Learning Disability
(Specific Learning Disorders)
Offering comprehensive IQ and achievement testing for learning disabilities
to provide data-driven answers for questions about specific learning disorders from childhood to adulthood
tailored just to you.
Specific Learning Disorders (Learning Disability)
Specific learning disorders, also known as learning disabilities, are a group of disorders that describe learning differences. These differences affects the way the brain processes certain academic skills despite appropriate instruction and adequate intellectual skills. Common learning disorders include dyslexia (reading), dysgraphia (writing), and dyscalculia (math). To diagnose a specific learning disorder, a qualified practitioner must identify a gap between cognitive ability and actual performance. Learning disabilities are commonly found alongside other disorders such as ADHD, Autism, anxiety, or depression.
An evaluation helps identify the underlying learning differences, distinguish them from other concerns, and provide recommendations for effective interventions, educational supports, and accommodations. This can help families and schools develop appropriate services, interventions, and accommodations. Testing for learning disability can also assist with access to resources such as an Independent Education Plan (IEP). With the right support, individuals with specific learning disorders can often flourish and accomplish many of their goals.
It is important to note that insurance companies typically do not consider specific learning disorder evaluation to be medically necessary. Talk with our clinicians for more information regarding cost and coverage.
Common Signs of Specific Learning Disorder
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Difficulty connecting letters and their sounds
Delayed learning of sight words
Notably slow reading rate
Challenges with comprehending or remembering read material
Consistently mixing up visually similar letters
Difficulty accurately summarizing a story
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Challenges with spelling
Difficulty following grammar rules
Trouble organizing written (or spoken) language
Strong dislike of writing
Finds writing highly draining
Leaving out words when writing a sentence
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Challenges with number sense (intuitive sense of numbers, their order, and their size)
Difficulty memorizing math facts
Gets lost in math steps
Difficulty with math organization
Confusing math symbols
Trouble with word problems
Anxiety about or avoidance of math
Each individual is unique and it is likely that you or your loved one won’t have all of these specific signs.
Why Songbird Psychological Services?
Efficient
No long waitlists: Immediate appointments are available
Results typically provided in 2 weeks
Evidence-Based
Our experts use the most up-to-date measures with the strongest research support wherever possible
No quick check-lists or guesses; just data-driven, compassionate answers
Empathetic
We center authentic and compassionate care
Culturally responsive, affirming evaluations
What Does Specific Learning Disorder Testing Involve?
1) Intake Appointment
Your assessment will begin with a clinical intake. This will involve a parent/caregiver clinical interview. We will gather comprehensive, trauma-informed background information and collaborate with you to determine goals for testing. We will also review records from childhood wherever possible to establish a well rounded clinical picture.
2) Testing Appointment
A typical assessment will include
3-6 hours of face-to-face comprehensive testing. This includes cognitive and achievement tests, self- and other- report measures, and other assessments specific to your presenting concerns.
We do not use psychometricians. All of your testing time will be directly with our doctoral-level clinicians.
3) Feedback Session
Two weeks after your testing appointment, we will provide a feedback session to discuss the results of your assessment. Diagnoses and recommendations will be provided and you will have the opportunity to process your results and ask questions.
4) Report and Ongoing Support
After your feedback session, you will be provided with a thorough written report. This details the testing received, results, diagnoses, and recommendations. It is often used to support access to accommodations and to guide treatment planning.
Our experts remain available to you for follow-up questions, support, and advocacy as needed.
Thank you for trusting us with your care
Comprehensive Intellectual Disability Evaluations serving Vancouver, WA
We are honored to serve the autistic community in Vancouver, Washington, and the surrounding Southwest Washington and Portland metro area. Our neurodiversity-affirming practice provides comprehensive learning disability evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults. We are passionate about providing accessible, high-quality psychological care that celebrates differences while supporting vulnerabilities, and creates space for lasting change through evidence-based treatment.
Our office is conveniently located in downtown Vancouver, WA, just off I-5, making it easy to access from Vancouver, Camas, Washougal, Salmon Creek, Battle Ground, Ridgefield, and Portland, Oregon. Free parking is available in the building parking lot. For clients traveling from Salem, Oregon or Olympia, Washington, we are happy to do our best to accommodate the long travel distance with single-day testing appointments when possible, virtual intakes, and virtual feedback sessions as requested. Whether you're seeking dyslexia testing, dysgraphia testing, or dyscalculia testing, we are committed to providing thoughtful, evidence-based evaluations in a welcoming and supportive environment. If you or your child requires specific sensory accommodations, please let us know prior to your appointment.