We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Different Methods of Testing for a Learning Disability?

By Karize Uy
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,499
References
Share

One method of testing for a learning disability is data collection, which can be done by observing the child in certain environments, interviewing the parent and the child, and obtaining school records and other relevant documents. Another method would involve having a child answer tests such as those that measure his intelligent and emotional quotients (IQ and EQ) and other standardized tests specifically created to determine a learning disability. Testing for a learning disability often consists of different testing methods to properly confirm whether or not the child has a learning disability. According to the US Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), a single test or assessment should not be the only criterion for determining a child’s learning disability; a combination of several tests should be used.

Testing for a learning disability is often requested when a parent observes his child having difficulty in reading, concentrating, or solving math problems. This observation is already a kind of data collection, but a more systematic process is needed to correctly diagnose a learning disability, and the parent can proceed to talking with the child’s teachers and seek child specialists. Previous school records can be examined to see if there are subjects where the child repeatedly fails or receives lower grades. Teachers might adjust their teaching methods when directly interacting with the child, but if signs of severe learning difficulties are still evident, then a formal assessment can be carried out. Child psychiatrists may also interview the child, with or without the parent.

In the next process of testing for a learning disability, tests that measure the child’s skills and cognitive development are often given not only to determine if the child has a learning disability, but also the type and the severity if he indeed has a learning disability. Aside from evaluating a child’s IQ and EQ, some tests can also be given to assess his cognitive and motor skills, both of which are important in the learning process. Some tests may be in written form; others may be in a performance style where the child is asked to do something. Standardized tests are also given, but results are subject to validation to confirm the diagnosis. US IDEA also states that all tests and materials used in the assessment process should be written in the child’s native language.

These different methods of testing for a learning disability should be conducted under the supervision of a professional psychologist or psychiatrist. Under the US IDEA, school districts are required to give a free assessment to a child, but some parents choose to seek private professionals and evaluators for a more thorough diagnosis. Children and adults may go through slightly similar or different methods of testing for a learning disability based on their cognitive development.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-different-methods-of-testing-for-a-learning-disability.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.