Learning Disability Testing in NYC
Comprehensive Learning Disorder Evaluations for Children, Teens, and Adults
If your child is working incredibly hard in school but still struggling to read, write, spell, complete math assignments, or keep up with classmates, it may be time for a comprehensive learning disability evaluation.
At Park West Psychology, we provide comprehensive learning disability testing in NYC to identify the underlying cause of academic challenges and provide clear recommendations for school, home, and future success. Our evaluations go beyond identifying whether a student qualifies for services. We help families understand how their child's brain learns, what is getting in the way, and what supports are most likely to help.
Whether you're concerned about Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) with impairment in reading (commonly called dyslexia), written expression (often called dysgraphia), or mathematics (often called dyscalculia), our goal is to provide answers, clarity, and a practical roadmap forward.
What Is a Learning Disability?
A Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) is diagnosed when a person has persistent difficulty learning or using certain academic skills despite receiving appropriate instruction and having typical intellectual ability.
Specific Learning Disorders may involve impairment in one or more academic areas, including:
Reading (often referred to as dyslexia)
Written expression (often referred to as dysgraphia)
Mathematics (often referred to as dyscalculia)
Learning disabilities are not a measure of intelligence. Many children with learning disorders are bright, curious, creative, and capable. They simply process certain types of information differently.
Signs Your Child May Benefit From Testing
Every child develops differently, but persistent struggles that don't improve with practice or extra support may indicate it's time for an evaluation. One of the biggest signs that testing may be helpful is a persistent gap between effort and results. If someone is consistently working hard but not seeing the progress you'd expect, it's worth exploring why.
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Have difficulty learning letters and letter sounds
Struggle with rhyming or phonological awareness
Have trouble connecting letters to sounds
Find multi-step directions difficult
Become frustrated during early reading or writing activities
Be identified by teachers as falling behind classmates
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Slow or effortful reading
Persistent spelling difficulties
Difficulty learning math facts
Homework taking much longer than expected
Messy or tiring handwriting
A noticeable gap between verbal abilities and classroom performance
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Begin struggling academically after previously doing well
Have difficulty organizing assignments
Miss deadlines or lose schoolwork
Struggle with reading comprehension
Avoid schoolwork through procrastination
Experience declining confidence or self-esteem
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Much greater effort than results
Difficulty managing essays and long-term projects
Challenges with standardized testing
Increased school-related anxiety
Questions about accommodations for college entrance exams
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Difficulty managing large reading assignments
Problems with time management
Challenges on graduate school or professional licensing exams
Difficulty obtaining academic or workplace accommodations
What Does Learning Disability Testing Measure?
Learning disabilities rarely affect just one skill, which is why we evaluate patterns across these areas to understand where learning breaks down and why. A comprehensive evaluation examines how multiple cognitive and academic systems work together, including:
Intellectual and cognitive abilities
Reading skills
Written language
Mathematics
Executive functioning
Attention
Working memory
Processing speed
Language skills
Learning and memory
Emotional functioning when appropriate
Book A Free Consultation
Our Learning Disability Evaluation Process
Most evaluations are completed within 1–3 weeks, depending on scheduling availability.
Initial Consultation
We begin by discussing your concerns, reviewing developmental and educational history, and determining whether comprehensive testing is appropriate.
Parent Interview & Record Review
We gather information about developmental milestones, academic history, previous evaluations, report cards, and other relevant records.
Teacher or Tutor Input
When possible, we also gather feedback from teachers or tutors to better understand how challenges appear in the classroom.
Comprehensive Testing
Testing may include measures of academic achievement, reading, writing, mathematics, cognitive functioning, executive functioning, attention, memory, processing speed, and language skills
Feedback Session
Once testing is complete, we meet with your family to explain the results in clear, understandable language and answer your questions.
Comprehensive Written Report
You'll receive a detailed report outlining diagnoses (when appropriate), individualized recommendations, and documentation that can be used with schools and testing agencies.
Why Early Testing Matters
Early identification creates opportunities for early support. The sooner learning challenges are understood, the sooner children can receive interventions that help them build skills, confidence, and resilience.
Early testing can help:
Prevent children from falling further behind academically
Improve self-esteem
Reduce frustration surrounding school
Identify effective interventions sooner
Help families advocate for appropriate educational supports
Create a plan before academic demands increase
Many children make meaningful progress when they receive the right support early.
Common Misconceptions About Learning Disabilities
"Learning disabilities mean my child isn't smart."
Not true. Learning disabilities affect how someone processes information—not intelligence. Many gifted students also have learning disabilities.
"My child isn't failing, so testing isn't necessary."
Many students are getting by only because they're working significantly harder than their peers. Testing can identify hidden struggles before they become larger challenges.
"A diagnosis will label my child."
For many families, a diagnosis brings relief. It replaces confusion and self-blame with understanding and provides a path toward meaningful support.
"Maybe they'll grow out of it."
While some developmental delays improve with time, true learning disabilities generally benefit from targeted intervention rather than waiting.
What Happens After a Learning Disability Diagnosis?
Receiving a diagnosis is only the beginning. After reviewing the results together, we'll explain what they mean in plain language and help you understand your next steps. Most importantly, families leave with a better understanding of their child's strengths, challenges, and the supports that can help them thrive.
Depending on your child's needs, recommendations may include:
Working with your child's school
Pursuing an IEP or 504 Plan
Beginning specialized tutoring
Speech or occupational therapy
Counseling or other therapeutic supports
Follow-up evaluations during important school transitions
Frequently Asked Questions
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A licensed psychologist or neuropsychologist with expertise in comprehensive psychoeducational or neuropsychological assessment can diagnose Specific Learning Disorders.
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Yes. Dyslexia falls under the diagnosis of Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in reading, and comprehensive testing can determine whether diagnostic criteria are met.
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Most evaluations are completed within 1–3 weeks, depending on scheduling availability.
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Coverage varies by insurance plan. Our team can discuss fees and answer questions before scheduling.
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Yes. Many children have overlapping conditions, which is why comprehensive evaluations examine multiple areas of functioning rather than focusing on a single diagnosis.
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If your child consistently works hard but continues to struggle academically compared to peers, an evaluation can help identify the underlying cause and guide the next steps.
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Your report is designed to be practical, personalized, and actionable. The goal is not simply to provide a diagnosis, but to give families a clear roadmap for moving forward.
Recommendations may include:
Classroom accommodations
IEP or 504 recommendations
Extended testing time recommendations
Reading, writing, or math interventions
Tutoring recommendations
Therapy referrals when appropriate
Parent strategies for supporting learning at home
School placement guidance
Documentation for standardized testing accommodations
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Yes. Reports are written to provide comprehensive documentation that schools and testing agencies can use when considering accommodations. Depending on your child's needs, reports may support:
IEP eligibility discussions
504 Plans
College disability services
SAT and ACT accommodations
Graduate school accommodations
Professional licensing exam accommodations
While schools ultimately determine eligibility, our evaluations provide the detailed clinical information needed to support that process.
Getting Started
At Park West Psychology, we understand how overwhelming it can feel when your child is struggling in school without clear answers. We are here to discuss your concerns, answer your questions about the evaluation process, and help you determine whether comprehensive testing is appropriate for your child.
Contact Park West Psychology today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward understanding your child's unique learning profile.