The goal of an evaluation is to intervene as soon as possible with any individual who is struggling to achieve. Some students have been evaluated for learning differences by a professional prior to contacting our clinic. If a student has not had an evaluation to determine deficits and strengths we can recommend several excellent providers. Accurate identification of deficit areas and documentation of an individual’s strengths provides a helpful guide for effective treatment.

It is important to document where a child is currently functioning in terms of reading, spelling, writing and mathematics. Determining a baseline allows us as clinicians to clearly outline the appropriate intervention for each individual. It also gives the parents and student important information about his/her achievement potential and specific deficits which may be preventing access to that potential. Consistent progress monitoring of a student’s response to intervention is continual ensuring the student is making progress and overcoming their struggle.

If there is a need for an in-depth evaluation by a clinical psychologist to determine the presence of ADH/D or other related disorders we will provide the names of reputable and highly experienced therapists. Our clinic is not in the business of “testing to treat”. It is more common for us to “treat and test” meaning that an individual’s response to treatment provides a working knowledge of areas of concern that may be preventing adequate response. Providing an adequate opportunity to learn and knowing the integrity of the intervention provided by our clinic we can reliably determine if further testing and evaluation is indicated.

When a child is struggling to read, someone will probably suggest that he or she be tested for dyslexia. What does it mean to be tested? You might think that of a test as something you take in an afternoon. Someone scores it and tells you how you did. Evaluation is a more accurate word to describe the process of determining if someone has dyslexia. The word evaluation encompasses identification, screening, testing, diagnosis, and all the other information gathering involved when the student, his or her family, and a team of professionals work together to determine why the student is having difficulty and what can be done to help.

An evaluation is the process of gathering information to identify the factors contributing to a student’s difficulty with learning to read and spell. First, information is gathered from parents and teachers to understand development and the educational opportunities that have been provided. Then, tests are given to identify strengths and weaknesses that lead to a diagnosis and a tentative road map for intervention. Conclusions and recommendations are developed and reported. When a student is having difficulties with reading and spelling, an evaluation is important for three reasons.

1. Diagnosis An effective evaluation identifies the likely source of the problem. It rules out other common causes of reading difficulties and determines if the student profile of strengths and weaknesses fit the definition of dyslexia. Who Does Them?
   • A full psycho-educational evaluation is best done by a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who specializes in this type of testing.
   • Upon request, we can provide a short list of evaluators to you.  Our office can review the results of your testing and provide intervention for the identified deficits.
2. Intervention planning An effective evaluation develops a focused remedial program. Students who have a specific learning disability in reading (dyslexia) need a specialized approach to reading instruction to make progress. It is crucial that this specialized instruction begin at the student’s current level of reading skill development, rather than at the student’s grade level. An effective evaluation helps parents and teachers see which specific skills are weak and where reading and spelling instruction should begin.
3. Documentation An effective evaluation documents the history of a student’s learning disability. One purpose of this documentation is to determine eligibility for special services, including special education. Documentation is also important for obtaining accommodations on college entrance exams (ACT, SAT), in college, or in the workplace.