Ornella, you are not patronising in the slightest and I really am humbled to know how much you thought on the situation. You are also very right about the number of influences and opinions which are outside of a parents control.

Hopefully we can keep Teah's self belief high because this will be her first and best barrier against prejudice.

I agree, Jules. You are such a good mother to be introducing her to activities where she can shine and form a justified positive belief in herself and her strengths.

It is just so unfortunate that the language of this prize robs her of that achievement!

As she gets older, she will also become an advocate for herself. We are watching this happen (or begin to happen) with our daughter, who is about to enter high school next year. She does not think of herself as having a "disability" (most of the time....) but she is aware that she has "differences" and that some things that are difficult for her are easy for others -- and vice versa. We are currently undergoing a second round of psychoeducational testing. Discussing the results of the first round was actually empowering for her. She learned that her verbal intelligence is in the 99th percentile, even if her working memory is only in the 4th. It helped her understand some of her own frustrations and confusions.

Suz, does your daughter not mind the testing? I hope they are insightful for all of the family and allow for easy transition into high school.