Learning & Academic Testing
Comprehensive assessment to understand learning differences and unlock academic potential.
When effort doesn’t match results, when studying hard still leads to disappointing grades, when reading feels like a struggle or math never quite clicks—these experiences deserve more than frustration. A learning evaluation can reveal why learning feels harder and what can be done about it.
What is Learning & Academic Testing?
Learning and academic testing is a comprehensive evaluation designed to assess how a person processes information, acquires new skills, and performs academically. It identifies specific learning disabilities, cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and the factors that may be interfering with academic success.
Learning disabilities are neurological differences in how the brain processes information. They are not about intelligence—many individuals with learning disabilities are highly intelligent but struggle in specific academic areas due to how their brain processes certain types of information.
A thorough evaluation examines cognitive abilities, academic achievement, and the relationship between them. When there’s a significant discrepancy between intellectual potential and actual performance in specific areas, a learning disability may be present.
The assessment also identifies your unique learning profile—not just what’s difficult, but how you learn best. This information is essential for developing effective strategies and accommodations.
- Reading skills and comprehension
- Written expression and spelling
- Mathematical reasoning and calculation
- Processing speed and efficiency
- Working memory and retention
- Visual and auditory processing
Who Should Consider Testing?
Learning evaluation may be helpful if you or your child experiences any of the following:
Reading Difficulties
- Slow or labored reading that doesn’t improve with practice
- Difficulty decoding unfamiliar words
- Poor reading comprehension despite adequate decoding
- Avoiding reading or losing place frequently
Writing Challenges
- Persistent spelling errors despite instruction
- Difficulty organizing thoughts on paper
- Slow, laborious handwriting
- Written work that doesn’t reflect verbal ability
Math Struggles
- Difficulty understanding number concepts
- Trouble memorizing math facts
- Confusion with multi-step problems
- Struggles with word problems despite reading ability
General Academic Concerns
- Grades that don’t reflect effort or intelligence
- Inconsistent performance across subjects
- Needing significantly more time than peers
- History of academic struggles despite trying hard
Learning disabilities often go unidentified into adulthood, particularly for individuals who developed strong compensation strategies or whose struggles were attributed to lack of effort. It’s never too late to understand how your mind works.
A Note on Adult AssessmentCommon Learning Disabilities
Testing can identify various learning disabilities, including:
Dyslexia
A language-based learning disability affecting reading, spelling, and writing. Individuals with dyslexia often have difficulty with phonological processing—connecting sounds to letters and words.
Dysgraphia
A learning disability affecting written expression. This may involve difficulty with handwriting, spelling, and organizing thoughts on paper, even when verbal expression is strong.
Dyscalculia
A learning disability affecting mathematical ability. Individuals may struggle with number sense, memorizing math facts, understanding mathematical concepts, or solving word problems.
While diagnostic labels can be useful for accessing services and accommodations, the real value of testing lies in understanding your specific cognitive profile. Two people with the same diagnosis may have very different learning needs. The goal is to understand your unique pattern of strengths and challenges.
What the Evaluation Includes
A comprehensive learning evaluation involves multiple components to ensure accurate diagnosis and actionable recommendations.
Clinical Interview
We begin with a thorough discussion of developmental history, educational background, current academic functioning, and specific concerns. For children, this includes detailed parent interview and review of school history.
Cognitive Assessment
Standardized intelligence testing measures overall cognitive ability as well as specific cognitive processes like verbal reasoning, visual-spatial skills, working memory, and processing speed. This establishes a baseline for comparison with academic skills.
Academic Achievement Testing
Comprehensive assessment of reading (decoding, fluency, comprehension), writing (spelling, written expression), and mathematics (calculation, problem-solving) to identify specific areas of strength and weakness.
Processing Assessment
When indicated, additional testing examines specific cognitive processes such as phonological processing, visual-motor integration, or auditory processing that may underlie academic difficulties.
Feedback Session
After testing is complete, we meet to discuss results in detail. I explain findings in plain language, answer questions, and ensure you understand both the diagnosis and the practical implications for learning and intervention.
Your Report
Following the evaluation, you receive a comprehensive written report that includes:
- Clear diagnostic conclusions
- Detailed cognitive and academic profile
- Explanation of how learning differences affect performance
- Specific intervention recommendations
- Accommodation recommendations for school or testing
- Strategies tailored to your learning style
This report provides the documentation required for school-based services, standardized testing accommodations (SAT, ACT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT, etc.), and workplace accommodations under the ADA.
Common Accommodations
Depending on the evaluation findings, recommended accommodations might include:
- Extended time on tests and assignments
- Reduced distraction testing environment
- Assistive technology (text-to-speech, speech-to-text)
- Note-taking support or recorded lectures
- Alternative formats for assignments
- Preferential seating in classrooms
Fees & Practical Information
Testing is billed hourly for time spent on clinical interview, test administration, scoring, interpretation, and report writing. A detailed estimate is provided before any assessment begins. I am an out-of-network provider—some insurance plans offer partial reimbursement for psychological testing.
Common Questions
How long does the evaluation take?
A comprehensive learning evaluation typically requires 5-8 hours of testing, usually spread across 2-3 appointments. The feedback session takes approximately one hour.
What age range do you test?
I conduct learning evaluations for school-age children, adolescents, and adults. Learning disabilities can be identified and accommodations obtained at any age.
Will this qualify my child for school services?
A comprehensive evaluation provides the documentation typically required for 504 plans, IEPs, and other school-based services. However, schools make their own eligibility determinations. I’m happy to communicate with school personnel to support the process.
Can I use this report for SAT/ACT/GRE accommodations?
Yes. The evaluation meets the documentation requirements for College Board (SAT/AP), ACT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT, and other standardized testing organizations. Reports are written with these requirements in mind.
What if the evaluation doesn’t find a learning disability?
Even without a formal diagnosis, the evaluation provides valuable information about how you learn. We may identify other factors affecting academic performance—such as anxiety, attention difficulties, or processing differences—that can inform intervention strategies.
Ready to Understand Your Learning?
Schedule a consultation to discuss whether learning evaluation is right for you or your child.