Discovering that your child might have a learning disability or learning disorder can feel overwhelming. As parents, you want answers and support—but where do you begin? Learning how to evaluate a child for learning disabilities isn’t just about obtaining a diagnosis; it’s about starting a journey toward understanding your child’s unique way of learning and creating pathways for their success.
At Bridges of the Mind Psychological Services in Sacramento, we specialize in comprehensive learning disability evaluations that consider the whole child—not just test scores, but their unique personality, strengths, challenges, and learning style. Our neurodiverse-affirmative approach ensures that your child’s assessment experience is supportive, thorough, and illuminating.
Understanding Learning Disabilities: What Makes Them Unique?
Learning disabilities describe specific brain-based differences that affect how children process information, despite having normal or even above-average intelligence. These aren’t issues of effort or motivation—they’re genuine neurological differences that make certain learning tasks more challenging.
Think of it as having a high-performance computer with a few specific programs that run differently than expected. The whole system works well, but certain functions require alternative pathways to complete.
In educational settings, you’ll hear the term “learning disability,” while medical professionals might say “learning disorder.” These terms refer to the same conditions, just using language specific to their field.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, these differences stem from variations in brain structure and function that affect how information is received, processed, stored, or communicated. While family history and genetics play a significant role, environmental factors like pregnancy complications, emotional trauma, or exposure to certain toxins can also contribute.
Learning disabilities affect approximately 5-10% of school-aged children in America—that’s 1-2 kids in every classroom. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders categorizes these as neurodevelopmental disorders that impact specific academic skills. These conditions are persistent but can be effectively managed with proper support and intervention through special education services.
What Makes Learning Disabilities Distinct from Other Conditions?
Learning disabilities differ from other conditions in several important ways:
- Unlike intellectual disabilities, children with learning disabilities have average to above-average intelligence. The challenge isn’t with overall cognitive ability but with specific processing or skill development.
- Unlike developmental delays, which children often outgrow, learning disabilities are persistent conditions that require ongoing support and accommodations, though strategies can greatly improve outcomes.
- Unlike autism spectrum disorder, which may affect learning but primarily involves social communication and restricted behaviors, learning disabilities specifically impact academic skills.
- Unlike processing disorders (visual, auditory), which focus specifically on how sensory information is processed, learning disabilities affect how that information is used in learning contexts.
As our clinical team at Bridges of the Mind often tells parents, “If your child continues struggling with learning despite addressing other potential obstacles like vision problems or classroom disruptions, it’s time to consider evaluation for learning disabilities.”
Common Types of Learning Disabilities and Their Core Challenges
Dyslexia
Affecting 5-17% of children, dyslexia is a specific reading disorder that creates challenges with connecting letters to sounds, recognizing words accurately, and reading fluently. A child with a learning disability like dyslexia might read laboriously, confuse similar-looking words, or have persistent spelling difficulties despite other strong academic skills. This specific learning disability affects how the child processes language skills related to reading.
Dysgraphia
Impacting 7-15% of children, dysgraphia makes written language unusually difficult. This goes beyond messy handwriting—children with dysgraphia often struggle with fine motor skills, translating their thoughts into written words, organizing ideas on paper, or mastering spelling and grammar rules that their peers pick up more naturally.
Dyscalculia
Affecting 5-7% of children, dyscalculia creates unexpected difficulties with numbers and math concepts. A child might understand complex science concepts but struggle to memorize math problems, interpret math symbols, or develop fundamental math skills. Many children with this learning disorder have trouble learning to tell time on an analog clock despite having strong abilities in other areas.
Nonverbal Learning Disorders
Less recognized but equally significant, children with nonverbal learning disorders often have strong verbal skills but struggle with visual-spatial tasks, motor coordination, and understanding abstract concepts. They might excel at vocabulary but miss social cues or facial expressions. These children may have trouble understanding nonverbal communication despite strong language skills.
Many children with learning disabilities also face challenges with executive function and working memory—the brain’s ability to plan, organize, and complete tasks. There’s also significant overlap with other developmental disabilities; studies show 30-50% of children with learning disabilities also have ADHD, and vice versa. These mental health conditions often co-occur and require comprehensive assessment.
At Bridges of the Mind, we believe that identifying these unique learning patterns isn’t about labeling children—it’s about opening up their potential through appropriate support and accommodations. By understanding how these specific learning disorders are diagnosed, we can help your child succeed academically and personally.
