Learning Disability Assessment

Typically, it is the parent who notices early signs of a disability in learning in their child. The school where the child goes is the first source of assistance. The next step is conducting a learning disability assessment. The parents and teachers may meet together to try a few things before requesting any testing.

A learning disability assessment is traditionally not done until the child has been to school and formally taught in several subject areas. There are various regulations based on state and federal laws which require assessments in order to decide eligibility for certain special educational programs which address the disability.

Most schools must comply within two months of the initial inquiry for a learning disability assessment. The results of this assessment will dictate the individualized educational program created to help overcome the disability. During this two month time frame, there are several things done to help uncover the problem.

First of all, the student’s records are reviewed and then work from the student is reviewed. Another part of the learning disability assessment is observing the student in class as well as getting a full medical workup with a test of vision and hearing to rule out physical factors. The student’s history of development – social, fine and gross motor movement and behaviors – is assessed to see how they could be contributing to the learning disability.

Psychiatric evaluations are sometimes given as is testing for language and speech programs. The emotional health as well as the student’s social skills is also called into question. Educational diagnosticians, psychologists, counselors, speech pathologists, occupational therapists and other medical and non-medical personnel are often involved in the assessment of learning disabilities. When all is said and done, parents can review that assessment along with a few second opinions to determine the best course of action in regards to schooling for the child.