A comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation helps determine whether a learning disability is affecting a child’s progress in reading, writing, or mathematics. Difficulties may be apparent in classroom performance, or they may be less obvious when a child maintains acceptable grades through extensive help, unusually high effort, or excessive time spent on schoolwork. The evaluation examines the child’s strengths and difficulties to identify appropriate instruction, interventions, and accommodations.
Understanding Learning Disabilities
Learning disabilities affect the development and use of specific academic skills. These may include reading difficulties such as dyslexia, problems expressing ideas in writing, or difficulty understanding mathematical concepts and performing calculations. A learning disability does not indicate a lack of motivation or limited intellectual ability.
A child can be intellectually gifted and also have a learning disability, a combination often called twice-exceptionality. An evaluation can help identify both the child’s advanced abilities and the difficulties that require support.
The Evaluation
Dr. Elman begins by meeting with parents to discuss their concerns and gather a detailed developmental, educational, and medical history. She also reviews relevant school records and any previous evaluations to learn about the child’s academic progress, earlier findings, and support received.
To understand how the child functions in different settings, she gathers information from teachers and, as appropriate, physicians, mental health counselors, and tutors who work with the child. She also conducts an in-school observation when authorized by the parent and permitted by the school. Observing the child during classroom instruction provides information about participation, attention, work habits, and interactions that may not be apparent during individual testing.
Testing takes place over multiple days, with sessions scheduled in the morning so children can participate when they are rested and alert. Testing before a full day of school helps reduce the effects of fatigue on concentration and stamina, allowing children to perform at their best.
Dr. Elman takes time to develop rapport, offers encouragement, and monitors attention and fatigue, providing breaks as needed.
The assessment examines intellectual abilities and academic skills, including reading, writing, mathematics, and oral language. It also addresses memory, language-related processing, attention, executive functioning, visual-spatial skills, and social-emotional functioning. These findings help explain the child’s academic difficulties and identify whether learning, attention, or emotional concerns are occurring together.
Results and Recommendations
Parents receive a comprehensive written report explaining the findings and recommendations tailored to their child’s strengths and needs. After parents have reviewed the report, Dr. Elman meets with them to explain the results, answer questions, and discuss how to put the recommendations into practice.
Dr. Elman meets with school personnel to explain comprehensive evaluation findings and assist with educational planning, including IEP or Section 504 meetings when the school permits her participation. The school team makes formal decisions about eligibility for school-based services and accommodations.
To discuss an evaluation or schedule an appointment, call Dr. Elman at 561-470-8660.