Testing for Learning Disabilities in Children and Students
It is estimated that 5 to 15 percent of school aged children struggle with a learning disability. Of those, about 80 percent have a learning disability in reading, such as dyslexia. One-third of students with a learning disability are estimated to also have ADHD. 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, a student must meet four criteria:
Struggle in at least one academic area.
Have academic skills that are substantially below what is expected for the child’s age and cause problems in school or everyday activities.
The difficulties start during school age.
The difficulties are not due to other conditions such as vision/hearing problems, an intellectual disability, a neurological condition, lack of instruction, difficulties speaking or understand the language, or economic or environmental disadvantage.
A learning disability begins during school age but may not be recognized until later in life. 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. Specific learning disability does not include learning problems that are primarily the result of visual, hearing, or motor disabilities, of intellectual disability, of emotional disturbance, or of environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage. (IDEA Sec. 300.8 (c)(10))
In addition, we will use the assessment information to make relevant recommendations for both school and home. Call today for more information about how we assess and diagnose learning disabilities.
eDiagnostic Learning Services has been assessing children and adults since 2004
Call us today at 833-383-7882 to see how we can help!