Learning Disorder Assessment

A learning disorder assessment evaluates an individual's difficulties and strengths in areas such as reading, writing and mathematics to understand their educational needs. This comprehensive assessment is often used to diagnose learning disabilities, guide academic interventions, and recommend classroom accommodations.

Assessment Components may include all or some of the following:

  1. Clinical Interview: Gathering detailed background information on the individual's developmental, academic, behavioral, and social history. Parents, teachers, and the student (if age-appropriate) may be interviewed.

  2. Achievement/Academic Testing: Evaluating skills in areas such as reading, writing, mathematics, and oral language. Examples of tests include:

    • Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT-III)

    • Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement (WJ-IV)

  3. Cognitive/IQ Testing: To measure intellectual abilities. Commonly used tests include:

    • Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V)

    • Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV)

  4. Behavioral and Emotional Screening: Identifying any behavioral or emotional issues that might impact learning. Rating scales completed by parents, teachers, or the student can be used, such as the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) and Teacher Reference Form (TRF).

  5. Information Processing Assessment: Investigating how the student processes auditory and visual information, attention, memory, and executive functions.

  6. Classroom Observations: Observing the student in the educational setting can provide insights into their behaviour, social interactions, and academic performance in real-world contexts.

  7. Review of Records: Examining past report cards, standardized testing scores, teacher notes, and other relevant documentation.

Based on the collected data, the assessment provides:

  • A clear profile of the student's strengths and challenges.

  • Diagnoses of specific learning disorders or other educational challenges.

  • Recommendations for classroom accommodations, interventions, or special education services.

A learning disorder assessment is not a one-size-fits-all process. It must be tailored to the individual's unique concerns and background, considering factors like age, language, and cultural influences. Feedback sessions post-assessment are essential to ensure that caregivers, educators, and the student (if appropriate) understand the results and recommendations.