PSYCHOLOGICAL & LEARNING EVALUATIONS
What is Psycho-educational Testing?
Psychoeducational testing typically involves a comprehensive assessment of a student’s cognitive, academic, and socio-emotional functioning. Tests usually are standardized such that students’ scores are compared on these core areas to other students of the same age and gender.
For many children, having a psycho-educational assessment performed is the first step toward not only securing a diagnosis, but also accessing a range of timely interventions and support programs.
What is a Specific Learning Disability?
A Specific Learning Disability (SLD) characterizes a weakness 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 to do mathematical calculations.
Learning disabilities affect how a person learns to read, write, speak, and do math.
A learning disability exists when there is a significant discrepancy/difference between a person’s abilities and actual achievement.
Are there different types of learning disabilities?
There is only one Specific Learning Disability diagnosis. However, it is divided into 3 specifications based on which academic domains are impaired:
- Specific Learning Disorder, with impairment in reading – Dyslexia
- Specific Learning Disorder, with impairment in written expression – Dysgraphia
- Specific Learning Disorder, with impairment in mathematics – Dyscalculia
What are steps to psycho-educational testing and how do I schedule one?
The psycho-educational assessment includes cognitive, academic, and achievement testing along with an interview and measures of emotional and behavioral functioning in order to rule out issues that can overshadow a learning disability.
A diagnosis of a learning disability, ADHD, or even anxiety or depression may allow individuals to receive needed accommodations at school including additional tutoring, a 504 Plan, or an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
With the right accommodations in place, an individual may be able to make a great amount of progress.
If you worry about you or your child having a learning, attention, or other problem that may be interfering with achievement at school or somewhere else, please call 470-610-0414 to speak with one of our psychologists and determine whether a psycho-educational assessment may be needed.
Any questions? Contact us