What are the signs of Specific Learning Disorder?

Parents or caregivers who have a child with SLD often begin to notice signs during school-age years. However, it should be noted that the disorder may not become apparent until academic demands exceed the individual’s abilities. The following may be noticed by parents or teachers when they have concern for SLD:

• Reading difficulties, such as:

  • Difficulty recognizing and decoding words.

  • Struggles with reading fluency, accuracy, and comprehension.

  • Difficulty with phonological awareness (identifying and manipulating sounds in words).

  • Slow or hesitant reading.

  • Frequent word substitution or guessing.

• Writing difficulties, such as:

  • Poor handwriting that is often difficult to read.

  • Difficulty with spelling and grammar.

  • Slow or laborious writing.

  • Difficulty with organizing thoughts and ideas in writing.

  • Frequent errors in written work.

• Math difficulties, such as:

  • Difficulty understanding and working with numbers and mathematical concepts.

  • Struggles with basic arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

  • Challenges in understanding mathematical symbols and terms.

  • Difficulty with mathematical reasoning and problem-solving.

  • Inconsistent math performance.

When should I seek assessment?

Parents should consider seeking an assessment for SLD in their child when they notice persistent and significant difficulties in specific areas of learning, such as reading, writing, or math, which are not in line with the child's age or grade level. Here are some indicators of when parents should seek an assessment for SLD:

• Consistent academic challenges: If a child consistently performs below their grade level in specific subjects, despite effort and support, it may be an indication of an underlying learning disorder.

• Inconsistencies in skills: If a child exhibits significant inconsistencies in their academic skills, it may be a sign of SLD.

• Teacher concerns: If teachers consistently express concerns about a child's academic performance, behavior in the classroom, or noticeable discrepancies between their abilities and their performance, this is a strong reason to seek assessment.

• Requests for accommodations: If parents or educators believe that a child may benefit from educational accommodations or support services, assessment is often necessary to determine eligibility.

• Frustration and emotional impact: If a child becomes frustrated, anxious, or exhibits low self-esteem due to academic difficulties, it's essential to address these emotional reactions and consider an assessment to identify the root cause.

• Social and behavioral impact: If learning difficulties start to impact a child's social interactions, behavior at school, or relationships with peers, it's important to address these challenges through assessment.

Why should I seek assessment?

There are many reasons why assessing a child for SLD is critical:

• Accurate diagnosis: An assessment by a qualified professional can provide a clear and accurate diagnosis, confirming whether a child has an SLD or another underlying issue contributing to their learning difficulties. This diagnosis guides appropriate interventions and support.

• Early intervention: Early identification of SLD allows for quicker intervention. The sooner specific challenges are identified, the earlier targeted interventions can be implemented to help the child develop essential skills.

• Tailored educational support: An assessment helps identify the specific areas in which a child is struggling. This information is crucial for developing individualized educational plans and strategies to address the child's unique needs.

• Access to accommodations: Children with an SLD may be eligible for accommodations and support services in school. These accommodations can level the playing field and make it easier for the child to succeed academically.

• Improved academic performance: With appropriate interventions and support, children with SLD can make significant improvements in their academic performance, leading to increased confidence and motivation in school.

• Prevention of emotional and behavioral issues: Learning difficulties can often lead to frustration, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Addressing these challenges early can help prevent or mitigate the emotional and behavioral issues that may arise as a result of SLD.

• Parental guidance: An assessment provides parents with a better understanding of their child's strengths and weaknesses. This knowledge enables parents to provide more effective support at home and in collaboration with educators.

• Advocacy: A formal diagnosis of SLD can be essential for advocating for the child's educational rights and obtaining necessary services and accommodations.

• Long-term success: Early intervention and support can set the stage for long-term success. Children with SLD can learn to develop compensatory strategies and build on their strengths to excel in various aspects of life.

• Quality of life: Addressing SLD enhances the child's overall quality of life by reducing the stress and challenges associated with learning difficulties. It allows the child to fully participate in educational and social activities.

• Future planning: Understanding a child's learning profile through assessment can help with future planning, such as choosing appropriate educational pathways and career options that align with the child's strengths and interests.

My child already receives special education services as a child with Specific Learning Disability at school – do I need an outside evaluation?