Spotting the Red Flags: When to Consider an Evaluation
Identifying whether a child has a learning disability early can transform their educational journey and protect their self-confidence. Knowing what to look for at each developmental stage can make all the difference.
Preschool Years (Ages 3-5)
- Delayed speech development or persistent pronunciation difficulties
- Trouble learning the alphabet, numbers, colors, or shapes despite practice
- Difficulty following simple directions or unusual resistance to drawing activities
- Problems with rhyming or recognizing letter sounds
Elementary School Years
- Slow, laborious reading that doesn’t improve with practice
- Consistent spelling errors with common words
- Messy handwriting that frustrates your child
- Persistent math computation errors despite understanding concepts
- Poor organization or difficulty remembering sequences
- Avoidance of reading or writing tasks
- Increasing frustration with schoolwork
Teenage Years
- Persistent spelling issues despite years of instruction
- Difficulty with abstract math concepts
- Poor study skills or trouble organizing long-term projects
- Increasing frustration or declining grades as material becomes more complex
- Gap between verbal abilities and written expression
- Reading comprehension difficulties with grade-level material
Certain risk factors might also increase your awareness. Children with a family history of learning disabilities, those born prematurely or with low birth weight, or kids who experienced prenatal exposure to toxins face higher risks. Early childhood traumatic brain injuries or chronic ear infections can also impact learning development.
When to Move From “Wait-and-See” to Action
That nagging question—is it time to seek help, or should we give it more time?—troubles many parents. While children develop at different rates, persistent struggles deserve attention.
Effective communication with your child’s teacher is crucial in this stage. Your child’s teacher can provide valuable insights about your child’s progress compared to other children in the classroom. If your child continues struggling despite interventions suggested by the teacher, it may be time for evaluation.
Trust your instincts when you notice the gap widening between your child and peers despite good attendance and instruction. This is especially true when school-based intervention approaches implemented by school personnel haven’t produced meaningful progress after 8-12 weeks.
Pay attention to significant missed age milestones. For example, reading skills should be developing by mid-first grade; persistent difficulties beyond this point may indicate a reading disability that warrants having your child evaluated. The emotional toll on your child’s behavior is equally important—when your child begins showing signs of frustration, anxiety, or avoidance related to learning tasks, it’s time to act.
Perhaps most compelling is when you notice skills deficits compounding. Learning builds upon itself—early difficulties with foundational skills can cascade into broader academic struggles that become increasingly difficult to overcome.
Traditional tutoring typically does not address the underlying processing issues in learning disabilities. Reading more or doing more math problems will not typically change the way the brain processes information. This highlights why proper evaluation, rather than simply providing more practice, is often the crucial next step when persistent learning challenges emerge.
The Learning Disability Evaluation Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
The evaluation process for learning disabilities is comprehensive and multifaceted. A full evaluation is designed to assess various aspects of a child’s cognitive functioning, academic skills, and processing abilities to identify specific areas of strength and weakness.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), our nation’s special education law, guarantees the right to a free appropriate education for all children. This federal law requires schools to identify, locate, and evaluate all children with disabilities who need special education services.
At Bridges of the Mind, we emphasize the importance of a thorough evaluation that considers the whole child—not just test scores, but also developmental history, classroom performance, and social-emotional factors. Our approach helps parents understand how their child’s learning differs from typical development.
The evaluation process typically involves a multidisciplinary team within the school system, which may include:
- School psychologists
- Special education teachers
- Speech-language pathologists
- Occupational therapists
- Neuropsychologists (especially for private evaluations)
Parents should know they have important rights regarding their child’s education. If you’re concerned about your child’s learning, you can request an evaluation from your child’s school, and the school district must respond within a reasonable timeframe. This initiates a process to determine your child’s eligibility for special education services.
School Evaluations vs. Private Evaluations
| School Evaluations | Private Evaluations |
|---|---|
| Cost: Free | Cost: Varies (contact us for details) |
| Timeline: Must be completed within legally mandated timeframe | Timeline: Typically scheduled within 2-3 weeks at Bridges of the Mind |
| Focus: Educational impact and child’s eligibility for services | Focus: Detailed cognitive and neuropsychological profile |
| Team: School psychologist, special educators, related service providers | Team: Clinical or neuropsychologist, possibly speech-language pathologists |
| Depth: Focuses on academic impact and school-based needs | Depth: More comprehensive analysis of processing and child’s ability levels |
If your child attends a private school, you still have rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Public schools have specific responsibilities to evaluate children who attend private schools within their district boundaries. Your child’s provider at the private school can help coordinate with the local public schools to request an evaluation.
