Wondering if You or Your Child Might Have a Learning Disability/Learning Disorder?
If you or your child has been struggling in school, at work, or in everyday life due to challenges with learning, you’re not alone. Perhaps homework is a nightly battle, reading feels like climbing a mountain, or staying organized seems impossible. Maybe you’ve heard phrases like, “just try harder” or “you’re just being lazy,” and despite your best efforts, progress feels out of reach.
Participating in a psychoeducational evaluation can provide clarity and answers through comprehensive learning disability assessments, helping you or your loved one move from frustration to empowerment, uncovering the "why" behind the struggles, and creating a path forward tailored to unique strengths and needs.
Understanding your or a loved one’s learning differences through a strength-based lens can open doors to self-acceptance, empowerment, and growth. We offer comprehensive Learning Disability evaluations, ADHD evaluations, Gifted Evaluations, and Neurodiversity Evaluations for children and adults at our Coral Springs, Plantation, and Fort Lauderdale counseling offices.
Take the first step today by scheduling your complimentary phone consultation by calling 954.391.5305. Together, we’ll explore how a learning disability assessment can help you and your loved ones achieve personal and academic success.
What are Learning Disabilities?
Learning disabilities (commonly known as learning disorders) are differences in the way the brain processes information, making certain tasks more challenging. They are not about intelligence but about how someone learns and processes information. Learning differences can affect skills like reading, writing, math, and organization. They often persist throughout life but can be managed effectively with the right support and strategies.
Common Types of Learning Disorders:
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Dyslexia: Difficulty with reading, spelling, and sometimes comprehension.
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Dysgraphia: Struggles with handwriting, spelling, or expressing thoughts in writing.
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Dyscalculia: Challenges with understanding numbers, math concepts, and calculations.
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Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD): Trouble interpreting nonverbal cues, spatial awareness, or abstract thinking.
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Auditory or Visual Processing Disorders: Difficulty processing and making sense of information heard or seen.
Signs a Learning Difference May be Present:
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In Kids: Difficulty mastering reading, writing, or math skills; avoidance of homework; frustration or low self-esteem
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In Teens: Struggles with organizing assignments, keeping up with complex subjects, or staying focused in class
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In Adults: Challenges at work with deadlines, reading comprehension, or learning new skills; difficulty managing daily tasks
What Are the Signs You or Your Loved Might Have a Learning Disability?
You or someone you care about might be struggling with a learning difference such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, etc. if you notice patterns such as:
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Consistent trouble with reading, writing, or math despite effort
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Difficulty following multi-step instructions
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Frequent frustration, avoidance, or anxiety related to school or work tasks
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Problems staying organized or managing time effectively
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Feeling “behind” peers in specific skill areas
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Low confidence in academic or professional abilities
What is Neurodiversity and How do Learning Disabilities Fit in?
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Neurodiversity is the idea that differences in how people think and learn are natural variations of the human brain. Learning disabilities are part of this spectrum, alongside ADHD, autism, anxiety, and other conditions.
Embracing neurodiversity means focusing on strengths and creating environments where all individuals can thrive. A neurodiversity-affirming learning disability evaluation aims to highlight strengths as much as identifying areas of difficulty, fostering a growth-oriented perspective and offering actionable recommendations.
For more information about Neurodiversity Evaluations for adults, click here.
Why Work With a Neurodiversity-
Affirming Psychologist?
Traditional approaches often aim to “fix” or conform individuals to neurotypical norms, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy or frustration. A neurodiversity-affirming psychologist takes a different path by:
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Validating Experiences: Recognizing and respecting neurodiverse perspectives.
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Focusing on Strengths: Highlighting inherent talents and abilities while addressing challenges to provide a holistic perspective.
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Taking a Collaborative Approach: Working with you to develop tailored strategies that leverage your unique abilities and needs.
This approach fosters growth, acceptance, and empowerment rather than conformity.
How Can a Learning Disability Assessment Help You or Your Loved One?
A Learning Disability Assessment can provide:
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Diagnostic Clarity: Understanding the root cause of challenges.