A school-based diagnosis can be valuable, but it may not always provide the comprehensive assessment needed for a full understanding of the child's learning difficulties. School-based evaluations typically focus on educational concerns and eligibility for educational services and accommodations within the school setting. Here are some important considerations:

• School-based evaluation versus clinical evaluation: A school-based diagnosis is primarily focused on identifying whether a child qualifies for special education services and accommodations in school. It may not delve into the broader clinical aspects of SLD or address any coexisting conditions.

• Limited scope: School-based evaluations typically assess the impact of learning difficulties on academic performance. They may not assess other relevant factors, such as emotional well-being, social functioning, or broader cognitive abilities.

• Differences in criteria: The criteria for eligibility for special education services in a school setting may differ from those used in clinical or medical assessments. A school-based diagnosis might be based on educational impact rather than a comprehensive clinical assessment.

• Treatment planning: A clinical evaluation can assist in developing a holistic treatment plan that addresses not only academic challenges but also emotional and social needs. It can guide recommendations for therapeutic interventions, counseling, or medical management if necessary.

How is Specific Learning Disorder assessed?

• A psychologist should gather information from multiple sources. A good psychological assessment should include:

• A parent/caregiver interview,

• Parent/caregiver and teacher questionnaires, including behavioral rating forms,

• A review of any relevant paperwork, and

• Direct testing with the child, including a measure of your child’s cognitive abilities (often known as IQ testing) and academic testing.

• Depending on specific concerns, the psychologist may select further measures to assess other areas, such as adaptive functioning, visual-motor integration, and executive functioning.

What should I do to prepare for an assessment?

• A critical component of the assessment process includes an interview with the family. For young children, the psychologist speaks with the parent(s) or caregiver(s). Older children may be included in the interview process. Many families choose to write down questions or topics they want to bring up in preparation for their appointment.

• If your child has received any previous evaluations or has a history of services (e.g., therapies or school services, such as an Individualized Education Program or 504 Plan), your psychologist will want to review this information. Bring in relevant copies on the day of your assessment.

• The psychologist will want to do direct testing with your child. Make sure your child is prepared for the day. Try to make sure they get a good night’s sleep beforehand, and do not bring them in hungry. You may want to bring in other items to keep them comfortable throughout the appointment (e.g., snacks, drinks, a jacket in case the office gets too cold).

• You will have a follow-up appointment with the psychologist. During this appointment, results of the evaluation will be discussed in detail. This will include a description of the tests used, testing results, a discussion about diagnoses, and recommendations. Remember, the psychologist is there to answer any questions you have, so you are encouraged to ask questions.

Resources for families

Families can access a variety of resources to support their child’s learning needs. While the following resources are offered, remember that each child with ADHD is unique, and what works best for one may not work for another. It's crucial to work closely with professionals and adapt strategies based on your child's individual needs and strengths.

• School services: Collaborate with your child's school to access services such as an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan with educational accommodations. School-based counselors and support staff can also provide guidance and resources.

• Seek evidenced-based intervention: Pursue interventions supported by research, such as the Orton-Gillingham approach, the Barton Reading & Spelling System, or Lindamood-Bell instruction.

• Community programs: Local community centers and organizations may offer tutoring, afterschool programs, or summer camps tailored to children with learning disabilities.

• Parent support groups: Join local or online support groups for parents of children with learning disabilities. These groups offer a sense of community, shared experiences, and practical advice.

• Therapeutic services: If your child experiences emotional or behavioral challenges related to their SLD, consider family therapy or individual counseling to address these issues.

• Social and recreational activities: Encourage your child to participate in social and recreational activities, which can boost self-esteem and provide opportunities for skill development.

The following websites may be helpful in your journey:

• www.understood.org

• www.ldonline.org

• ldaamerica.org

• www.ldrfa.org

• salt.arizona.edu

• dyslexiaida.org

We are here to help

Seeking evaluations can feel like a daunting process for many families. We understand and try to make it as easy as possible for you and your child. We provide SLD evaluations for children and adolescents in Tucson, Arizona. Our child psychologist has extensive experience in the assessment and diagnosis of SLD. Reach out today. We keep our waitlist short, and we do not require referrals.