Psychological testing for learning disabilities in adults and children can be crucial in assessing and diagnosing barriers and challenges. It can also help determine the accommodations, coping strategies, and interventions to help that person succeed. We provide psychological testing for learning disabilities to people of all ages. This includes children and adolescents who may need school accommodations or interventions, college and graduate students who may need educational accommodations and adults who may need support at work. We provide an example of the latter, psychological testing for learning disabilities in adults, at the end of this post. Learning disability assessments are a core part of what we do. If you have questions about the learning disability tests that may help you, or learning disorder testing in general, please contact us or schedule a consultation anytime.
What Are Learning Disabilities (LDs)
LDs are neurological disorders affecting an individual’s ability to acquire, use, or process information effectively. These disabilities are typically persistent and lifelong, but with the proper support and interventions, individuals can overcome many of the associated challenges and concentrate on their strengths. Psychological testing for learning disabilities can help diagnose and clarify each person’s unique strengths and challenges.
Common Types of LDs
- Dyslexia is a well-known challenge primarily affecting reading and language processing. Individuals with dyslexia may have difficulty decoding words, recognizing spelling patterns, and comprehending written text. We provide Dyslexia testing.
- Dyscalculia impacts math and numerical skills. People with dyscalculia may struggle with basic arithmetic, understanding mathematical concepts, and performing mathematical operations. We offer testing for Dyscalculia.
- Dysgraphia is related to writing and fine motor skills. It can result in illegible handwriting, difficulties with spelling and organizing thoughts on paper, and challenges in word processing. We provide Dysgraphia Testing.
- Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) affects the ability to accurately process and interpret auditory information. Individuals with APD may have difficulty distinguishing between similar sounds, following verbal instructions, or understanding spoken language in noisy environments.
- Visual Processing Disorders affect how the brain interprets visual information. This can lead to difficulties with tasks such as recognizing shapes, letters, or words and may affect reading comprehension and math.
- Executive Functioning Disorder: Executive functioning is the mental processes responsible for planning, organizing, initiating tasks, and managing time. A disorder in executive functioning can lead to difficulties in these areas, often resulting in problems with organization, time management, and task completion. We provide executive functioning assessments.
- Language Processing Disorder: This LD affects spoken or written language comprehension and use. Individuals may struggle to understand complex sentences, express themselves clearly, and follow multi-step instructions.
It’s important to note that these challenges can often co-occur or overlap, and each individual may present unique challenges. Psychological testing for learning disabilities can inform appropriate interventions, including specialized teaching methods, assistive technology, and tailored support. These interventions can help people overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.
Psychological Testing for Learning Disabilities: First Steps
The initial steps in psychological testing for learning disabilities include: 
Initial Steps
The process often begins with a referral from teachers, parents, or other professionals who suspect a person may have an LD. This referral may be based on academic struggles, behavioral issues, or other indicators. Adults are often self-referred for learning disorder testing.
Assessment and Observations
We start by conducting an initial assessment, which may include reviewing the individual’s educational history, interviewing parents and teachers, and gathering relevant background information. We may observe children in different settings, such as the classroom, to better understand their behavior and environment.
Psychological Testing for Learning Disabilities Interviews
Sometimes, we conduct structured interviews with individuals, their parents, and teachers to gather information about their strengths and challenges and better understand their experiences. As part of learning disability assessments, we may also ask for educational records if you have them.
Psychological Testing for Learning Disabilities: Methods
A comprehensive psychoeducational assessment is a key component of diagnosing and determining the potential interventions and accommodations a person needs. This assessment typically includes the following.
Cognitive Assessments for LDs
We assess the individual’s Intelligence Quotient (IQ) through tests like the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Test (Most commonly used WISC ), or similar measures. LDs are often found when there is a “scatter” in these learning disability tests. In other words, significant differences between a person’s strengths and weaknesses suggest a specific problem. Commonly in learning disorder testing results, IQ is measured as strong, but achievement results suggest that something is preventing the person from achieving their potential.
Academic Achievement Testing for LDs
Standardized learning disability tests evaluate the individual’s performance in various academic areas, such as reading, writing, mathematics, and other subjects. These results can be compared to cognitive testing to determine if something appears to be holding the person back. Comparisons can also point to LDs.
Screening for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
As ADHD can co-occur with LDs, it may be necessary for us to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder using specialized tools and clinical interviews. ADHD itself is not an LD, but its presence increases the odds that there is one. In addition, if a person has both ADHD and an LD, specific strategies and interventions are necessary.
