Learning Disability Testing & Learning Disability Diagnosis
Learning Disability testing and Learning Disability diagnosis can help you in many ways. One of the ways that getting tested can help is that you can gain a greater understanding of what is going on. Another benefit is that if you receive a Learning Disability Diagnosis you may be able to getting extra support or accommodations.
How Learning Disability Testing & Learning Disability Diagnosis Helps With Understanding
This is a big one! Most people say the understanding they got from testing, regardless of Learning Disability diagnosis, was extremely helpful. Although people already know learning is different or “something is going on”, they aren’t completely sure what is going. They aren’t sure how significant the issue is. Through thorough testing you can get answers. You will get and understanding of ability to learn visually and verbally.
Processing Speed or Working Memory Difficulty?
Many of those with a Learning Disability diagnosis (especially Reading Disability diagnosis) have stronger abilities to think, reason, and problem solve nonverbally than verbally. In addition, you will learn about your working memory and processing speed abilities. Often times, but not always, those with a Learning Disability diagnosis have working memory and/or processing speed that is not as developed. They may need additional time to complete tests or benefit from utilizing strategies to support their memory.
Learning Profile
Do you learn better visually or verbally? When completing Learning Disability testing you will be tested on your verbal and visually learning abilities. Knowing whether you are a verbal or visual learner can help you maximize your study time. It can also help you know what type of teaching style works best for you.
Academic Skills
When you complete Learning Disability Testing, you will also gain a better understanding of specific academic skills. Testing will target specific reading, writing, and math skills. For example, you will learn if you struggle with phonemic awareness (being able to hear, identify, and manipulate sounds), reading fluency (if you read like you speak and the speed with which you read), or reading comprehension. You will also learn about your writing ability. After testing is complete, you will know how your spelling and sentence writing skills fall in comparison to others your age throughout the country.
Finally, you will learn about your math skills. Is there an issue critically thinking through word problems? Is it difficult to figure out how to apply math problems to everyday life situations? Are there math calculation difficulties where the you are not able to do age appropriate math? Or, maybe you struggle with knowing basic math facts so that you can quickly complete simple math? Once you understand where the breakdown in your academic skills are you can better target interventions.
Benefits of Accommodations After Learning Disability Testing & Learning Disability Diagnosis
If you do have a Learning Disability, whether it is a Reading Disability, Writing Disability, or Math Disability you may be able to access extra support once a Learning Disability diagnosis is made. The type of support you receive can look differently based on age and situation. Many parents of those who are school aged choose to take the Learning Disability report you receive after testing is completed to their child’s school. Once the school has this report they will often work with you to develop interventions that will support your child’s success. If you are older, you may want to complete an evaluation to document accommodations on the ACT, SAT, GRE, LSAT, of MCAT. Those in college may require testing to receive accommodations in their college classes, such as extended time on tests. Our evaluations have been used to support the need of these accommodations.
Learning Disability Testing at MVP
If you need a Learning Disability evaluation completed you have come to the right place. At Mountain Vista Psychology, we complete Learning Disability testing for children, teens, and adults. We ensure a thorough Learning Disability evaluation is completed so you understand strengths and areas of needed support. Gold standard tests are used that are recognized by K-12 schools, colleges, and standardized testing boards (i.e., ACT, SAT, etc.). After Learning Disability testing is complete we write a report and have an in-person feedback session with you to go over test results. We will answer questions and discuss recommendations going forward. It is our intention that after completing an evaluation you have a greater sense of understanding. We want you to feel empowered to take the next steps to improve life.
Here is a brief overview of our Learning Disability testing services:
Interview: During the interview we gain background information. Through this process we get an understanding of strengths and areas of struggle. We assess for co-existing difficulties so we can get a full understand of what to recommend to you going forward.
WISC-V IQ/WAIS-IV IQ: This testing looks at the ability to learn new information visually and verbally. Working memory and processing speed are also tested.
Woodcock Johnson-IV: Academic testing measures reading, writing, and math skills.
Extra testing: If your primary concern is reading, we may recommend one or both of the following:
The Gray Oral Reading Tests-Fifth Edition (GORT-5): The GORT-5 is one of the most widely used measures of oral reading fluency and comprehension. The GORT-5 allows us to gain a deeper understanding of reading fluency and comprehension levels.
The Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing – Second Edition (CTOPP-2): The CTOPP-2 is a targeted assessment of phonological skills. These skills are needed to successfully sound out new words.
We are able to determine whether you or your child has a Dyslexia diagnosis, which is a common Learning Disability Diagnosis. We also test for Dyscalculia diagnosis (math disability diagnosis) and a Specific Learning Disability in Written Expression. MVP serves those living in Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Parker, Greenwood Village, Englewood, Castle Rock, Centennial, Littleton, Lakewood, and other communities in the Denver Metro area in Colorado.
Take the next step
We know how challenging having learning differences can be, therefore, we and are here to help. Take the first step and call our office at 720-583-9332. You can make your appointment or we offer a 20 minute free phone consultation to discuss your needs. While we run a busy practice, we are never too busy to help you. We welcome the opportunity to chat with you.
Written by Steffanie Stecker, Ph.D., BCN, QEEG-D