Need help with a learning disorder?
As Learning Disorder Specialists, we can help you identify the areas of learning that impact you, your child, and the family the most.
What are the most common learning disorders?
Learn about the 3 Most Common Learning Disorders
Dyslexia
A specific learning disorder with impairment in reading, more commonly known as Dyslexia, is characterized by difficulties with word reading accuracy, reading rate or fluency, and reading comprehension. The term Dyslexia is an alternative term used to refer to a pattern of learning difficulties characterize by problems with accurate or fluent word recognition, poor decoding, and poor spelling abilities.
Dysgraphia
A specific learning disorder with impairment in written expression, more commonly known as Dysgraphia, which is an alternative term used to refer to a pattern of learning difficulties characterized by difficulties with spelling accuracy, grammar and punctuation accuracy, in addition to clarity or organization of written expression.
Dyscalculia
A specific learning disorder with impairment in mathematics, more commonly known as Dyscalculia, is characterized by difficulties with number sense, memorization of arithmetic facts, accurate or fluent calculation, and accurate math reasoning. The term Dyscalculia is an alternative term used to refer to a pattern of difficulties characterized by problems processing numerical information, learning arithmetic facts, and performing accurate or fluent calculations.
HOW do we assess for Learning Disorders?
Step 1 Identify the Area(s) of Concern
Specific learning disorder are neurodevelopmental disorders with a biological origin characterized by persistent difficulties learning keystone academic skills, with an onset during the early developmental period (e.g., initial years of formal schooling). Specific areas of academic concerns include the following: A) Reading of single words accurately and fluently, B) Reading comprehension, C) Written expression and spelling, D) Arithmetic calculation, and E) Mathematical reasoning (e.g., solving mathematical problems). In contrast to other developmental milestones (e.g., walking, talking), these academic skills have to be taught and learned explicitly. These academic skills must be below those expected for their age and have persisted for at least 6 months, despite the provision of interventions that target those specific difficulties.
Step 2 Cognitive, Academic & Achievement Testing
Our next goal is to perform cognitive and academic & achievement testing to identify which area(s) of learning are impacted. We use the GOLD STANDARDS of measurement to identify both cognitive and academic & achievement strengths and weaknesses. At Assess Hawai’i, we use the Weschler intelligence tests (Weschler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition - WISC-V, and the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fourth Edition - WAIS-IV) to measure specific areas of cognitive intelligence. To measure academic and achievement, we use the Wide Range Achievement Test, Fifth Edition (WRAT5) to screen for level of academic achievement and administer the Weschler Individual Achievement Test, Fourth Edition (WIAT4), which is the most comprehensive measure for individual academic achievement and was designed specifically for the use of identifying possible learning disorders.
Step 3 Compare the Results of Testing
Once we have completed testing we are then able to compare the cognitive test scores to the academic & achievement test scores. This method allows us to identify if a genuine learning disorder exists. Specifically, we compare the verbal comprehension cognitive scores to the reading, comprehension, and writing academic & achievement scores to identify difficulties related to dyslexia and dysgraphia. We also compare the fluid reasoning cognitive scores to the mathematical ability scores of the academic & achievement test to identify if there are concerns related to dyscalculia. When there is a significant discrepancy between the referenced domains, a learning disorder may be present.
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Clinical Interview
Cognitive Intelligence Testing (IQ)
Academic and Achievement Testing (written expression, reading, comprehension, mathematics)
Behavior Measure(s)
Adaptive Functioning Measure
ADHD Rating Scale (if applicable)
Executive Functioning Testing (if applicable)
Performance Testing (if applicable)
Comprehensive Integrated Written Evaluation Report
Prescribed Treatment Recommendations
Feedback/Psychoeducation
Additional Resources
Need information about Intellectual Disability (IDD)?
What is IDD?
IDD is a disorder with an onset during the developmental period that includes both intellectual and adaptive functioning deficits in conceptual, social, and practical domains. The state of Hawai‘i requires testing of cognitive and adaptive functioning to qualify for services. Click the link below to learn more about adaptive evaluations.