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Solutions & Strategies: Tailored recommendations to address specific needs.
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Peace of Mind: Relief in knowing your experiences are valid and shared by others.
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Resources: Connections to support groups, therapies, and accommodations.
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A Path Forward: A clear plan to help you thrive at work, school, and in personal relationships.
What to Expect During a
Learning Disability Assessment?
Step 1 – Initial consultation: A conversation to understand your background, goals, and concerns.
Step 2 – The testing/evaluation process: Tailored to your needs – includes a thorough interview, questionnaires, and evidence-based assessments, typically completed in one to two sessions.
Step 3 – Feedback: A detailed discussion of findings, including diagnoses (if applicable) and actionable recommendations.
Step 4 – Written Report: A comprehensive document summarizing results, strategies, and next steps.
This process is collaborative, transparent, and designed to empower you with insights.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Learning Disorders
Is Learning Disability Testing Necessary For a Diagnosis?
Testing for learning differences (also known as learning disabilities and learning disorders) can provide clarity, but self-identification and lived experiences are equally valuable. Testing is one of many tools to help guide your journey by bringing greater clarity, solutions and resources.
Will the Results of a Learning Disability Evaluation Help With School or Workplace Accommodations?
Yes! Once learning disability testing is complete, you will be provided with a written report that includes the results of testing and recommendations for school and/or workplace accommodations, such as IEPs, 504 Plans, or ADA provisions.
Will Having a Learning Disability Diagnosis Negatively Affect Me?
A learning disability diagnosis (ie: dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, etc.) can help you access accommodations, services, and self-understanding. It is your decision whether or not you share a diagnosis with others in your life. Some people appreciate the clarity and insights a diagnosis can provide for their personal understanding. Others appreciate having documented information to share with others to help bring that understanding to their relationships and potentially benefit from accommodations in school or the workplace.
Does Insurance Cover Assessments for Learning Disabilities?
Some insurance plans will cover all or part of testing for learning disorders. It is best to check with your insurance provider to determine your specific benefits and whether or not you have coverage for in-network or out-of-network psychological assessment services.
What Other Types of Testing Do You Provide for Children & Adults?
Diagnostic and strengths-based assessments are offered for toddlers and young children up to teenagers and adults. Besides learning disabilities, testing is available for those looking for clarity related to giftedness; ADHD and executive function differences; anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns; autism and sensory processing differences; and other developmental, behavioral, social, and emotional concerns.
Ready to Gain Clarity &
Answers so You Can Move Forward?
Understanding your or a loved one’s learning differences through the lens of neurodiversity can open doors to self-acceptance, empowerment, and growth.
We offer comprehensive Learning Disability evaluations, ADHD evaluations, Gifted testing, and Neurodiversity Evaluations for children and adults at our Coral Springs, Plantation, and Fort Lauderdale counseling offices.
Take the first step today by scheduling your complimentary phone consultation by calling 954.391.5305. Together, we’ll explore how a Learning Disability Assessment can help you and your loved ones thrive.
Additional Counseling & Psychological Testing Services at Our Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, & Plantation, FL Offices
Learning Disability/Disorder Assessments for children and adults isn't the only psychological service we provide in our Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, and Plantation offices. We help people across their life span... Sometimes, life gets complicated and you or your loved ones may be struggling with more than one challenge. Keep in mind, you're not alone... no matter what you're going through, we're here to help!
Our expert psychologists and counselors at Bayview Therapy specialize in different areas. We offer a wide range of counseling and psychological evaluations to support our Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Plantation, Southwest Ranches, Davie, Weston, Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, and Parkland communities.
We provide therapy and psychological services for children, teens, adults, couples, and families dealing with a wide variety of life's challenges across the lifespan. Our psychological evaluations include: ADHD testing, Gifted testing, Neurodiversity assessments, Step Up Scholarship evaluations, and more.
Some of our counseling specialties include depression counseling; trauma therapy and EMDR therapy; teen counseling; child and family counseling; couples counseling or marriage therapy; psychiatric medication management; and more.
We also provide online counseling options using our secure HIPAA compliant platform.
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