Learning Disability Evaluations

What is a learning disability?

Is your child struggling to meet grade-level standards in school despite increased academic support from their teacher? Specific learning disabilities are neurologically based and marked by substantial deficits in acquiring academic skills, especially those related to reading, mathematics, and writing. Between 8% to 10% of children under the age of 18 in the U.S. may have a learning disability.

Some children appear to have obvious learning challenges early in their academic careers. Other children may acquire compensatory skills to mask their condition. Additionally, learning disabilities tend to coexist with other conditions, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, communication disorders, and even giftedness.

Why schedule an educational evaluation?

A comprehensive psychological evaluation is needed to determine if an individual meets diagnostic requirements for a specific learning disability. A diagnosis of a specific learning disability can provide clarity, normalize experiences, and inform strategies to improve academic performance and satisfaction with schooling. Youth with learning disabilities typically require specialized instruction that is more intensive than what is delivered school-wide and modified to meet their unique learning needs. They may also benefit from accommodations, such as extended time on tests, in order to showcase their true abilities. A comprehensive evaluation will help pinpoint areas of strength and vulnerabilities, provide a better understanding of your child's experiences, identify strategies to improve academic success, and possibly help foster their emotional functioning. Additionally, an evaluation may help your child obtain eligibility for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and individualized support and learning plan in the school setting.

For emerging adults transitioning to college or the workplace, having a clear understanding of their learning needs can inform study strategies and may provide eligibility for classroom and workplace accommodations. Recommendations yielded from the evaluation can also provide adults with research-based tools to improve their confidence, performance, and productivity.