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 (SLDs) 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 some type of learning disability.
When it comes to learning disability warning signs there is not a one size fits all list. Some children appear to have obvious learning challenges early in their academic careers, others 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 in nature and modified to meet their unique learning needs. They may also benefit from accomodations, 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 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.