Full Dyslexia Testing and More

In our comprehensive evaluations at Clever Cogs, we dive deep into understanding your child’s learning abilities, focusing not just on cognitive and academic skills but also on language abilities. This holistic approach is crucial for pinpointing specific learning disabilities (SLD), which can significantly impact your child’s education and daily life.

Understanding Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD)

Specific Learning Disability is a term used to describe difficulties in processing information that can affect your child’s ability to read, write, speak, or calculate mathematically. These challenges stem from differences in how the brain processes information, not from a lack of intelligence or willingness to learn. SLD can include conditions like dyslexia, which affects reading, or dyscalculia, impacting math skills. Here’s a great article from Understood.Org “What are Learning Disabilities?”

Why We Measure Different Areas

• Cognitive Processes: By looking at how your child processes information, we can identify specific strengths and weaknesses in their thinking. Cognitive processes are more than I.Q.; they are mental capabilities, including attention, memory, executive functions, processing speed, and perceptual skills. This insight helps us tailor strategies to support their learning effectively. 

• Academic Skills: Understanding your child’s abilities in reading, writing, and math allows us to pinpoint where they may struggle and excel. This targeted information is vital for creating personalized learning plans. We take a peek at all areas of academics, even if you’re only concerned about one. Why? Because some struggles overlap. Dyslexia can affect math. Dysgraphia can impact reading maps. It’s important that we fully understand how a specific weakness might make other areas of learning inconsistent.

• Language Abilities: Language is a foundation for learning. Assessing your child’s language skills is essential for diagnosing SLDs. Knowing how well they understand and use language helps us distinguish between learning disabilities and other challenges.

Testing Process Overview

• Initial Consultation: Our journey together begins with a complimentary 30-minute conference to discuss your child's strengths and concerns, setting the stage for a tailored evaluation process.

• Evaluation: A thorough assessment of your child's cognitive functioning and academic achievement, designed to uncover their unique learning profile.

• Review Meeting: A detailed discussion of the evaluation results, offering a parent-friendly understanding of your child's abilities and providing practical tips for support at home and in academic settings.

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What to Expect During the Evaluation

• Preparation: A signed contract initiates (check your email and SPAM folder) the evaluation process, with testing typically scheduled within 2 weeks. We consider your child's schedule to ensure they are at their best, focusing on rest, medication, and nutrition.

• Testing Sessions: Conducted over two sessions with a break for lunch OR two days within the same week, these sessions last between 2 to 4 hours each, offering a comprehensive insight into your child's cognitive and academic strengths and weaknesses.

• Collaborative Review: After testing, you'll receive a draft of the findings and schedule a meeting to discuss them in-depth, ensuring you have a clear

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Why Does the Test Take 6 to 8 hours?

Our evaluations take 6 to 8 hours because they are comprehensive and thorough, designed to provide a complete picture of your child's learning profile across various cognitive, academic, and language skills. You might have heard of testing that only takes 2 to 3 hours, which generally focuses on one specific area or issue, like just checking for Dyslexia. While shorter tests can be useful for quick assessments to drive intervention offered by a specific tutor, they are not best practice! Our longer evaluations allow us to understand all aspects of your child's abilities and challenges. This detailed approach ensures that we don't miss any underlying issues and that the support and recommendations we provide are tailored specifically to your child’s needs. It's about making sure we equip you with the insights and tools needed for your child's long-term educational success.

Preparing for the Testing Sessions

• Schedule Wisely: Consider your child’s routine to ensure they are well-rested and focused.

• Communicate Openly: Talk to your child about what to expect in a reassuring manner.

• Document Questions: Note any questions or concerns you may have ahead of the review meeting.

 What to Tell Your Child About Testing

• No Grades: Emphasize that the testing does not involve grades. It's about discovering how they learn.

• Supportive: Let them know the purpose is to find ways to make learning easier and more enjoyable.

• Unique Learning Styles: Reinforce that everyone learns differently, and this testing helps us understand their unique style.

• It's Okay Not to Know: Encourage them that saying "I don't know" is perfectly fine and part of the process.

• Pride: Express your pride in their willingness to participate in the testing.

After the Evaluation

You will receive a comprehensive report detailing your child's unique learning profile, including any diagnoses, strengths, weaknesses, and recommended accommodations or services. This report is instrumental in advocating for your child's needs in academic settings and provides a foundation for effective support at home.