Across cultures, individuals often focus on their personal weaknesses. At Meadowlark Center, we truly believe each person needs to understand and appreciate where their strengths lie. We approach our work from a strengths-based approach, making sure each person and child walks away feeling empowered, understanding where they excel and where they need help. Afterall, confidence and insight is at the crux for personal growth and success.
Dyslexia & Learning Disorders
A Specific Learning Disorder or Learning Disability is characterized by substantial impairment in reading, writing, or mathematics. Such academic underachievement is unexpected based on the presence of sound cognitive abilities, appropriate instruction,
and motivation.
What is a Learning Disorder?
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Dyscalculia is another term used to describe a Specific Learning Disorder in Mathematics and involves difficulty acquiring basic mathematical skills.
Potential diagnoses include:
This involves difficulties with number sense, memorizing math facts, math calculations, and/or math problem solving.
Dyslexia is a type of reading disorder involving problems with accurate or fluent word recognition and poor spelling abilities.
This is characterized by reading words inaccurately, reading slowly, problems reading fluently, and/or poor reading comprehension.
Dysgraphia is a type of writing disorder characterized by illegible or sloppy handwriting, poor spelling, and/or trouble putting thoughts onto paper.
This includes difficulties with spelling, grammar, punctuation, sentence production, organization, and/or clarity.
Specific Learning Disorder in Mathematics:
Specific Learning Disorder in Reading:
Specific Learning Disorder in Written Expression:
Potential diagnoses
include:
Reading below grade level
Slow and choppy reading
Challenges accurately reading or
sounding out words
Poor spelling
Avoiding or disliking reading
Common Symptoms of Dyslexia:
Difficulty learning and retaining letter sounds or letter patterns
Challenges hearing and manipulating sounds in words
Misreading or word-guessing
Skipping over common short words
Trouble focusing on and finishing reading assignments
Not all people with difficulties in these areas have Dyslexia. Comprehensive testing is the best way to establish a diagnosis.
Needing extensive repetition for mastery
Dyslexia is the most common type of Learning Disorder. While typically identified in childhood, Dyslexia may go undiagnosed until adulthood. Symptoms vary depending on age, severity, and level of intervention.
What is Dyslexia?
Once the evaluation is complete, results and recommendations will be shared during the feedback appointment. A comprehensive report will follow.
Structured interview(s)
Cognitive assessment (including measures of working memory, processing speed,
visual-spatial abilities, and verbal reasoning skills)
Comprehensive academic testing (including all areas of reading,
written expression, and mathematics)
Phonological processing
Collaboration with teachers and other service providers
Since there are several types of learning disorders, the Meadowlark Center customizes each evaluation based on the specific areas of academic concern. Therefore, our evaluations are tailored to identify learning strengths and pinpoint challenges limiting academic progress.
Fine motor screening
Language screening
Behavioral observations
Review of school records
Components of an evaluation may include:
When early identification and intervention occur, extended problems with schoolwork and related low self-esteem can be avoided. Learning evaluations can also be helpful in determining if a student is eligible to receive accommodations in college or for College Board exams. No matter one’s age, a learning evaluation can help identify potential supports to help promote performance at school and beyond.
Why Evaluate for Learning Disorders?
Social, emotional, and behavioral questionnaires
How Do We Evaluate for Learning Disorders?
We provide parent consultation appointments and academic screening services to address areas of concern and provide associated guidance.
