How Do I Know If My Child Needs a Learning Disability Evaluation?

What is a learning disability?

A learning disability is a neurological condition that affects how a person receives, processes, or expresses information. It is not related to intelligence or motivation. In fact, many individuals with learning disabilities are highly intelligent but struggle in specific academic areas such as reading, writing, or math. Common types include dyslexia (reading difficulties), dyscalculia (math challenges), and dysgraphia (writing impairments). Learning disabilities are lifelong, but with the right diagnosis, support, and intervention, individuals can thrive academically and socially. A Learning Disability Evaluation helps identify these challenges early, allowing for targeted strategies like tutoring, accommodations, or special education services to support the child’s success.

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If your child is struggling in school despite trying their best, it may be more than just a rough patch, it could be a sign of a learning difference. A professional Learning Disability Evaluation helps uncover the underlying reasons for these struggles and provides clarity for next steps. At TEMA Therapy, we offer comprehensive learning assessments to identify issues like dyslexia, dysgraphia, or processing disorders that may be impacting your child’s academic performance.

These evaluations are particularly helpful when tutoring or extra support hasn’t made a significant difference. If your child is falling behind in reading, writing, or math, or is experiencing frustration and low confidence around schoolwork, an evaluation can make all the difference in getting them the right support.

About TEMA Therapy

TEMA Therapy offers Diagnostics & Testing services for anyone wishing to learn more about their symptoms, find their possible causes, and get guidance on their next steps.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our unique approach to assessment and testing.

Learning Disability Evaluation
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Why It’s So Important

A Learning Disability Evaluation is the first step toward understanding how your child learns best. Without a proper diagnosis, many students continue to fall further behind, mislabelled as lazy, distracted, or unmotivated. In reality, they may have an undiagnosed learning disorder that requires specific interventions—not more repetition.

A detailed evaluation can help determine eligibility for special education services, classroom accommodations, or even entry into gifted programs with unique learning needs. It also provides the documentation needed to request an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or 504 Plan—ensuring your child receives the personalized support they deserve.

Why Choose Us?

Compassionate, Comprehensive, and Confidential Care

At Tema Therapy, we go beyond the diagnosis. We’re committed to providing:

  • Expert Team of Mental Health Professionals
    Licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists with extensive experience in personality disorders.
  • Personalized Treatment Plans
    Tailored care strategies to suit everyone’s unique challenges and goals.
  • Evidence-Based Therapies
    We apply proven therapeutic modalities like DBT, MBT, and CAT to ensure effective outcomes.
  • Holistic Support Services
    From family counseling to peer support groups, we provide resources to nurture recovery at every stage.
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Common Signs of Learning Disability

Here are common signs that your child may benefit from a Learning Disability Evaluation:

  • Frequent difficulty with reading comprehension or decoding words

  • Struggles with writing structure, grammar, or spelling

  • Ongoing challenges in math, including number sense or problem solving

  • Poor memory, especially for instructions or recently taught concepts

  • Difficulty organizing tasks or completing assignments on time

  • Low frustration tolerance, especially with homework

  • Teachers reporting inconsistent academic performance or classroom behavior

These signs are not always obvious, especially if your child is masking their difficulties. Our goal is to uncover these hidden learning challenges through targeted LD testing and educational assessments.

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Causes of the Disorder

Learning disabilities can stem from several factors, most often related to how the brain processes information. It’s important to know that these challenges are neurological—not intellectual—and many children with learning disabilities are highly intelligent and capable.

Common causes include:

  • Genetic predisposition: Learning challenges may run in families

  • Brain differences: Subtle variations in brain structure or function

  • Environmental factors: Complications during pregnancy or early development

  • Co-occurring conditions: ADHD, anxiety, or other emotional/behavioral concerns

A full neuropsychological evaluation helps us understand which cognitive processes are affected and how they relate to academic difficulties.

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What’s a Learning Disability Evaluation?

Our Learning Disability Evaluation process includes:

  • A clinical intake session with parents or caregivers

  • A full battery of cognitive and academic tests (reading, math, writing, memory, attention, processing speed)

  • Parent and teacher questionnaires for behavioral and emotional insight

  • Observations and interviews for real-world context

  • A comprehensive, easy-to-understand evaluation report

  • A feedback session to review results and discuss next steps

Each evaluation is tailored to the child’s specific challenges, ensuring a complete picture that supports both home and school planning.

OUR STAFF

Meet our Therapists

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Dr. Irina Volynsky

Clinical Director

Specialty: Clinical psychologist working with adults, children and families. Testing and Therapy

Licenses: New York, New Jersey

Languages: English, Russian, Ukrainian

Dr. Emile T. Berk

Psychologist

Specialty: Clinical psychologist working with adults, adolescents and children. Testing.

