Learning Disabilities Screening and Evaluation

Understanding Learning Disabilities: What Are They?

Learning disabilities (LDs) are neurologically based process challenges that interfere with the way an individual receives, processes, stores, and expresses information. These disorders can impact skills like reading, writing, math, reasoning, listening, and speaking. It’s important to note that LDs do not affect intelligence. Many individuals with LDs have average or above-average IQs but simply process information differently.

How Common Are Learning Disabilities?

Learning disabilities are more common than many realize. In the United States alone, an estimated 10% of individuals are diagnosed with an LD at some point in their lives. Globally, around 5% of school-aged children are affected.

Among the various types of LDs, dyslexia are the most prevalent, accounting for up to 80% of all cases. This high prevalence highlights the importance of early screening and individualized support to ensure children thrive both academically and emotionally.

Recognizing the Signs: Symptoms of Learning Disabilities

Academic and Cognitive Signs

Learning disabilities can manifest in many ways depending on the individual and the specific type of LD. Common academic indicators include:

Difficulty identifying letters, numbers, or symbols.
Struggles with counting or understanding math concepts.
Trouble reading aloud or sounding out words.
Difficulty organizing thoughts or completing tasks.
Challenges with writing legibly or holding a pencil.
Short-term or long-term memory problems.
Problems following directions or staying focused.

Behavioral and Emotional Symptoms

Emotional responses often accompany academic struggles. Children with LDs may:

Resist going to school or avoid assignments.
Show signs of frustration or anger during homework.
Make self-critical comments (e.g., “I’m stupid.”).
Experience mood swings or defiant behavior.
Act out in school or social settings.
Avoid reading aloud or doing math in front of others.

These behaviors are often misunderstood as laziness or disobedience, when in fact, they may be the child’s way of coping with undiagnosed challenges.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact causes of learning disabilities aren’t fully understood, but researchers believe they result from a complex mix of genetic and environmental factors.

Common Risk Factors Include:

Family history of LDs
Premature birth or low birth weight
Prenatal exposure to alcohol or drugs
Developmental delays in speech and language
Poor nutrition or exposure to environmental toxins
Traumatic brain injuries
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

Learning disabilities are also commonly seen alongside other mental health conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, OCD, and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). In fact, studies suggest 20% to 70% of children with psychiatric disorders also have LDs.

Diagnosis: How Are Learning Disabilities Identified?

Early identification and diagnosis are key to ensuring the best outcomes. Typically, concerns are first raised by caregivers or teachers when a child starts school. To confirm a diagnosis, a multi-disciplinary evaluation is necessary.

The Evaluation Process Involves:

Observations by teachers and caregivers.
Interviews with the child and family members.
Medical history review to rule out sensory impairments.
Academic assessments of reading, writing, and math skills.
Cognitive tests to measure IQ and processing abilities.
Psychological evaluation to detect coexisting mental health conditions.
Neuropsychological testing to map brain-related strengths and weaknesses.

These evaluations help identify the specific learning style and needs of the child, leading to tailored educational strategies and support.

Managing Learning Disabilities: Building a Support System

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach to managing learning disabilities. Management plans depend on the type and severity of the LD and involve a collaborative effort among educators, specialists, and caregivers.

Three Levels of Educational Support:

Accommodation
- Tools or strategies that help the child access the general curriculum without altering content.
- Examples: Extra test time, audio books, note-takers.
Modifications
- Changes to what the child is expected to learn.
- Examples: Simplified assignments, oral testing.
Remediation
- Targeted instruction to improve specific learning skills.
- Usually delivered by special education teachers or therapists.

Other Support Professionals Might Include:

Educational remediation specialists
Occupational or speech therapists
Psychologists or counselors
Special education teachers
Healthcare providers

Long-Term Outlook: What to Expect

The Lifelong Nature of LDs

Learning disabilities do not go away with age, but many individuals learn how to adapt and succeed. Early interventions significantly increase the likelihood of long-term success in school, work, and life.