Emotional and Behavioral Assessment
We may also assess emotional and behavioral factors impacting learning, such as anxiety, depression, or conduct issues. Often, people present in ways that suggest an LD, but it’s one of those psychological issues. In addition, just like with ADHD, if learning disorder testing reveals another challenge, this is important information.
Other Assessments
Additional learning disability tests may be conducted depending on the individual’s specific needs. For example, speech and language assessments may be performed if language-based difficulties are suspected. These additional learning disability assessments help create specific plans.
After Psychological Testing for Learning Disabilities
After your learning disability tests are completed, we provide the following:
Psychological Testing for Learning Disabilities Report
After completing the learning disability assessments, we compile the results and provide a comprehensive report. This report typically includes a diagnosis, if applicable, and recommendations for interventions and accommodations. We may also take specific information from the report to provide any necessary letters to employers and schools if accommodations are needed.
Intervention and Support
Based on the learning disorder testing, diagnosis, and recommendations, we and other professionals (e.g., special education teachers and speech therapists) can work together to develop an individualized plan that outlines specific accommodations and interventions to support the individual’s needs.
Repeat Learning Disability Assessments
LDs are typically lifelong, so ongoing monitoring and support are essential to helping individuals succeed academically and in other aspects of life. Repeat administration of learning disability tests can help determine the effectiveness of interventions and accommodations and uncover other emerging factors that may present new challenges.
Psychological Testing for Learning Disabilities in Adults
Most of the time, learning disability assessments are associated with children and adolescents, and they are often given to ensure that they get the interventions and accommodations they need for school. However, we also do psychological testing for learning disabilities in adults. These learning disability tests can help a person who has decided to go back to school, change careers, or face difficulties at work due to what they suspect is an undiagnosed LD. Psychological testing for learning disabilities in adults can also help in other areas of life, as they can affect functioning at home and socially.
Comprehensive Psychological Testing for Learning Disabilities
Psychological testing for learning disabilities in adults typically involves a comprehensive assessment process to identify specific areas of difficulty and to understand the individual’s cognitive and academic functioning. Here are some standard components of these learning disorder assessments that we do:
- Adult Learning Disorder Assessments Clinical Interview: In this essential step in any psychological testing for learning disabilities in adults, we gather background information, including your developmental, medical, educational, and work history. We want to fully understand your current symptoms and concerns and ensure we choose the learning disorder testing measures that will answer your questions.
- Cognitive: For psychological testing for learning disabilities in adults, we commonly use the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) to measure overall intellectual ability, including verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. This measure also gives us specific subtest information to compare and contrast to give us information about possible LDs. We sometimes supplement that with achievement-based learning disability tests such as the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities, which assesses a wide range of cognitive skills.
- Academic Achievement Learning Disability Tests: Now that we have information about your innate abilities and potential, the next step in psychological testing for learning disabilities in adults is to understand your learned skills—any differences between what you are capable of and what you’ve achieved can provide helpful information. We use the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement, which evaluate many abilities, including reading, mathematics, written language, and oral language skills. We also use the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT), which measures reading, math, written, and oral language skills.
- Finally, we use the information gathered to perform Specific Learning Disability tests. We look for problems with memory, attention, processing speed, phonological processing, and executive functioning with specific measures such as the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). We might look even more specifically at the possibility of Dyslexia, which involves problems with reading and phonological processing; Dyscalculia, which involves mathematical reasoning and computation skills; and Dysgraphia, which involves handwriting, spelling, and written expression.
The results of psychological testing for learning disabilities in adults help develop appropriate interventions, accommodations, and support plans to assist you in academic, work, and daily life settings.
Learning Disorder Testing Case Example: Sarah
Background: Sarah is a 16-year-old high school student struggling academically, particularly in reading and mathematics. Her teachers have noticed that she often has difficulty understanding instructions, completing assignments on time, and retaining information from lectures. Despite her efforts, her grades are consistently below average.
Learning Disorder Testing Referral: Concerned about Sarah’s academic performance, Sarah’s parents decided to seek an evaluation. They consulted with the school counselor, who recommended that we conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify any potential issues.
Adolescent Learning Disability Tests
Sarah and her parents meet with us to discuss her academic history, specific concerns, and any relevant family history of LDs.
- Standardized Learning Disability Tests: Sarah undergoes a series of standardized learning disability assessments to evaluate her cognitive abilities, academic skills, and processing speed. These may include:
- Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC)
- Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement
- Test of Written Language (TOWL)
- Behavioral Learning Disability Assessments: We use behavioral checklists and rating scales to gather information about Sarah’s classroom behavior and social interactions.
