Learning Disabilities in Children
Does your child have a learning disability?
Criteria for Diagnosing a Learning Disability
A diagnosis of a learning disability is made through a comprehensive evaluation that includes standardized testing, interviews, family history, school reports, and observations. To be diagnosed with a learning disability, an individual must meet four criteria:
What are the requirements for diagnosis?
Specific Learning Disabilities in Children and Students
According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a specific learning disability means a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written, that may manifest itself in the imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or do mathematical calculations.
A specific learning disability does not include learning problems that are primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor disabilities, intellectual disability, emotional disturbance, or environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage.
For anyone to exhibit a specific learning disability, one of two things must happen:
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is a learning disability diagnosed?
A learning disability is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation, which includes cognitive testing, academic assessments, and behavioral observations. This helps identify areas where processing difficulties impact academic performance.
- At what age can a learning disability be diagnosed?
Learning disabilities can be diagnosed as early as school age, usually around 5-7 years old when academic challenges first emerge. However, assessments can be conducted at any age, including adulthood, to identify and address learning issues.
- Can learning disabilities be diagnosed through telehealth?
Yes, learning disability evaluations can be conducted through telehealth. We use a combination of virtual cognitive tests, academic assessments, and consultations to provide an accurate diagnosis from the comfort of your home.
- What happens after a learning disability diagnosis?
Following a diagnosis, a detailed report is provided with personalized recommendations. This may include accommodations for school or work, strategies for overcoming challenges, and ongoing support to help individuals reach their full potential.
- What are some of the most common learning disabilities?
Common learning disabilities include:
- Dyslexia: Affects reading abilities, making it difficult to recognize words, spell, and comprehend written material.
- Dyscalculia: Impacts a person’s ability to understand and work with numbers, making math-related tasks challenging.
- Dysgraphia: Causes difficulties with writing, including trouble with spelling, handwriting, and organizing thoughts on paper.
- Auditory Processing Disorder: Affects how the brain processes sounds, making it hard to understand spoken language, especially in noisy environments.
- Nonverbal Learning Disability (NVLD): Involves challenges with spatial awareness, motor skills, and interpreting nonverbal cues, while verbal skills may be strong.
These learning disabilities can impact academic performance and daily activities, but with proper support, individuals can develop strategies to overcome challenges.
- Does insurance cover an online learning disability assessement?
We do not accept insurance. However, we provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Additionally, we offer 12-24 month interest-free payment plans through CareCredit to make our services more accessible and manageable. This ensures you have flexible options to cover the cost of evaluations.
- Do I need a referral from a doctor or teacher for the assessment?
No, you do not need a referral from a doctor or teacher to schedule a learning disability assessment. You can contact us directly to arrange an evaluation if you or your child are experiencing academic challenges or suspect a learning disability. Our team will guide you through the process.
- What are the common signs of a learning disability?
Common signs of a learning disability include difficulties with reading, writing, math, or following instructions, as well as trouble focusing, organizing tasks, or remembering information. If these challenges persist and interfere with academic performance or daily life, an assessment may be needed.
