Testing for Learning Disabilities and Dyslexia

Understanding Learning Differences: Why a Neuropsychological Evaluation Matters

If your child is struggling with reading, writing, or math, you’ve likely already experienced the worry, frustration, and advocacy that come with trying to ensure they get the help they need. Perhaps your child is already receiving services at school—such as reading intervention or accommodations through an IEP or 504 Plan. So you may be wondering: Do we really need a neuropsychological evaluation, too? The short answer is: yes, often you do.

While school-based evaluations serve an important role, they are limited in scope. A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation goes deeper—providing the insight and individualized recommendations needed to fully understand your child’s learning profile and how to best support them long term.

Contact

mother and daughter sitting at a table drawing and writing together

What Are Learning Disorders?

Learning disorders are neurologically-based processing challenges that interfere with specific academic skills. They are not caused by low intelligence or lack of effort, and they often persist despite quality instruction. Common types include:

Dyslexia: Difficulty with reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension
Dysgraphia: Difficulty with handwriting, spelling, written expression, and/or the organization of written thoughts.
Dyscalculia: Difficulty understanding numbers, math facts, and problem-solving strategies.

These challenges often coexist with other conditions like ADHD or anxiety, and they can significantly impact academic confidence and emotional well-being if not fully understood and addressed.

young boy sitting covering his eyes with an open book facing outwards

Why Diagnosis Still Matters—Even with School Services

It’s not uncommon for schools to provide services or interventions without formally diagnosing a learning disorder. While support at school is essential, it doesn’t always answer the full question: Why is my child struggling in the first place?

Here’s why a formal diagnosis through a neuropsychological evaluation can make a real difference:

Clarifies the root cause: Is it dyslexia, ADHD, or both? Are difficulties in writing due to language processing challenges or motor coordination issues?
Supports targeted intervention: Knowing the specific diagnosis helps ensure your child receives evidence-based instruction tailored to their needs—not just general support.
Provides documentation: A formal diagnosis is often required for accommodations on standardized tests (like the SAT or ACT) and can support continued services in high school, college, and beyond.
Validates your child’s experience: Naming the challenge can be empowering for children who may have internalized a sense of failure despite trying their best.

School-Based Testing vs. Neuropsychological Evaluation

Both school-based and private evaluations have their place—but they differ significantly in depth and purpose.

School-Based Testing	Neuropsychological Evaluation
Focuses on academic achievement and eligibility for services	Focuses on brain-based processes affecting learning, behavior, and emotions
Designed to determine if a child qualifies for support under special education law (IDEA)	Designed to understand why a child is struggling and to provide a diagnosis, if appropriate
Conducted by a school psychologist	Conducted by a licensed psychologist or neuropsychologist
Often time-limited	Comprehensive, individualized, and tailored to the referral questions
Recommendations tied to what the school can offer	Recommendations extend to home, school, and outside supports (e.g., private tutoring, therapy, medical follow-up)

A neuropsychological evaluation provides a full picture of how your child learns, processes information, regulates attention and emotions, and applies skills across settings.

What Does a Neuropsychological Evaluation Involve?

This evaluation includes:

A review of developmental, medical, and educational history
Interviews with parents, and often teachers, tutors, and anyone else who knows the child well
Standardized testing across areas such as:
- Intellectual functioning
- Academic skills
- Language processing
- Executive functioning (e.g., attention, working memory, planning)
- Visual-motor integration
- Social-emotional functioning

This comprehensive approach ensures that your child’s strengths are identified alongside their challenges, and that individualized, practical recommendations are developed to guide support moving forward.

young diverse girl sitting at a desk completing and evaluation with a pencil

The Value of Getting Clarity

If your child continues to struggle in school, even with support, or if you suspect that there may be more going on beneath the surface, a neuropsychological evaluation can be a transformative step. It not only helps explain why learning is hard—it also equips you, your child, and their educators with the tools to support growth, confidence, and long-term success.

The Value of Getting Clarity

Let’s Get Clarity—Together

As a parent, you’re already doing the hard work of advocating for your child. A neuropsychological evaluation can be the missing piece that brings everything into focus—supporting your child’s needs with clarity, compassion, and evidence-based guidance.

Dr. Travers offers complimentary consultation calls to help you better understand the evaluation process and determine whether it’s the right next step for your child.

Schedule your free consultation today—and take the next step toward understanding, support, and empowerment.

schedule now

Contact