- Observation: Sarah is observed in her classroom to see how she interacts with peers, follows instructions, and participates in lessons.
- Interview: We interview Sarah’s teachers to gain insight into her classroom behavior, participation, and any observed difficulties.
Psychological Testing for Learning Disabilities Results
After analyzing the data from the learning disabilities tests and observations, we find that:
- Sarah’s intellectual ability is significantly different from her academic performance, particularly in reading comprehension and math calculations.
- Her processing speed is slower than average, impacting her ability to complete tasks efficiently.
- She exhibits characteristics consistent with a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) in reading (dyslexia) and mathematics (dyscalculia).
Learning Disorder Testing Recommendations
We provide recommendations for Sarah, which include:
- An Individualized Education Program (IEP) that outlines specific accommodations (e.g., extra time on tests, access to a calculator, use of audiobooks).
- Specialized tutoring focused on reading and math skills.
- Regular meetings with a special education teacher to monitor progress.
- A self-help toolkit for her to use
- Holistic strategies to use outside of school to help her overcome barriers
Sarah’s progress is monitored regularly, and her IEP is adjusted as needed to ensure she receives the support necessary to succeed academically. Later, she’ll receive a letter for college accommodations.
Psychological Testing for Learning Disabilities Case Example: John
John is a 28-year-old professional who has been experiencing difficulties in his job related to reading comprehension and written communication. He often struggles to understand complex reports and finds it challenging to write clear emails. Despite being a high performer in his field, these difficulties have caused him significant stress and frustration.
After discussing his challenges with a mentor, John decides to seek learning disorder testing. He hopes to understand the root of his struggles and explore possible accommodations or strategies to help him succeed at work.
Adult Learning Disability Tests
We discuss John’s educational history, work experiences, and specific challenges he faces in his job.
- Standardized Learning Disability Tests: John undergoes a series of standardized learning disability assessments, which include:
- Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)
- Woodcock-Johnson (for adults)
- Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing (CTOPP)
- Self-Report Measures: John completes self-report questionnaires that assess his reading and writing skills and his perceived difficulties in work and daily life.
- Behavioral Observations: We observe John performing job-related tasks, such as reading documents and drafting emails, to assess his processing abilities and strategies.
Adult Learning Disorder Testing Results
After reviewing the learning disorder testing data, we conclude that:
- John demonstrates above-average cognitive abilities but has a specific weakness in reading comprehension and written expression.
- He exhibits traits consistent with a SLD in reading (potentially indicating underlying dyslexia).
- His self-reported measures indicate significant anxiety related to writing tasks, which may exacerbate his difficulties.
Recommendations
We provide John with several recommendations, including:
- A formal diagnosis may help him access workplace accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Suggested accommodations, such as:
- Using assistive technology (e.g., text-to-speech software, spell checkers).
- Access to a mentor or coach to assist with writing tasks.
- Flexible deadlines for reports or written communications.
- Strategies for managing anxiety related to writing, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques or cognitive-behavioral strategies.
- Help with GRE Exam Accommodations because he is scheduled to take that exam as he applies to graduate school.
John is encouraged to implement the recommendations and is provided with support resources. We suggest a six-month follow-up appointment for more learning disorder testing to assess progress and adjust accommodations or strategies as needed.
Conclusions and Our Work
The process of getting psychological testing for learning disabilities in adults and children varies depending on the individual’s age, the goals of the evaluation, and the specific LD in question. Some people come in for testing for learning disabilities on the advice of a therapist who will work with them to overcome the challenges presented by the disability. Others come in for learning disability assessments to get formal evidence of the challenge so that accommodations can be provided.
We offer learning disability assessments as early as preschool as part of our pre-k testing services. We also offer testing for specific learning disorders for all ages, including adults.
Our Learning Disability Assessments
Our services involving learning disability assessments are designed to provide all of the above, all the way through college accommodations. We can also partner with others who have already done some evaluation, such as schools, to add to that prior battery to answer additional questions (sometimes called an Independent Educational Evaluation if there is a disagreement between parents and schools). These evaluations can be quite useful in our testing for twice-exceptional students (those who are gifted but have emotional, educational, or social challenges). In psychological testing for learning disabilities in adults, we might suggest workplace accommodations.
Contact us or schedule a consultation anytime to discuss how psychological testing for learning disabilities in adults and children can help you or your child.