Step 1: Document Concerns & Rule Out Basic Issues
Before pursuing a formal evaluation, it’s important to gather documentation and rule out basic issues that might be affecting learning:
- Schedule vision and hearing screenings: Undetected sensory issues can mimic learning disabilities.
- Collect work samples: Save tests, assignments, and homework that demonstrate your child’s difficulties.
- Keep a log of observations: Document specific challenges, when they occur, and under what circumstances.
- Rule out environmental factors: Consider whether frequent absences, school changes, or emotional stressors might be contributing to difficulties.
- Check for appropriate instruction: Ensure your child has received quality, consistent instruction in problem areas.
Useful observation tools include:
- Teacher observation forms
- Behavior rating scales (completed by parents and teachers)
- Work sample portfolios
- Reading fluency measurements
- Writing samples from different time periods
- Math computation and problem-solving examples
Step 2: Request an Evaluation
Whether you’re working through your child’s school or seeking a private evaluation, the process begins with a formal request:
For School Evaluations:
- Submit a written request to the school principal and the director of special education.
- Provide informed consent when the school sends you forms to sign.
- Understand the timeline for completion of the evaluation process based on your state’s requirements.
- Know that the school must use a variety of assessment tools and strategies, not just a single test.
- The school system is required to evaluate your child in all areas related to the suspected disability.
For Private Evaluations at Bridges of the Mind:
- Contact our office directly to schedule an initial consultation.
- We’ll guide you through our intake process, which includes gathering developmental history and current concerns.
- No waitlists—we can typically schedule comprehensive assessments within 2-3 weeks.
- Our Sacramento location makes us accessible to families throughout the area, including South Lake Tahoe and San Jose.
- A private evaluation can provide a more detailed understanding of your child’s specific learning challenges.
Step 3: What Happens During the Evaluation
Learning disabilities are diagnosed through a comprehensive assessment process. Special education law requires that a full evaluation must be conducted before a child can receive special education services. These evaluations use a variety of standardized tests to assess different aspects of cognitive and academic functioning:
Cognitive/Intelligence Tests:
- Measure various aspects of thinking and reasoning abilities
- Assess verbal comprehension, visual-spatial skills, fluid reasoning, working memory, and processing speed
- Provide important context for interpreting academic performance
- Help determine your child’s ability in different cognitive areas
Academic Achievement Tests:
- Comprehensively assess reading, mathematics, written language, and academic knowledge
- Identify specific skill deficits in these areas
- Compare performance across different academic domains
- Measure how a child performs relative to grade level expectations
Processing Tests:
- Assess phonological awareness, phonological memory, and rapid naming—critical for reading skills
- Evaluate the coordination between visual perception and fine motor skills
- Measure various aspects of how auditory information is processed
- Identify speech and language disorders that may co-occur with learning disabilities
Attention and Executive Function Measures:
- Assess attention and impulsivity
- Evaluate planning, organization, working memory, and other executive functions
- Screen for co-occurring mental disorders that might impact learning
- Observe how the child approaches problem-solving tasks
Speech and Language Assessments:
- Evaluate receptive and expressive language abilities
- Assess speech and language processing
- Identify language disorders that may impact academic performance
- Determine if speech-language therapy might be beneficial as a related service
During testing sessions, our school psychologists and evaluators work to make children comfortable and engaged. Testing is typically broken into manageable segments with breaks to prevent fatigue. For younger children, sessions may last 2-3 hours, while teenagers can often handle 4-5 hour sessions. Throughout the process, we focus on identifying your child’s strengths along with areas that need support.
Step 4: Interpreting Results and Creating a Support Plan
Once testing is complete, the evaluation team will analyze the results to determine if your child meets the criteria for specific learning disabilities as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This analysis typically considers:
- Whether there is a disorder in basic psychological processes
- If there is unexpected underachievement that isn’t primarily due to other factors
- Whether there is a need for specialized instruction beyond what’s available in general education
- How your child’s learning problems impact their academic performance
If your child qualifies for services through a school evaluation, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be developed. This legal document, created through the nation’s special education law, outlines:
- Present levels of performance and your child’s specific needs
- Annual goals based on your child’s strengths
- Special education services and related services (like speech and language therapy)
- Accommodations and modifications for classroom learning
- How your child’s progress will be measured and reported
Some children may instead qualify for accommodations through a Section 504 Plan rather than an individualized education plan, depending on how their learning disability impacts their educational programming.
