Learning Disabilities (LD)

Learning disabilities are lifelong, neurodevelopmental differences that affect how a person learns and uses academic skills such as reading, writing, and math. LDs are not a reflection of intelligence or effort. With accurate identification, targeted support, and the right strategies, children, teens, and adults with LD can thrive at school, work, and home.

What Counts as a Learning Disability?

Clinically, LDs are typically diagnosed as Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) with areas of impairment in reading, written expression, or mathematics. They are brain-based differences in how information is processed, stored, and retrieved.

Common Types

• Dyslexia (Reading): word reading accuracy, fluency, spelling, decoding
• Dysgraphia (Writing): handwriting, spelling, organizing written expression
• Dyscalculia (Math): number sense, math facts, calculations, applied problem-solving
• Nonverbal learning differences: visual-spatial/organizational challenges with relatively strong verbal skills

Signs & Symptoms

Early grades: difficulty learning letters/sounds, slow reading, trouble with basic number concepts
Middle/High school: avoids reading/writing, slow homework, weak spelling or math fluency, difficulty demonstrating knowledge on tests
College/Adults: slower reading/writing speed, organization/time-management challenges, anxiety around dense reading or multistep tasks

Note: LDs often co-occur with ADHD or anxiety. A thorough evaluation clarifies what’s driving the difficulty and how to help.

Who diagnoses Learning Disabilities?

Licensed psychologists and/or neuropsychologists diagnose LDs through comprehensive evaluation. Schools determine eligibility for IEP/504 services, but a clinical diagnosis typically requires a psychological or neuropsychological assessment.

What to expect in our evaluation

• Clinical interview: developmental, medical, and educational history; current concerns and goals
• Testing: cognitive abilities; academic skills (reading, writing, math); processing (phonological, visual-spatial, working memory, processing speed); attention/executive functions as indicated
• Record review: report cards, prior testing, teacher input (as available)
• Feedback session: clear results, diagnosis (if present), and tailored recommendations
• Written report: practical, school-ready guidance and documentation for accommodations

How results help

• Targeted interventions: evidence-based reading, writing, or math support
• Accommodations: extended time, reduced-distraction testing, audiobooks/read-aloud, note-taking support, calculator or word processor (as appropriate)
• Classroom strategies: scaffolding, explicit instruction, multisensory approaches
• Assistive technology: text-to-speech, speech-to-text, organizational tools
• College & standardized testing: documentation for disability services and accommodations

Treatment & ongoing support

• Structured literacy and multisensory reading instruction (dyslexia)
• Explicit writing instruction and spelling/grammar supports (dysgraphia)
• Number sense & strategy instruction (dyscalculia)
• Executive function coaching for planning, organization, and study skills
• Collaborative care with schools, tutors, and other providers to align supports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an LD the same as low intelligence?
       No. LDs are about how someone learns—not how smart they are.
Can LDs improve?
       Yes. With early identification, targeted teaching, and appropriate accommodations, outcomes can improve significantly.
Will my child “outgrow” it?
       LDs are lifelong, but skills and strategies grow over time, reducing impact on daily life.

Costs & Scheduling (Our Practice)

• Private-pay, flat-rate evaluations—no surprise add-ons.
• $300 intake fee (nonrefundable; applied toward the total if you proceed).
• $500 deposit due when the formal testing appointment is scheduled (nonrefundable for late cancellations/no-shows; applied to the total otherwise).
• Total cost is finalized after the intake based on the scope of testing.
• Academic accommodation letters are included in the evaluation cost.

Quick Tips for Families & Students

• Ask for teacher feedback and save work samples.
• Use audiobooks and text-to-speech to reduce reading load.
• Build consistent routines for homework and organization.
• Advocate for accommodations that align with evaluation data.

Learn more

• International Dyslexia Association (IDA): dyslexiaida.org
• Understood: understood.org 
• National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD): ncld.org
• Wrightslaw (IEP/504 information): wrightslaw.com