Do you suspect your child might have a learning disability?

 

Children and teens with learning disabilities have difficulties processing information in one or more of several areas of learning. They may have problems getting information into the brain (called an input problem) or they may have difficulties getting information out of the brain (called an output problem).

 

They may have difficulty with sound input (called an auditory perception or auditory processing disorder) or with visual input (called a visual perception disorder).

 

There is no one definitive characteristic found in a child or adolescent with learning disabilities. The Child may show characteristics of one or more of the areas described. In fact, it is very uncommon to have only one area of difficulty.

 

Psychological Testing measure potential not what has been learned. It clarifies the nature of the processing deficit. Educational Assessments measure what has been learned in math, reading, spelling and other academic areas. 

 

Why is testing needed?

 

In order to determine if your child has a learning disability a Psychological/ Educational assessment is necessary. Psycho/Educational assessments are necessary to diagnose LD (Learning disability) and ADHD (Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder).

 

What are the clues of a learning disability?

In preschoolers, look for:
 

• Communication delays, such as slow language development or difficulty with speech. Problems understanding what is being said or problems communicating thoughts.
   

• Poor coordination and uneven motor development, such as delays in learning to sit, walk, color, and using scissors. Later watch for problems forming letters and numbers.
   

• Problems with memory and routine; for example, not remembering specifics of daily activities and not understanding instructions. Possibly, problems remembering multiple instructions.
   

• Delays in socialization including playing and relating interactively with other children.