Potential Complications

Without proper diagnosis and support, LDs can lead to:

Low self-esteem
Academic failure
Social isolation
Mental health conditions like anxiety or depression

With the right support system, however, children with LDs can thrive, build on their unique strengths, and lead fulfilling, successful lives.

Helping Your Child Thrive

As a parent or caregiver, you play a vital role. Here’s how you can help:

Monitor progress and adjust their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as needed.
Communicate openly with teachers and specialists.
Provide encouragement and create a positive learning environment at home.
Seek therapy if emotional or behavioral issues arise.
Take care of yourself to stay strong and advocate effectively.

Why Choose TEMA Therapy?

At TEMA Therapy, we understand that every individual’s journey to emotional and mental well-being is deeply personal. That’s why we provide more than just therapy we offer a compassionate, evidence-based path to healing, growth, and empowerment.

Personalized Care, Every Step of the Way

No two people are the same and neither are their challenges. Our team takes the time to deeply understand your needs, struggles, and goals to create customized treatment plans tailored specifically for you or your child. Whether it’s learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties, we walk beside you with a strategy that fits.

Multidisciplinary Expertise

Our experienced therapists, psychologists, and educational specialists bring together diverse professional backgrounds. This collaborative approach ensures you receive comprehensive support whether you’re seeking therapy, educational evaluations, or support for neurodevelopmental conditions.

Evidence-Based Practices

We only use therapies that are supported by science. From Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to mindfulness-based interventions and psycho-educational assessments, our methods are proven to help clients achieve lasting results.

Support for Children, Teens, Adults & Families

We work with individuals across all age groups. Whether your child is struggling with school or you’re an adult navigating life’s complexities, TEMA offers supportive, age-appropriate care. We also work closely with families to build stronger connections and more supportive home environments.

A Safe, Non-Judgmental Space

At TEMA, you’ll always be met with warmth, understanding, and respect. We are a stigma-free zone where you’re encouraged to speak openly, feel deeply, and heal fully. You’re not alone and you never have to be.

Empowering Long-Term Change

We believe therapy should go beyond short-term symptom relief. Our goal is to equip you with lifelong tools and emotional resilience to thrive in your personal, academic, and professional life.

Frequently asked questions

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

Can learning disabilities be cured?

No, LDs cannot be cured, but they can be managed effectively with the right strategies, support, and interventions.

What role do parents play in managing learning disabilities?

Parents are crucial in identifying early signs, advocating for support, maintaining communication with educators, and fostering a supportive home environment.

Can adults have undiagnosed learning disabilities?

Yes. Many adults discover their LDs later in life, especially in higher education or challenging workplace environments.

How do I get started with therapy at TEMA?

Getting started is easy. Just contact us via phone, email, or our website to schedule an initial consultation. From there, we’ll walk you through the next steps and match you with the right therapist for your needs.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes, all therapy is confidential. We follow strict ethical and legal guidelines to protect your privacy. For children and teens, we also balance confidentiality with parental involvement in a developmentally appropriate way

How early can learning disabilities be diagnosed?

While some signs may appear before age 5, most diagnoses happen after the child starts school and academic challenges become apparent.

What’s the difference between a learning disability and ADHD?

ADHD affects attention and impulse control, while LDs affect specific learning processes. However, the two can co-occur and sometimes share overlapping symptoms.

What makes TEMA Therapy different from other clinics?

At TEMA, we go beyond just offering therapy we create a warm, personalized, and evidence-based experience. Our multidisciplinary team tailors every treatment plan to your specific needs, ensuring you get the right support at the right time. We’re also proud to offer integrated care that combines therapy, educational assessments, and family support.

Will my child need special education forever?

Not necessarily. Some children benefit from temporary support, while others may need ongoing assistance. The goal is to foster independence and success in learning.