Licenses: New York, New Jersey

Languages: English

Irina Bashkirov

Mental Health Counselor

Specialty: Adult and child therapy

License: New Jersey

Languages: English, Russian, Hebrew

Andrew Roetman

Supervised Therapist

Specialty: Therapy and testing perfumed under the supervision of clinical director

Languages: English and Spanish

Natalia Rowe

Language and Feeding Specialist

Specialty: Speech-Language/Disphagia Therapist

Licenses: New York, New Jersey 

Languages: English, Russian

Amaury Hernandez

Behavioral Conditioning Coach

Specialty: Sensory Integration, Emotional Regulation

Certificates: Personal Trainer, Sensory Integration, Parkour

Languages: English, Spanish

Natallia Khamenka

Therapist

Specialty: Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy

Licenses:  New Jersey – pending

Languages: English, Russian, Belarusian

Zhanna Beyl

Social Worker

Specialty: Psychotherapist working with teens, adults, couples, and families 

Licenses: New York, New Jersey

Languages: English, Russian

Katya Chizhova, LCSW

Clinical Social Worker

Specialty: Psychotherapist working with the elderly and people with acute and chronic medical conditions

Licenses: New York, New Jersey

Languages: English, Russian

Darina Konstorum

Supervised Mental Health Counselor

Speciality: Adult and Child Therapy. Group Therapy

Licenses: New Jersey – pending

Languages: English, Russian

Tamara Kapustina

Health Coach & Personal trainer

Specialty: Personal Trainer. Executing Functioning Trainer.

Languages: Russian, Ukrainian, English (Intermediate)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions? Email us at [email protected] for further queries.

What Is A Learning Disability Evaluation, And How Is It Different From School Testing?

A Learning Disability Evaluation is a comprehensive clinical assessment that identifies how a child learns and where they may face challenges. Unlike basic school testing, which may focus only on classroom performance or grade-level skills, this type of learning assessment digs deeper. It examines cognitive functioning, executive skills, processing speed, memory, and academic achievement through LD testing and neuropsychological evaluation tools. It’s designed to uncover specific learning disorders like dyslexia or dyscalculia and inform more individualized support.

When Should I Consider Getting A Learning Disability Evaluation For My Child?

You should consider a Learning Disability Evaluation if your child consistently struggles with reading, writing, math, attention, or organization—especially if tutoring or classroom support hasn’t helped. Common red flags include difficulty retaining information, avoiding homework, or showing signs of emotional distress related to school. A formal educational testing process can clarify whether these issues stem from a learning disorder and guide steps like applying for an IEP or 504 Plan.

What Does The Learning Disability Evaluation Process Involve?

At TEMA Therapy, our Learning Disability Evaluation process includes an intake with parents, direct cognitive testing, academic assessments in reading, math, and writing, behavioral questionnaires, and a thorough review of school history. Our clinicians use neuropsychological testing to assess processing speed, working memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. The result is a full diagnostic report that outlines strengths, challenges, and personalized recommendations for special education support, tutoring, or classroom accommodations.

Will This Evaluation Help My Child Get An IEP Or 504 Plan At School?

Yes. Our Learning Disability Evaluation reports are designed to meet the requirements most schools need to approve an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan. These plans ensure your child receives necessary academic accommodations, such as extended test time, alternative instruction methods, or assistive technology. We also assist parents in advocating for these services and understanding how to work with school teams effectively.

What Types Of Learning Disabilities Can This Evaluation Detect?

Our evaluations can detect a wide range of learning disabilities, including:

  • Dyslexia (reading challenges)

  • Dysgraphia (writing difficulties)

  • Dyscalculia (math-related struggles)

  • Auditory or visual processing disorders

  • Executive functioning deficits

  • Co-occurring issues like ADHD or language-based learning differences

We use a combination of LD testing and neuropsychological assessment tools to ensure no area of concern is missed—giving you a complete view of your child’s learning profile.

Can A Learning Disability Evaluation Identify Processing Speed Issues?

Yes, processing speed is a key component measured in a comprehensive Learning Disability Evaluation. Children who take longer to complete tasks, process instructions, or respond to questions may have a processing speed deficit. Through cognitive testing, we evaluate how quickly your child can interpret and respond to visual or auditory information—helping guide targeted support strategies for the classroom and at home.

How Is Executive Functioning Measured During The Evaluation?

Executive functioning refers to skills like planning, organizing, time management, and self-regulation. During a Learning Disability Evaluation, we assess these skills through specialized tasks and questionnaires. Difficulties with executive functioning often coexist with ADHD and learning disorders, and identifying these challenges allows us to recommend strategies such as structured routines, visual aids, and executive skills coaching.

What Is The Role Of Educational Testing In Diagnosing A Learning Disability?

Educational testing is central to diagnosing learning disabilities. It assesses how your child performs in academic areas like reading, writing, and math compared to peers of the same age or grade. Paired with cognitive assessments, educational testing highlights the gap between potential and performance, helping pinpoint specific learning disorders and guiding interventions, accommodations, and referrals for special education services.

Will My Child Qualify For Special Education Services Based On The Evaluation?

