Milestones’ Discrete Learning Disability Evaluation Can Uncover the “Hidden” Barriers to Learning
The “Kitchen Table” Battle
Your child is smart, but when they open a book, they shut down. Reading is a slow slog. Math facts won’t stick.
You’ve heard the teacher say: “Let’s wait and see.”
Waiting is not the answer. A Specific Learning Disability (SLD) is a neurological difference, not laziness.
The 3 “Hidden” Disabilities We Diagnose
- Dyslexia (Reading): A phonological processing deficit. We measure phonemic awareness and rapid naming.
- ✍️ Dysgraphia (Writing): A disconnect between brain and hand. We assess visual-motor integration.
- Dyscalculia (Math): A lack of “number sense.” We evaluate quantitative reasoning.
The “Wait to Fail” Model
Public schools often wait until a child falls significantly behind to test (RTI model). We identify learning disability issues as early as age 5–6, allowing you to start specialized tutoring (like Orton-Gillingham) before confidence is lost.
Beyond a Learning Disability Evaluation, you can find more tips, news, strategies, and more at our blog here.
Learning Disability: Additional Insights
Communication differences (e.g., language disorders and social-communication disorders)
Children with communication disorders experience difficulty acquiring and using language, and these disorders may present differently. For example, some children may have reduced vocabulary, difficulty with grammar and sentence structure, stuttering, or reproducing speech sounds. Other children may experience difficulty following the rules of a conversation (e.g., taking turns) or difficulty changing their communication style in accordance with the setting or the listener (e.g., speaking at different volumes in the classroom and the playground). Conducting an evaluation to define these areas is important to pinpointing the appropriate therapeutic supports that will help your child develop.
Behavioral challenges in children (e.g., Oppositional Defiance Disorder and disruptive behaviors)
A psychological evaluation is strongly recommended if your child is diagnosed with ODD or described as oppositional. This is a controversial diagnosis that describes a set of behaviors that may be the result of something else. Children and adolescents diagnosed with ODD are typically described as irritable and short-tempered. They are often disobedient at home or school, apt to ignore or rebel against rules, and may be quick to blame others for mistakes. These behaviors are most typical in children. Children are frequently misdiagnosed with ODD when in fact there are other reasons for the behaviors. This is important because the treatments and therapies will be different.
Childhood depression and other mood disorders
There are many forms of depression, and can consist of persistent feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and lacking / decreased desire to engage in activities. People often feel hopeless and have decreased energy. Children tend to express depression differently than adults, in that they are often more irritable and angry. Some children may display a predominate mood of irritability and may respond to situations with emotions that are too intense for the situation.
School-related challenges
School-related challenges may be anything that a parent or child struggles with at school. Two prime examples are bullying and victimization. Other examples include difficulty transitioning to a new school after a move, or the receipt of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and special education services. Some children experience difficulty transitioning back to school after a head injury, such as a concussion or traumatic brain injury. These children need a support system and specific plans to ensure a safe, healthy, and successful transition back to the learning environment. They may require special education services or a 504 plan for a brief period.