Learning Disability Assessments
Reading (Dyslexia), Math, (Dyscalculia), and/or Writing (Dysgraphia)
A psychoeducational assessment is a comprehensive evaluation designed to measure cognitive functioning, including the cognitive processes that support learning in reading, writing, and math; academic achievement; and social, behavioral, and emotional functioning. Monarch offers a comprehensive battery of tests that assess for reading disabilities (dyslexia), math disabilities (dyscalculia), and writing disabilities (dysgraphia).
Evaluations at Monarch are different from the school-based evaluations in Brevard County, which rely heavily on data collected during the Response to Intervention process. While Dr. Ensign will want to see and consider this progress monitoring data, her evaluation will be unique in that it will include testing of the cognitive processes that support learning how to read, write, and do math. This type of evaluation is geared to explore how aspects of development and cognition impact a child’s educational experience. The goal is to determine exactly which evidence-based supports and strategies are likely to work best based on your child’s unique profile of strengths and challenges.
When Should You Pursue a Psychoeducational Evaluation for Your Child or Adolescent?
All children have difficulties at school from time to time, and it is normal for children to have difficult weeks or months. However, if your child continues to struggle greatly and consistently in reading, writing, and/or math despite classroom accommodations and additional help being provided, it would likely be valuable to seek out a psychoeducational assessment.
Other signs that a psychoeducational assessment may be beneficial include a progressively worsening attitude toward school, persistently disruptive behavior in class, and/or significant difficulties in learning basic intellectual, social, or behavioral skills that are appropriate for your child’s age group.
What does a psychoeducational assessment look like?
An assessment for a learning disability is an intensive process, requiring interviews; the input of parents, teachers, and the child; one-on-one testing sessions; and observations. The actual testing can take between 4 and 8 hours and can be broken up into more than one session. Once the assessment is complete, a feedback session will be scheduled where you will receive a narrative report detailing your child’s profile of strengths and challenges, as well as specific recommendations that are based on this profile. Referrals to other services will be made as appropriate. Depending on your child’s age, Dr. Ensign is also available to meet with you and your child to provide feedback directly to your child in a developmentally appropriate and sensitive way.
The assessment will include:
- Background information and developmental history
- Information from your child’s teacher
- Assessment of cognitive functioning (e.g., reasoning for problem-solving, memory, processing speed)
- Assessment of cognitive processes that support learning in the specific area of concern (e.g., phonological processing for reading concerns)
- Assessment of academic achievement (e.g., word reading, reading comprehension, math computation, applied math, written expression)
- Screening of social/emotional functioning (usually done using rating scales)
Contact us to schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Ensign to learn more about psychoeducational testing for dyslexia, dyscalculia, and/or dysgraphia or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ensign at her Rockledge office.
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There is NO WAIT LIST at this time for testing appointments.
Call now to schedule an appointment or a FREE phone consultation with Dr. Ensign.
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