Learning disabilities are neurologically based differences that significantly affect a person’s ability to acquire or use skills in a particular area. The most common learning disabilities involve reading, written expression, mathematics, and language. A learning disability does not indicate limited intellectual ability or a lack of motivation.
Many individuals with learning disabilities have average or above-average intellectual abilities. A student may be intellectually gifted and have a learning disability, sometimes referred to as being twice-exceptional. Students with learning disabilities may process information differently and benefit from specialized instruction, targeted interventions, and appropriate accommodations.
Dr. Elman conducts comprehensive psychoeducational evaluations to determine whether a learning disability is present and how it may be affecting a student’s academic performance. The evaluation provides information about the student’s pattern of strengths and weaknesses and how the student learns most effectively. Parents, teachers, and students can use this information to select strategies, interventions, and accommodations that support the student’s educational progress.
Each psychoeducational evaluation is tailored to the student’s individual needs and takes place over multiple days. Dr. Elman begins by meeting with the parents to obtain a detailed developmental, educational, and medical history and to discuss the current concerns. The evaluation may include a school observation and interviews with the student’s teachers.
Dr. Elman then meets with the student to assess a broad range of functioning, including intellectual ability, academic achievement across subject areas, social-emotional functioning, attention, executive functioning, auditory processing, phonological awareness, short-term and working memory, long-term retrieval, fluid and abstract reasoning, visual-spatial abilities, sensorimotor functioning, and visual-motor coordination.
After completing the evaluation, Dr. Elman prepares a comprehensive written report explaining the results and providing recommendations. Once the parents have reviewed the report and had an opportunity to formulate questions, Dr. Elman meets with them to discuss the findings and recommendations.
Dr. Elman offers to meet with school personnel, such as the student’s teachers, school psychologist, and Exceptional Student Education coordinator, to explain the results and recommendations and assist with educational planning. Some schools do not permit outside evaluators to participate in these meetings. When participation is permitted, Dr. Elman can assist the school team as it considers the student’s eligibility for an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a Section 504 Plan, or other school-based services and supports. The school team is responsible for making formal eligibility and educational planning decisions.