Learning disability testing
When reading, writing, or math stays hard despite real effort.
A comprehensive evaluation by a licensed psychologist can clarify why learning feels harder than it should — and turn that clarity into a practical plan for school, college, or work. Available for children and adults.
What it is and who it is for
A clear look at how a learner reads, writes, and processes
A learning disability evaluation measures thinking and learning skills directly, then compares them to academic performance to identify where a specific learning difference may be getting in the way. It is an assessment that explains how someone learns — not a quick label and not a predetermined result.
This evaluation may be a good fit if you recognize patterns like these in yourself or your child:
- Reading is slow, effortful, or inaccurate despite good teaching and plenty of practice
- Spelling and writing do not reflect how bright or capable the person clearly is
- Math facts, sequences, or word problems are persistently confusing
- Homework takes far longer than it "should," with a lot of frustration
- A bright student is falling behind, avoiding schoolwork, or losing confidence
- An adult struggles with reading-heavy tasks at college or work and wants documentation for accommodations
Three common learning differences, in plain language:
- Dyslexia — difficulty with accurate, fluent reading and with spelling, often tied to how the brain processes the sounds in words. Intelligence is not the issue.
- Dysgraphia — difficulty with the writing process itself: handwriting, spelling, and getting organized thoughts onto the page.
- Dyscalculia — difficulty with numbers and math concepts, such as number sense, memorizing math facts, and working through calculations.
What the process looks like
A thorough evaluation, structured around your questions
- Free consult. It starts with a no-cost 20-minute call to hear your concerns, review history, and confirm that learning disability testing is the right fit.
- History & background review. Developmental, academic, and medical history is gathered, plus any report cards, prior evaluations, or teacher input that helps tell the story.
- Cognitive testing. Standardized measures of reasoning, memory, and processing show how the person thinks and where natural strengths lie.
- Academic achievement testing. Direct testing of reading, writing, spelling, and math reveals where skills sit relative to ability and grade level.
- Integration & written report. Dr. Armbrust analyzes the full picture and writes a clear report with findings and specific, usable recommendations.
- Feedback session. The results are walked through together in plain language, along with next steps for school, college, work, or intervention.
Pricing & transparency
Clear self-pay pricing, with no surprises
This evaluation is offered on a self-pay basis, with your exact fee confirmed during your free consultation. Paying privately keeps your scheduling fast, your records confidential, and a senior clinician involved from start to finish — no insurance pre-authorizations and no months-long waitlist.
Before any testing begins, you will receive a Good Faith Estimate in writing, so you know the full cost up front. This is your right under the federal No Surprises Act, and it is treated as a baseline of transparency.
Turnaround. Written reports are typically completed within 2 weeks of your final testing session.
What your report can be used for
A document you own and can put to work
Your written report is detailed, professional, and yours to keep. Depending on the findings, families and adults commonly use it to:
- Request school support such as a 504 Plan or IEP evaluation (see the psychoeducational testing page)
- Register with college or university disability services
- Support a request for workplace accommodations
- Support a request for academic accommodations at school and on college-board exams such as the SAT
- Guide targeted intervention or tutoring with specific, evidence-informed recommendations
Eligibility for accommodations and services is decided by each school, university, board, or employer based on their own criteria. The report documents findings and supports a request; it does not guarantee that any program will grant a specific accommodation.
Out-of-network benefits
Self-pay, with possible reimbursement
This is an out-of-network practice. Some clients with out-of-network benefits choose to seek partial reimbursement from their insurer after paying privately. Superbills are provided on request for you to submit. Reimbursement is determined solely by your plan, so checking your out-of-network coverage in advance is encouraged. Learn more on the fees & insurance page.
Common questions
Learning disability & dyslexia testing FAQ
Do you test adults, or only children?
Both. Many adults pursue an evaluation to understand lifelong patterns and to obtain documentation for college or workplace accommodations. The testing is tailored to the person's age and goals.
What is the difference between this and psychoeducational testing?
There is a lot of overlap. A learning disability evaluation focuses on identifying specific learning differences like dyslexia. Psychoeducational testing is often framed around obtaining formal documentation for 504 Plans, IEPs, and college accommodations. On your consult, the right fit for your goals is recommended.
Will the report tell us exactly how to help?
The report includes specific, practical recommendations for intervention, instruction, and accommodations based on the findings. It is written to be useful to parents, teachers, and tutors — not just clinicians.
Is this available by telehealth?
Many components can be completed via secure telehealth where Dr. Armbrust is licensed (41 states & D.C. via PSYPACT). Some testing may be best in person; the right format for your situation is confirmed during the consult.
Can a learning disability and ADHD occur together?
Yes — they often co-occur. If attention is also a concern, relevant measures can be incorporated, or you may be pointed toward the child ADHD or adult ADHD evaluations.
Wondering if testing is the right next step?
Start with a free 20-minute consult — a chance to talk through what you are seeing and decide together, with no pressure and no obligation.