With a private evaluation from Bridges of the Mind, you’ll receive:
- A comprehensive written report detailing findings, diagnoses, and recommendations
- A consultation to explain results in clear, accessible language that helps parents understand
- Specific, actionable recommendations for home and school based on your child’s specific learning profile
- Guidance on how to advocate for appropriate services and accommodations
- Follow-up support for implementing recommendations to help your child succeed academically
Building an Effective Support Plan After Diagnosis
Receiving a learning disability diagnosis often brings a mix of emotions for families—relief at having answers, concern about the future, and questions about next steps. The good news is that with the right support plan, children with learning disabilities can thrive both academically and emotionally.
The most effective support plans build on a child’s strengths while addressing their challenges. Here’s what that might look like for different learning disabilities:
For Dyslexia
- Structured literacy programs that use systematic, explicit instruction
- Audiobooks and text-to-speech software to access grade-level content
- Extended time for reading tasks and tests
- Opportunities to demonstrate knowledge verbally when writing is challenging
For Dysgraphia
- Speech-to-text tools for longer writing assignments
- Keyboarding instruction and opportunities to type instead of write by hand
- Graphic organizers to structure writing tasks
- Reduced writing requirements when appropriate
For Dyscalculia
- Multisensory math approaches using manipulatives and visual representations
- Calculators for complex computations to focus on conceptual understanding
- Step-by-step procedures written out for multi-step problems
- Extra time for math tests and reduced number of problems for homework
Assistive Technology
Modern technology has revolutionized support for learning disabilities:
- Text-to-speech software allows students to access content even when their reading lags behind
- Speech-to-text tools help students with writing difficulties
- Digital graphic organizers support executive function
- Specialized apps target specific skill development
Therapeutic Support
Many children benefit from therapeutic interventions alongside classroom accommodations:
- Occupational therapy can improve handwriting, fine motor skills, and sensory processing
- Speech-language therapy addresses language processing challenges
- Executive function coaching teaches crucial skills like planning, organization, and time management
At Bridges of the Mind, we believe in developing practical, implementable recommendations that address the whole child. Our reports don’t just sit on a shelf—they provide a roadmap for supporting academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
Helping at Home and School
Parents are powerful allies in supporting children with learning disabilities. By monitoring your child’s progress and working closely with your child’s teacher, you can make a significant difference in your child’s learning journey. Here are strategies that help:
At Home:
- Create consistent routines and a quiet, organized study space that minimizes distractions
- Break tasks that involve words and numbers into manageable chunks to prevent overwhelm
- Build confidence through positive reinforcement for effort, not just results
- Read aloud regularly to strengthen language skills, even to older children
- Incorporate movement breaks during homework time, especially for children who have trouble learning while sitting still
- Use your child’s strengths and interests as entry points for challenging material
- Practice specific trouble areas in short, positive sessions that build confidence
School-Home Collaboration:
- Maintain regular communication with your child’s teacher about your child’s progress
- Share successful strategies between home and school to create consistency
- Come prepared to school meetings with questions about your child’s specific needs
- Follow through with recommended accommodations consistently
- Request periodic updates on how interventions are affecting your child’s educational performance
Effective support requires a team approach, with parents, educators, and specialists working together toward common goals. By creating consistency between home and school, you provide your child with the structure they need to thrive. Remember that speech and language disorders often co-occur with learning disabilities, so addressing all areas of need is important for comprehensive support.
Long-Term Outlook and Re-evaluation
Learning disabilities are lifelong conditions, but they don’t define a person’s potential. With appropriate support and intervention, children develop effective strategies and achieve remarkable success academically and professionally.
The support plan should evolve as your child grows. Formal reevaluations typically occur every three years through the school. Additional assessments may be helpful when transitioning to middle school, high school, or college, as academic demands shift significantly at these junctures.
Looking toward the future, college preparation should include researching support services and accommodation requirements at potential schools. Career exploration that aligns with strengths helps students find their path. Developing self-advocacy skills becomes increasingly important as students mature.
Throughout this journey, monitoring emotional well-being remains crucial. Children with learning disabilities face unique challenges that can affect self-esteem. Building resilience through strengths-based approaches can make a tremendous difference.
Many remarkably successful individuals have learning disabilities—including renowned entrepreneurs, filmmakers, and performers. Their stories remind us that learning differences often come with unique strengths in problem-solving, creativity, and big-picture thinking.
At Bridges of the Mind, we see this creativity and resilience every day in the children and teens we evaluate. Our assessment services are specifically designed to identify not just challenges but also strengths that can be leveraged for success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Learning Disability Evaluations
What age can my child be reliably tested?