If your child’s evaluation results meet the criteria for a recognized learning disorder, the report can be submitted to your local school district to determine eligibility for special education services. We provide documentation and support to help families navigate the process, whether they are pursuing an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a 504 Plan, or informal accommodations. Every recommendation is based on objective data gathered during the Learning Disability Evaluation.

How Does A Learning Disability Evaluation Help Improve Academic Performance?

A Learning Disability Evaluation identifies the underlying reasons why a child may be underperforming academically. Rather than guessing or relying solely on grades, the evaluation reveals specific barriers to learning—such as weak working memory, slow processing speed, or difficulty with language-based tasks. With this information, educators and families can implement targeted strategies and accommodations that directly improve academic performance over time.

What Can I Learn About My Child’s Learning Profile From The Evaluation?

The evaluation provides a detailed picture of your child’s learning profile, including strengths, weaknesses, and how they process information. Understanding your child’s unique cognitive development and academic skill set allows you to tailor support strategies more effectively—whether through specialized instruction, classroom modifications, or at-home learning tools. It’s a powerful tool for both advocacy and long-term planning.

NEWSLETTER

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Who benefits from our service?

I can't thank Tema Therapy enough for their incredible support in managing my ADHD. The therapists here are compassionate, knowledgeable, and understanding. They took the time to truly understand my struggles and provided me with effective coping strategies. The therapy sessions have made a significant positive impact on my life, helping me regain focus, improve productivity, and boost my self-esteem. Tema Therapy is a game-changer for anyone seeking assistance with ADHD.

Emily R

Tema Therapy has been an essential part of my journey in overcoming anxiety disorders. The therapists are empathetic, patient, and highly skilled in providing the right tools to manage anxiety effectively. The sessions were tailored to my specific needs, and the techniques I learned have been instrumental in reducing panic attacks and daily anxiety levels. While there's always room for improvement, I can confidently say that Tema Therapy is a place where anxiety disorders are truly understood and addressed.

Jason L

Tema Therapy has been a ray of hope in my battle against depression. The therapists here create a warm and nurturing environment, allowing for open and honest discussions. Their compassionate approach helped me feel safe while exploring the root causes of my depression. Through their guidance and evidence-based techniques, I've experienced significant progress in my emotional well-being. Tema Therapy is a beacon of light, reminding us that recovery from depression is possible.

Samantha H

Tema Therapy provided me with invaluable support during the most challenging period of my life—grieving the loss of a loved one. The therapists demonstrated exceptional empathy and understanding, creating a safe space for me to express my emotions and navigate the complexities of grief. Their expertise in grief counseling helped me find healthy coping mechanisms, allowing me to gradually heal and honor the memory of my loved one. Tema Therapy is an oasis of compassion during times of profound loss.

Daniel M

Tema Therapy has been instrumental in unlocking my true potential despite learning disabilities. The therapists here possess an in-depth understanding of different learning challenges and provide personalized strategies that cater to individual needs. Their patience, encouragement, and innovative techniques have empowered me to overcome obstacles and succeed academically. Although progress can take time, Tema Therapy has proven to be a transformative resource for individuals with learning disabilities, offering a path towards brighter futures.

Olivia K

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions? Email us at [email protected] for further queries.

Have more questions?
Email us at [email protected] for further queries.
Do you take insurance? How can I afford therapy?

Tema Therapy Center does not directly work with insurance companies, but our patients who have health insurance with out-of-network benefits usually get reimbursed by insurance providers in amount equal 60 to 70% from the cost of treatment. We are providing all necessary forms for these reimbursements.  The majority of our therapists offer sliding scale sessions for those who are in true financial need. We also have therapists-in-training whose fees are substantially lower and who work under supervision of our highly experienced professionals. In other words, we strive to make therapy affordable for many.

Can personality disorders be cured?

Personality disorders are considered long-term conditions, but with the right treatment and support, many people experience significant improvement and lead fulfilling lives.

What is the difference between a personality disorder and a mental illness like depression?

While both affect mood and functioning, personality disorders involve deep-rooted patterns in behavior and thought, whereas depression typically refers to episodic mood disturbances.

Is medication necessary for treatment?

Medication can be helpful for managing certain symptoms like anxiety or mood swings, but talk therapy remains the cornerstone of treatment.

Can someone has more than one personality disorder?

Yes, it is possible to have traits or symptoms of multiple personality disorders, which is known as a mixed or co-occurring personality disorder.

What should I do if I think someone has a personality disorder?

Encourage them to seek professional help. Avoid diagnosing them yourself and approach the subject with empathy, not judgment.

Are personality disorders genetic?

There is evidence to suggest a genetic component, but environmental factors like childhood trauma also play a significant role.

Can children be diagnosed with personality disorders?

Personality disorders are typically not diagnosed before age 18, though early signs and patterns may emerge in adolescence.

Does personality disorder the same as being shy or introverted?

No. Shyness or introversion is a personality trait, not a disorder. A disorder causes significant distress and dysfunction across multiple areas of life.

Can people with personality disorders have successful relationships and careers?

Yes, with the right therapy and coping strategies, many individuals go on to lead successful, meaningful lives.

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