The learning disability evaluation consists of an overall intelligence battery, consisting of such tests like Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-IV or the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III. Achievement tests are also administered which delineate the underlying cognitive problems, such as the Woodcock-Johnson Battery-III.
Dyslexia is the most common learning disability, comprising about 85 percent of people who have a learning disability. At The Brain Clinic, all learning disability evaluations include:
- comprehensive reading assessment
- examination of the underlying cognitive processes
- phonological processing
- memory functioning
- processing speed.
Other forms of learning disabilities exist, and assessment can be tailored to accommodate them. For example, a nonverbal learning disability is often associated with poor math and visual reasoning abilities as compared to the person’s overall intelligence. Usually additional testing usually needs to be done in these cases.
There are four levels of learning disability evaluations. Please note that the first 3 levels are currently only available for those 16 years and older. These three levels of evaluations are designed to be for those cases that are very simple and straightforward-- usually for those needing current documentation for known learning problems. Level 4 is the only current available evaluation for any under the age of 16 years old. Evaluations for accommodations in school or for standardized tests usually require a more elaborate report; Levels 3 or 4 are necessary.
Testing usually takes about 8 hours (for Levels 2 and above), but can be longer in some cases. The exception is Level 1 testing, which is usually about 4 to 5 hours. If a person is late, or tests very slowly, extra time will be billed. Report writing is an additional 7 hours for Levels 2, 3 and 4. The report can take a few weeks to be completed.
Level 1: Brief Learning Disability Evaluation. The Brain Clinic provides special research project assessment for learning disabilities. This low cost alternative is for people who want to know whether or not they have a learning disability or ADD. This evaluation is not sufficient for those needing extra time on high stakes tests such as the GRE or LSAT.
Level 2: Full 8 hours of Testing, Short Report. This includes the Wechsler Intelligence Scale, most of the Woodcock-Johnson Cognitive and Achievement Batteries, plus at least one timed reading test. The report is two pages long. Medical history, developmental history, and symptom reporting are not included. Testing is done by a graduate student or a recent Ph.D.
Level 3: Full 8 hours of Testing, Detailed Report. This includes all of Level 2 plus a long report, detailing the tests and clusters of tests, as well as the medical and developmental history and symptom reporting. This evaluation will satisfy most colleges and some testing organizations. Testing is done by a graduate student or a recent Ph.D. The report includes a medical, educational and developmental history, which is to be provided by the patient or parent, and is described on the Extended Time/High Stakes Testing Evaluation Requirements page. In addition, a detailed analysis of the strengths and weaknesses are presented which is necessary in order to gain accommodations for school or many standardized tests situations.
Level 4: Full 8 hours of Testing, Detailed Report, done by senior licensed staff. This includes the 8 hours of testing in Level 3 and a detailed report, but the testing is done by senior staff. This is the only level available for children under 16 years old. This level is required for LSAT, MCAT, and GMAT.
Level 5: Full 8 hours of Testing, Detailed Report, done by Dr. Thomas and senior licensed staff. This includes everything in level 4, the report and testing is done Dr. Thomas and the senior licensed staff.
Some institutions require that the doctoral level personnel do the testing. It is your responsibility to find out if that is the case for your situation.
Fees for the above levels can be found here. For questions about insurance coverage and/or reimbursement, visit our fees and insurance page.
If the testing is done by Dr. Thomas and Senior staff, the fee is $225 per hour. The length of time is still the same, about 15 hours of professional time, of which 8 hours is actual face-to-face testing time. Sometimes additional testing is recommended if the situation warrants it. For example, if an assessment of nonverbal or mathematics learning disability is needed, another 2 hours should be added to the above assessments. The fee would increase accordingly.
© 2003-2010 Lawrence Thomas
