What to Look For in Neuropsychological Testing for Dyslexia
What to Look for in Neuropsychological Testing for Dyslexia
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a type of language-related impairment that affects reading and writing. The formal diagnostic term used by most clinical psychologists and neuropsychologists is specific learning disorder with impairment in reading, and dyslexia is considered “an alternative term used to refer to a pattern of learning difficulties characterized by problems with accurate or fluent word recognition, poor decoding, and poor spelling (APA DSM-5, 2013, p.67).” There are a variety of reasons why someone may have difficulty learning to read and not all reading-related difficulties are considered to be dyslexia. A comprehensive diagnostic evaluation that includes neuropsychological testing can often help identify the underlying factors contributing to reading difficulties for children and adults.
Neuropsychological Testing for Dyslexia: What to Look For
First, it is important to note that a clinical diagnosis of dyslexia, or neuropsychological testing, is not required to receive reading intervention or special education services in public schools. If you suspect that your child has a learning disability, you can request a free evaluation through your local public school system. A school-based evaluation is meant to determine whether a student meets eligibility criteria for special education but does not typically provide a medical or clinical diagnosis. Some families may seek neuropsychological testing to get more information about their child’s needs, such as whether their child’s reading difficulties reflect a dyslexia profile or are due to other factors.
What College Students Need to Know about Neuropsychological Testing When Applying for Disability Accommodations in Madison, WI
Are you a parent trying to figure out how your high school student can access accommodations in college? Perhaps you are a high school student who is applying for college and wondering how you can get the support you need to be successful. You may be feeling confused about what sort of evaluation or documentation you need. Here are some important things to know about neuropsychological testing when applying for college disability accommodations:
Is Neuropsychological Testing Necessary for My Child to Get an IEP or 504 Plan at School?
If your child is struggling in school, you may be considering whether they can receive extra support through an IEP or 504 plan. First, let’s clarify the key differences between these two types of support for students with disabilities or learning differences.
How to Prepare your Child or Teen for Neuropsychological Testing in Madison, WI
You’ve scheduled neuropsychological testing for your child or teen in Madison, WI and may be wondering how to best prepare them for the evaluation. Here are some general tips to help your child or teen feel relaxed and confident about their testing session(s):
How to Read a Neuropsychological Evaluation Report
How to Read a Neuropsychological Evaluation Report
At the conclusion of a neuropsychological evaluation, you can expect to receive a detailed written evaluation report. This report may be 10-15 pages or more in length, so there can be a lot of information to sort through. Typically, the report will be divided into sections, such as Reason for Referral, Assessments Administered/Sources of Information, Relevant Background Information, Behavioral Observations, Assessment Results & Interpretations, Summary & Impressions, and Recommendations. Here’s a look at the information you can expect to find in each section:
What to Expect from Neuropsychological Testing in Madison, WI
What to expect from neuropsychological testing in Madison, WI
If you’re looking for neuropsychological testing for your child in Madison, WI and are wondering what to expect, you’re in the right place. Most types of testing and evaluation done by psychologists follow a similar process:
Step 1: Clinical Interview & Rating Scales
The first step in neuropsychological testing is a clinical interview with the child’s parent or guardian. You will be asked questions about your child’s early development, medical history, skills, interests, behavior, your concerns, and your goals for the evaluation.
Top Questions About Neuropsychological Testing in Madison, WI
What is neuropsychological testing?
Schools, primary care doctors, and mental health therapists will often refer children or adults for a “neuropsych” (i.e., neuropsychological testing or neuropsychological evaluation) if there are questions about learning, memory, attention, development, or behavior.