The Paragon - NWET&D - Learning Difficulties LDHD

Learning Difficulties L.D.

Children with learning disabilities may only have trouble with certain subjects, such as math or reading, and may do well in other classes. They will also have normal intelligence and may do well on standardized tests. Children with learning disabilities are often described as not performing up to their potential. There are tests that your school psychologist or pediatrician can do to look for certain learning disabilities so that a modified education plan can be developed.
The evaluation of children with possible learning disabilities usually includes an assessment of intelligence or an IQ test performed by a psychologist. This will help to determine your child's learning potential. Common IQ tests include the Wechsler and Stanford-Binet intelligence tests and the Kaufman Assesment Battery. These tests and your child's total and subset score will help to identify her strengths and weaknesses.

The different types of Wechsler tests include the WPPSI for pre-school age childrenand the WISC for school age children. The scores for the WISC will include a verbal, performance and full-scale IQ. Children with learning disabilities will usually have a 10-15 point difference between their verbal and performance IQ, and/or a 5-8 point difference in the subtest scores (subtest scatter).

Your child will also be evaluated with a standardized achievement test, to evaluate your child's performance in reading, writing, math and their general knowledge level. Their scores on these tests will be compared to other children in their grade level or of the same age.

To complete the evaluation for a learning disability, your child may also require a medical exam by her pediatrician and a mental health evaluation.