honest about her issues and go from there.

The not getting along with mom? Lots of teens don't get along with their parents. They still live with them, so I am sensing greater family dysfunction than is being shared here. Are there other mental health problems in the family? More and more issues are often being seen to be hereditary.

It's very easy for the highly functioning family members to slip through the cracks while the more severely disabled get the attention. IE: the bipolar child of the alcoholic is never noticed to be ill themselves because the focus is on the alcoholic and any sideline unusual behaviors of other family members are blamed on the environment.

One thing I would take the time to do, to help your ultimate decision making process, is to call the nearest teaching hospital. Teaching hospitals are often a different flavor than regular hospitals: they get a new batch of med students every year, but they also often have world famous doctors and professors. Those who assist- the secretaries and assistants, are many times patient and remarkably knowledgeable. Call whatever department you think might be helpful, and they may in turn refer you to the best person for the situation.

They are also understanding about money and medical costs, and have good social service departments.

If this person isn't covered by medical insurance that provides psychiatric/mental health care, and if from a low income family, there may be coverage through the Medicaid program in the state of residence. Some benefits may be subject to an age limit.

How are you related to this young lady? Does the grandmother have ""legal"" permission to step in? Being 18, that may make her a legal adult? Does she want help? Help is available, but it could be only she is willing to step up. Also, there are homes that will give her guidance and help by trained personal that will help her out. My DD was such a person trained by professionals, both medical and psychological to train people with learning disabilities to learn to live alone. This was for young adults. I would suggest that Grandma and the girl contact the Social Services and/or a medical center to find out exactly what the problem is and find correct medical help. A place like Mayo Clinic, John Hopkins would be able to give references for your area. If need be, just explain what you have written in your request and go from there. Good luck.

A neuropsychological evaluation is in order. I am wondering about a nonverbal learning disability.

Sounds like she needs formal neuropsychological testing to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Some schools have great resources. Her primary care physcian should be able to give a referral. Some communities have social services available to residents. As previously mentioned, a university affiliated teaching hospital/medical center often has great services and options for those with limited resources.