Testing/Evaluating

Developmental Disabilities are still poorly understood, from the cause to cure. However, there is one widely-accepted fact: Early and intensive intervention can have a profound impact on the quality of life for both children at risk and their families. The key is early detection, recognizing the first signs of a developmental delay or disorder. Resource links from FirstSigns.org and Preschool Language aptitude from LDOnline can help you recognize early signs.

Are you wondering if your child’s skills are reaching typical guideposts?

Here is a list (not comprehensive) of some of the first signs of learning disabilities

Adapted from Melvine Levine, M.D. F.A.A.P. – Their World, 1990.  This table are guideposts for parents and teachers.  They should not be used in isolation, but may lead you to seek further evaluations.

MA DOE Early Intervention (0-3) program information.

Does my child have a Learning Disability?

Does the student have the following:

• Has an average to above average intelligence.
• Exhibits unexpected discrepancy between potential and actual achievement.
• Performs poorly because of difficulty in one or more of the following areas:
  •     Listening
  •     Speaking
  •     Reading
  •     Written expression
  •     Mathematics
  •     Reasoning
• Difficulties in concentration and attention, memory and  social skills may also be seen in profiles of students with learning disabilities.   (From the National Center for Learning Disabilities.)

Why would a parent or teacher request that a child be evaluated?

• Struggling academically or not performing at the same level as others in their class. We have found that children struggling to read is one of the major academic reasons children are refered for evaluation.
• Behavioral difficulties at home or at school. Behavioral issues may indicate difficulties or stress in school. An evaluation may help you understand how a child’s behavior and learning are related.
• Attentional issues. If these issues were raised, start learning about ADD/ADHD; the Hallowell books are a good place to start (i.e. Driven to Distraction, see our ‘Book Picks’ page for a description and other recommend books from our members).
• Drop in performance or depression. A child may be avoiding work that is too difficult due to a learning disability. Is your child’s depression interfering with academic performance?
• Memory difficulties. It is important to determine whether it is short term memory or long term. Can your child remember discrete units of information, such as digits, but not more complex information? Can your child remember the names of things? Are language difficulties related to memory difficulties?
• Grade retention is suggested. An evaluation is important to better understand why your child has not acquired the necessary skills to be promoted to the next grade. Understand the student’s strengths and weakness, how they learn, and whether a change in teaching method may improve their progress.