Learning disabilities, or learning disorders, are an umbrella term for a wide variety of learning problems. A learning disability is not a problem with intelligence or motivation. If someone has a learning disability it may affect how their brain receives and processes information.
Simply put, children and adults with learning disabilities see, hear, and understand things differently. This may lead to difficulties with learning and applying new skills. The most common types of learning disabilities involve problems with reading, writing and math.
An assessment for learning disabilities consists of gathering relevant information about an individual’s strengths and weaknesses. The components of the assessment process may vary depending on the area of concern, but most assessments include the following:
- Screening (interview information, social-emotional measures, review of medical, school or work histories).
- Evaluation (formal testing in areas of academic achievement, intelligence and processing)
- Diagnosis (interpretation of all assessment data that is presented in a report detailing relevant information)
- Recommendations (for work, school, and/or daily living)
Who should be assessed? Children and Adults may undergo an assessment for reasons, including:
- Significant problems at work or school that prevent them from reaching their career and/or educational goals
- Significant problems in daily life (e.g. relationships, managing finances, decision making)
- A desire to know why they have always struggled to learn or remember information.
The first step to overcoming challenges is to determine the cause of the challenges. By completing the assessment process, children and adults can obtain the information and documentation they need to formally request accommodations at work or in school, and to determine effective strategies for learning based on their areas of strength.
It is important to note that many insurance plans do not cover educational testing, please contact our office for more information.