Testing for Learning Differences in Vancouver, WA & Portland, OR
Educational Evaluations for Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia
Academic assessments offer insights to understand and support the unique ways in which children learn.
Learning is a complex process, and many students face unique challenges that can affect their academic performance. Approximately 1 in 5 children have a learning disorder, such as dyslexia or dysgraphia, which can impact how they process information and lead to difficulties in reading, writing, and other academic tasks.
Understanding why a student struggles can be the first step toward providing the right support. Thorough assessments for learning differences offer valuable insights into a student's specific strengths and areas of vulnerable development. These evaluations help identify areas where support is needed and guide the development of personalized educational plans at school and other needed interventions.
With the appropriate support and strategies, students with learning challenges can build confidence, improve their skills, and thrive academically.
You May Be Wondering
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Dyslexia is one of the most widely known learning differences. However, it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects language-related processing development and skills. It can cause trouble with phonetic understanding, grammar, reading comprehension, and language development.
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Dysgraphia is a learning difference that affects the child’s ability to develop fine motor skills, specifically handwriting. People who struggle with dysgraphia may have a tough time connecting their thoughts to symbols like letters or images. They can struggle to write or draw concepts. They may have poor spelling, handwriting, memory, spatial awareness, and other concerns.
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This type of learning difference affects the person’s ability to understand mathematics. This may include numbers, telling time, counting money, understanding math concepts, identifying patterns, or determining reasoning behind mathematic formulas.
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In addition to these three common types of learning differences, there are also a number of other concerns we may look for when performing testing for learning differences, including:
Auditory Processing Disorder – this is a learning difference that causes people to struggle when processing sounds. Individuals may misinterpret what they hear or struggle to differentiate between background noise and intentional speech.
Language Processing Disorder – similar to and often paired with auditory processing disorder, but it specifically impacts a person’s ability to produce and interpret speech. There is difficulty connecting meaning to words.
Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities – struggles to understand non-verbal language or social cues. The individual may have poor coordination or perform atypical bodily expressions when communicating.
Visual Perceptual Motor Deficit – this specific learning difference refers to difficulties with processing visual input. For instance, they may confuse similar looking letters or items, struggle to read maps, or frequently lose their place when reading. This learning difference may also show up as poor coordination, including struggling with fine movements like writing, using scissors, or gluing.
How Is Educational Testing Performed?
Your child’s evaluation for learning differences will be individualized to ensure we have complete understanding of their areas of strength and weakness, aptitudes, and abilities. There may be some variation in the exact tests utilized. However, every client follows the same basic process:
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You can book a free, no-obligation introductory phone call with Dr. Webb directly on our website, or if you prefer, submit a contact form and we’ll help you schedule a time.
During this brief, 15-minute conversation, we’ll hear about your child, answer any questions you may have, and explore whether a comprehensive evaluation is the right fit for your family.
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We’ll start with a virtual parent intake interview, usually lasting about 60–90 minutes. During this time, we’ll talk with you about your child’s history, your questions and concerns, and what you hope to gain from the evaluation. When it’s helpful, your child can join part of this conversation, so we can hear their perspective too.
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A range of learning, intelligence, and aptitude tests will be administered over the course of two separate sessions. Because each evaluation is completely individualized, exact timing can vary, but total testing time is usually about 5–7 hours. We do our utmost to ensure each child is comfortable throughout their visit—slowing down and taking breaks as needed.
In addition to assessments for each child, caregivers and teachers will also receive questionnaires to help us see your child’s strengths and challenges from multiple perspectives.
If you need help getting them ready for testing, we can discuss tips during your intake interview or you can read our recommendations here.
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After your child’s evaluation is complete we carefully review everything we’ve gathered—their assessment results, school records (such as IEPs, 504 plans, teacher feedback, and grade reports), any counseling notes, and relevant medical information.
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About four weeks after your child’s evaluation, we’ll meet with you for a feedback appointment to review findings, diagnoses, and any recommendations. Within 48 hours, you’ll then receive a detailed written report that you can use at home or share with your child’s school if relevant.
For teens and young adults, we may also schedule a brief 30-min individual session to present the findings in a more age appropriate manner and answer any questions your child might have.
Easily Schedule Educational Testing
We know how hectic life can get, and fitting in appointments shouldn’t add to the stress. That’s why we’ve made scheduling testing services for academic and learning differences easy and hassle-free for children and families in Greater Portland and Vancouver. Use our online self-scheduler to check availability and book your free phone consultation today. Prefer to connect directly? Call us at (360) 328-7880 or email hello@webbpsychological.com. We look forward to hearing from you!