Frequently Asked Questions

Curious about eDiagnostic Learning? You’re in the right place! Explore our FAQ to uncover everything you’ve ever wanted to know about learning disabilities, testing, and more.

General Questions About Learning Disabilities

What exactly are learning disabilities, anyway?

Learning disabilities are neurological conditions that affect how an individual’s brain processes information. This means that certain mental tasks—such as reading, writing, or performing math calculations—may present more challenges than they do for others. People with learning disabilities can be highly intelligent and skilled in some areas while needing extra support in others.
Think of it like this: if the brain is a computer, a learning disability is a slightly different operating system. It doesn’t mean a person can’t learn; they just need the right tools and methods to succeed.

Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, ADHD—what’s the difference?

These are some of the most common learning and attention challenges.
Dyslexia mainly affects reading and can make it tough to decode words, learn new vocabulary, or read quickly.
Dyscalculia impacts math skills, like understanding numbers or solving basic arithmetic.
Dysgraphia involves problems with writing, including handwriting, spelling, or getting thoughts on paper.
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), on the other hand, is characterized by difficulties with attention, impulsivity, and sometimes hyperactivity, though it is not officially classified as a learning disability. Still, ADHD can significantly impact a person’s ability to learn or stay organized. Many individuals with ADHD also have co-occurring learning challenges like Dyslexia or Dyscalculia.
In the United States, it’s estimated that around 1 in 5 individuals experience one or more of these conditions.

How do I know if me or my child has a learning disability?

Recognizing a learning disability often begins with noticing recurring struggles in academic or work-related tasks.
For children, persistent difficulties with reading, math, writing, or attention in school, along with noticeable frustration or declining grades, can be warning signs.
Adults might notice ongoing struggles in the workplace, such as trouble completing written tasks, remembering details, or handling numerical data. Other signs can include behavioral changes, lack of motivation stemming from repeated academic or professional setbacks, or general confusion in areas that typically come easily to peers.
While these observations can alert you to a potential learning disability, a formal evaluation conducted by an experienced professional is the most reliable way to determine whether a learning disability is present.

Are learning disabilities caused by anything and they be “cured”?

Learning disabilities can stem from a variety of factors, including genetic predispositions, issues during brain development, or environmental influences. Because these differences are rooted in brain structure or function, learning disabilities are lifelong. However, numerous evidence-based strategies, techniques, and accommodations can help individuals manage or compensate for their difficulties, helping people with learning disabilities achieve success in academic settings and beyond.

Is ADHD a learning disability?

While ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is not formally classified as a learning disability, it can impact learning due to its effect on attention span, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. People with ADHD may struggle to focus on tasks, organize their time, or follow through on multi-step assignments. Because of this, their performance in school or at work can suffer, which can look similar to (or occur alongside) a learning disability. It’s common to see ADHD co-occurring with conditions like Dyslexia or Dyscalculia, making comprehensive evaluations essential for proper diagnosis and support.

Can someone have more than one learning disability at a time?

Absolutely, it can be common for individuals to experience more than one learning or attention-related challenge at a time. For example, a person might have Dyslexia (related to reading) alongside Dysgraphia (related to writing) or ADHD. These co-occurring conditions can compound academic or professional challenges, making it more difficult to pinpoint the root cause of the struggles. Comprehensive assessments are critical in these cases to identify every issue accurately, ensuring that individuals receive the right combination of strategies and accommodations.

Questions About the Testing Process

What is a 'psycho-educational evaluation'?'

A psycho-educational evaluation is like a thorough check-up for how someone learns, designed to reveal how someone learns, processes, and retains information. It typically involves tests that measure cognitive abilities (like memory, problem-solving, and reasoning skills), academic achievement (reading, math, and writing performance), and possibly attention or behavioral patterns. These assessments are crucial because they provide a roadmap of both strengths and weaknesses, helping parents, educators, and employers understand exactly what kind of support or accommodations a person may need. Without an evaluation, it can be difficult to pinpoint why a child or adult is struggling in certain areas and how best to help them succeed.

How long does the evaluation take, and when do I get results?

Testing typically runs 3-4 hours (with breaks as needed). After that, we need about 2 weeks to review everything and write up a detailed report.

What happens during a learning disability assessment?

You'll work one-on-one with one of our diagnosticians to complete a variety of interactive tasks and activities. We want to look at your academic skills in areas like reading, math, and language, how quickly and accurately you can process information, your long and short term memory, intellectual ability and cognitive functioning.