While we can spot early warning signs in preschoolers, comprehensive evaluations for learning disabilities are most reliable starting around age 6-7, typically in first or second grade.
Why this age? By this point, children have had some exposure to formal reading and math instruction, giving us a clearer picture of whether they’re struggling unexpectedly compared to peers.
That said, we can certainly identify potential red flags much earlier. If your preschooler struggles with rhyming, can’t seem to learn the alphabet despite practice, or has notable difficulty with fine motor skills, these observations are valuable. At Bridges of the Mind, we can conduct developmentally appropriate assessments for children as young as 4, though we’re always transparent with parents about what early testing can and cannot tell us.
For younger children, our focus shifts to evaluating precursor skills and developmental milestones rather than specific academic abilities. These early insights can guide targeted interventions even before a formal diagnosis becomes possible.
Can a child outgrow a learning disability?
Learning disabilities are neurologically-based, lifelong conditions—but that doesn’t mean your child’s struggles will look the same throughout their life. Understanding how learning disabilities are diagnosed can help parents understand their persistent nature.
What often happens is that with effective interventions and special education services, children develop powerful coping strategies and workarounds for their challenges. A child who struggled tremendously with a reading disorder in elementary school might become an adequate—even enthusiastic—reader by high school, though they might still read more slowly or need additional processing time.
It’s also worth noting that some early academic difficulties aren’t true learning disabilities but rather developmental delays. In these cases, children genuinely do catch up to their peers without long-term difficulties. This distinction is one reason why having your child evaluated thoroughly is so important—comprehensive assessments help differentiate between developmental delays and specific learning disorders.
The most important thing to remember is that with proper support, children with learning disabilities can thrive academically and personally. Their brains simply process information differently, and our job is to help them find the approaches that work best for their unique way of thinking. Through appropriate special education services and accommodations, we can help your child succeed despite challenges with academic skills.
Are learning disability evaluations expensive?
We understand that financial considerations are important for families. While private evaluations do involve an investment, we believe that understanding your child’s learning profile is one of the most valuable gifts you can provide.
At Bridges of the Mind, we strive to make our evaluations accessible to families. We provide detailed receipts that can be submitted to insurance for possible reimbursement. Please contact our office directly to discuss current pricing and payment options.
Remember that school-based evaluations are provided at no cost to families. While these evaluations may be less comprehensive than private assessments, they can provide valuable information and access to services.
Why Choose Bridges of the Mind for Your Child’s Learning Disability Evaluation
At Bridges of the Mind Psychological Services, we offer several distinct advantages for families seeking to understand their child’s learning profile:
- No waitlists: Unlike many clinics with months-long waits, we can typically schedule comprehensive assessments within 2-3 weeks, allowing you to get answers about your child’s learning needs quickly.
- Neurodiverse-affirmative approach: We recognize and celebrate neurodiversity, viewing learning differences as variations in processing rather than deficits. Our school psychologists and clinical team are specially trained in this approach.
- Whole-child perspective: Our evaluations consider not just academic performance but also emotional well-being, social functioning, and your child’s strengths. We look at your child’s behavior in multiple contexts to gain a complete picture.
- Actionable recommendations: We provide clear, specific strategies that parents and teachers can implement immediately to support your child’s specific learning needs and help with educational programming.
- Ongoing support: Our relationship doesn’t end with the evaluation report—we’re available to help you navigate next steps and advocate for your child with your child’s school to ensure appropriate services.
- Convenient Sacramento location: Our practice serves families throughout the Sacramento area, including South Lake Tahoe and San Jose. We understand the local school systems and can provide targeted support for your child’s educational journey.
Taking the Next Step
If you’re concerned about your child’s learning, we invite you to reach out to our team at Bridges of the Mind. We’re passionate about helping families understand their children’s minds and creating roadmaps for success.
By seeking evaluation, you’re not labeling your child—you’re empowering them with understanding and opening doors to the support they deserve. That’s a powerful gift that will serve them throughout their lifetime.
To learn more about our comprehensive evaluation services or to schedule an initial consultation, please contact our office. We look forward to partnering with you on your child’s journey to success.
Bridges of the Mind Psychological Services specializes in comprehensive psychological evaluations for children, teens, and adults, with a focus on neurodevelopmental conditions including learning disabilities, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder. Our neurodiverse-affirmative approach celebrates individual differences while providing practical support for challenges. Serving Sacramento and surrounding areas, we offer prompt appointments with no waitlists.