Learning Disability Assessment
- What is a learning disability?
- What are the criteria used to diagnose learning disabilities?
- What is Psychoeducational testing?
- What will the results of the Psychoeducational testing tell me?
- What can be done if someone does have a learning disability?
- How long does the testing take?
- Will insurance cover the cost of testing?
What is a learning disability?
A learning disability is defined as a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using spoken or written language, which may manifest itself in an imperfect ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or to do mathematical calculations.
When someone has a learning disability, it means that he or she learns differently than most people, and that learning itself is usually more difficult. A learning disability is a condition that can effect anybody, regardless of age, ethnicity, or gender.
What are the criteria used to diagnose learning disabilities?
1. There must be a significant discrepancy between overall cognitive ability and achievement.
The ability may be present, but for some reason(s), achievement is lacking. Ability is usually calculated through the use of an intelligence test. Achievement is determined by studying an individual's performance in various academic areas (spelling, math, reading, written expression, etc.). Once both of these are measured, they are compared to determine if discrepancies exist.
2. The brain has a processing deficit, which impairs the ability to process information.
The brain must process all of the information that it receives from our senses, such as vision or hearing. For example, if one's visual memory is weak it will cause that person to have great difficulty remembering what he or she sees. Other's may easily recall what they've seen, but will have trouble processing the sounds they hear, causing them to struggle with sounds that are similar, like 'm' and 'n.' Everyone has different processing abilities, and processing deficits can have a negative effect on learning ability.
3. The processing deficit must prove to be directly contributing to underachievement.
If a person does have trouble processing the sounds he or she hears, it must be discovered whether or not it is negatively impacting his or her academic performance. For example, difficulty with processing similar sounds may cause one to have trouble learning to read using the traditional, phonics based approach � causing a direct contribution to their underachievement.
4. The underachievement cannot be primarily due to factors other than the processing deficit.
For an individual to have a Learning Disability, his or her underachievement cannot be due to other factors, such as mental retardation, epilepsy, sensory impairment (vision and hearing), or severe psychological disturbance. Although many with learning disabilities have other problems, these other concerns (i.e. depression and low self esteem) must be secondary to the learning disability.
What is Psychoeducational testing?
Many areas must be tested in order to accurately diagnose a learning disability. To begin, a person's overall intelligence - or cognitive ability - must be measured. All of the processing areas must also be assessed. These areas include visual/auditory memory and discrimination, processing speed, executive functioning, etc. Once these processing areas have been evaluated, the person's achievement must be tested in various areas, such as speaking, listening, reading, writing and math. Before the diagnostic testing is complete, background information is examined, such as family history, medical history, school performance, emotional factors, motivational issues and his or her attention span.
What will the results of the Psychoeducational testing tell me?
Every person tested gains a large amount of valuable information, regardless of whether or not the results include findings consistent with a learning disability:
- One will discover even more about his or her strengths and weaknesses. Most people arrive with a good idea about the areas that cause them problems, but fail to realize the importance of studying their strengths. This well-rounded information arms one with the background knowledge to address the learning disability by planning remediation strategies.
- In addition to realizing what areas are strong or weak, one will learn what makes these areas so. For example, a student may learn why they have such trouble in math class or an adult may discover why they were never able to completely master reading. There are many possible reasons for such problem areas, such as poor phonics skills, trouble discriminating between letters, poor comprehension and/or an inability to concentrate. Knowing why one has certain problem areas will provide them with the knowledge to improve these areas.
- Once the strengths and weaknesses are identified and the causes are realized, appropriate remedial techniques can be provided. The person tested will receive recommendations for themselves, for their family, school; and occasionally, other professionals that work with him or her regularly.
What can be done if someone does have a learning disability?
Help is available if a learning disability is identified, and students can learn strategies for navigating areas that are difficult for them. Learning disabilities effect every person differently, and the disorder can range from mild to severe.
Depending on the type of learning disability and its severity, as well as the person's age, different kinds of assistance can be provided. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1997 and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 people of all ages with LD are protected against discrimination and have a right to different forms of assistance in the classroom and workplace. Accommodations are also made on various standardized tests, including the ACT, SAT, GRE, MCAT, and LSAT.
How long does the testing take?
The testing takes anywhere from 3 to 8 hours, and is often broken into 2 smaller testing sessions to avoid fatigue.
Will insurance cover the cost?
Some or all of the cost can be reimbursed through your insurance.
If you suspect that someone close to you has a learning disability, you should take them to see a well-informed professional that can accurately and thoroughly review their situation. A professional's knowledge and expertise in such situations will provide the first step in dealing with the learning disability and helping your loved one with his or her achievement. If you think you may want Cognitive Solutions to complete the evaluation, please contact us with your concerns at:
2409 N. Clybourn Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 755-1775
email: info@cognitivesolutionslc.com