Who conducts the testing at eDL?

All assessments are administered by one of our Nationally Certified Educational Diagnosticians.

What’s the difference between eDL and a traditional in-person evaluation?

Offering virtual evaluations has allowed us to support even more families and individuals who may not have access to these services in their local area. You can be tested from home, without worrying about commuting or scheduling issues. We still deliver the same detailed assessments you’d get in a typical office visit. The only real difference between ‘in person vs virtual testing” is instead of sitting across the desk from each other, we’ll be face-to-face via Zoom.

Do you test adults, too—or just kids?

Yes! Learning differences don’t just affect kids. Plenty of adults realize later in life that they’ve been coping for years. We test individuals of all ages, including college students and professionals who may need documentation for work, certifications, or other accommodations.

Why would someone need a learning disability evaluation?
  • To secure academic accommodations (extra time, separate testing area, etc.)
  • To understand persistent school or workplace struggles
  • To boost college applications or improve job opportunities
  • To access targeted interventions that make a real difference

Questions About Results and Next Steps

What does the evaluation report include?

You’ll receive a breakdown of each test you took, what the scores mean, and whether you meet criteria for something like Dyslexia or ADHD. The report also includes suggestions on what you can do next—like accommodations, tools, or learning strategies to make life easier.

Is online testing accurate enough for official use?

When administered by qualified professionals using standardized tools—like we do—it’s highly accurate. Schools and workplaces generally accept our online testing reports because they meet professional standards.

Will schools or colleges accept your evaluations for accommodations?

Yes. Our reports are designed to meet standards for IEPs, 504 Plans, college disability services and testing boards. We stay up to date on the latest guidelines to ensure acceptance.

What if I already have a diagnosis? Can you update it?

Definitely. Accommodations often require recent testing—usually within the past 3–5 years. We can provide updated evaluations to keep your accommodations current.

How often should I get re-evaluated?

Typically every three to five years, especially if you’re in school or need to show documentation for a big test. Kids change quickly as they grow, so it can help to have an updated picture of their skills. Adults might need an update if they’re returning to school or seeking workplace accommodations.

I have my report—now what?

Share it with whoever needs it—like your child’s teacher, a university disability office, or your HR department at work. They can then put in place the accommodations or supports recommended by our evaluators. We’re also here if you want extra help understanding what those recommendations mean for your daily life.

Questions About eDLS Services

Does eDLS accept insurance?

We don’t bill insurance directly, but we give you all the CPT codes you need to try to get reimbursed. It’s a good idea to call your insurance beforehand to see if they cover any part of an educational or psychological evaluation.

Is my evaluation confidential?

Absolutely. We won’t share your information or results with anyone unless you give us consent. We take privacy seriously, so you can feel safe talking openly during the process.

What kind of support do you offer after the evaluation?

We provide consultations to discuss your results and suggest practical next steps. If you need tutoring or therapy, we can refer you to trusted providers in our network.

Can you screen for multiple conditions in one evaluation?

Yes! Our assessments are holistic, checking for learning disabilities, ADHD, processing disorders, and other potential concerns, all in one streamlined process.

Why choose eDiagnostic Learning Services?

We make evaluations accessible and simple by offering online evaluations that fit your schedule. Our team is highly trained, and we go the extra mile to ensure you fully understand the results. We aren’t just testing you—we’re helping you find solutions that make life easier and more successful.We tailor every assessment to your needs, ensuring you get the insights you deserve.

Do you provide tutoring or therapy, too?

We focus on evaluations, but we partner with a network of top-notch tutors and therapists. After testing, we’ll connect you with the right resources to ensure ongoing success.

Miscellaneous Questions

IEP vs. 504 Plan—what’s the difference?

An IEP (Individualized Education Program) is for students who need specific changes to the curriculum and teaching methods. A 504 Plan gives accommodations—like extra time on tests or the ability to use a computer—but doesn’t alter the actual curriculum. Both are there to help students who have disabilities thrive in the classroom.

Can learning disabilities affect mental health?

They can. Constant struggles in reading, math, or attention can be frustrating and lead to feelings of anxiety or low self-esteem. With the right help, such as a clear diagnosis and effective strategies, that stress can go way down..

Will my child ever “outgrow” a learning disability?

A learning disability is usually lifelong, but that doesn’t mean kids (or adults) can’t succeed. With the right accommodations, they’ll develop skills and techniques to manage their challenges. Over time, these supports can feel natural and help them thrive in school, work, and everyday life.