Getting a Learning-Problems Assessment for Your Child

November 21, 2009

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Getting a Learning-Problems Assessment for Your Child

by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P.
reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.

If you suspect a learning disability, how do you go about getting an assessment for your child? You can arrange a private assessment or go through your child's public school.

Learning clinics
Many large hospitals have learning clinics, where teams of specialists provide comprehensive evaluations for children with suspected learning disabilities. There is usually a pediatrician with expertise in child development, along with a learning specialist, psychologist, and/or social worker.

A comprehensive assessment often takes several hours. In the end, you should receive a detailed report that clearly spells out your child's problems and diagnosis, and gives detailed suggestions for educational planning or treatment.

These assessments can cost several hundred dollars and may not be covered by insurance.

Public-school assessments
The other way to get a thorough learning assessment is through the public schools. The IDEA law, described in the previous article (Schools and LD), also include rules about how the process gets started.

The process starts with a referral, which can come either from the school or from you. If you request the assessment, the school is supposed to respond by getting the testing done and holding the team meeting within a reasonable time. To make the process go more smoothly, follow these common-sense steps:

Start a folder where you can file all of the communications between you and the school.

Make your request for an assessment in writing. It can be as simple as a letter to the principal stating, "I think that my child might have a learning disability. I request that you (the school) provide a full assessment."

Make notes of every communication you have with the school so that you can track the process.

Educate yourself about the IDEA law. You can start with online resources (see LD Online); you can use these to connect with local parent organizations that provide training and advice from parents who have gone through the process and know the ins and outs. It's hard to overstate how very helpful networking with other parents can be.

Come to the team meeting prepared to insist on what you think is best for your child, but also prepared to work as a team with the school.


RELATED INFORMATION

			How Schools Approach Learning Disabilities
			What Is a Learning Disability?
			School Problems

Created September 26, 2000
Reviewed September 28, 2000

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