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Learning Disability Evaluations
Customized Assessments for Each Student
Learning Disabilities Testing
Learning disabilities are determined to exist when children have difficulty learning even though they have the cognitive capability and have been in an appropriate educational environment. Dyslexia is the term used when individuals have difficulty learning to read. Dysgraphia is the term used when individuals have difficulty with writing. Dyscalculia is the term used when individuals have difficulty with mathematics.
Dyslexia is the most common learning challenge. Most people with dyslexia have trouble manipulating the basic sounds of speech (phonemes). They often have trouble connecting the speech sound (the /b/ sound) with the letter symbol for that sound (“b”). Difficulties with phonological processing make it hard for people with dyslexia to sound out words. Because of the time it often takes to sound out a word, the meaning of the word is often lost which can result in poor reading comprehension. Trouble with spelling is often found as well, given the difficulties in putting phonemes together to form words. Some children also have difficulty with orthographic processing. Successful readers use visual memory, or orthographic processing, to retain the way words look in print so they can read fluently. They need to sound out words less frequently because they recognize them from previous exposure. Rapid automated naming (RAN) can also be a concern. This is the ability to rapidly retrieve and orally express information stored in long-term memory. Fluent reading depends on a complex set of cognitive processes that must work together in perfect concert.
Early detection of dyslexia is key to remediation. Warning signs, beginning in preschool and kindergarten, include pronunciation or articulation challenges, difficulty rhyming words, problems learning the connection between letters and sounds, letter reversals, inversions, transpositions, difficulty sounding out words, and resistance to reading activities.
Dysgraphia is a learning disability that affects written expression. Children with dysgraphia often struggle with the physical act of writing — their handwriting may be illegible, inconsistent, or effortful — as well as with organizing thoughts on paper. The challenge goes beyond poor penmanship; it involves difficulties with letter formation, spacing, spelling, and translating ideas into written language. Working memory plays a key role, as children with dysgraphia often have trouble holding information in mind while simultaneously managing the mechanics of writing. Tasks that require sustained writing, such as taking notes or completing written assignments, can be particularly overwhelming. More information about our Dyslexia and Comprehensive assessments can be found on our Fees page.
Dysgraphia and dyslexia frequently co-occur and share some underlying challenges, particularly with phonological processing and spelling. Both conditions can make written work effortful and may look similar on the surface — poor spelling, slow output, and avoidance of writing tasks. However, dyslexia primarily affects reading and the ability to decode words, while dysgraphia centers on the production of writing itself. A child may have dyslexia without dysgraphia, dysgraphia without dyslexia, or both together. When both are present, the impact on academic performance can be more pronounced, and a comprehensive evaluation is important to distinguish and address each condition appropriately. More information about our Dysgraphia and Comprehensive assessments can be found on our Fees page.
Dyscalculia is a learning disability that affects a person's ability to understand and work with numbers and mathematical concepts. Children with dyscalculia may have difficulty counting, understanding number sense, memorizing math facts, and grasping concepts such as place value, fractions, or measurement. Unlike general math anxiety, dyscalculia reflects a core neurological difference in how the brain processes numerical information. These children may struggle to understand the relationship between a number and the quantity it represents, have difficulty telling time, managing money, or estimating. Dyscalculia is often underidentified compared to dyslexia, yet it can significantly impact daily functioning and academic achievement. Early identification and targeted, structured interventions can make a meaningful difference in helping children build foundational math skills. More information about our Dyscalculia and Comprehensive assessments can be found on our Fees page.
CPEA's pediatric psychologists serve families across the Atlanta metro area from our offices in Atlanta, Marietta, Cumming, and Alpharetta, Georgia. Whether you are seeking answers about your child's reading struggles, writing difficulties, or challenges with math, our team has the expertise to provide a clear and accurate diagnosis close to home.
A learning disability evaluation at CPEA typically spans one to two testing days, depending on your child's age and the concerns being addressed. Before testing begins, your psychologist will meet with you to review your child's developmental and academic history. Testing sessions are often structured like a school day, with morning and afternoon sessions and a break in between, so your child can perform at their best throughout the process. If your child needs shorter sessions across several days, we are happy to accommodate.
Following testing, your CPEA psychologist will prepare a comprehensive written report that includes your child's scores, an explanation of what those scores mean in everyday terms, a diagnosis when applicable, and specific recommendations for school accommodations, instructional strategies, and outside supports. A feedback session is scheduled to walk you through the results and answer your questions before you receive the final report.
How Long Does Learning Disoabilities Testing Take?
Testing time varies by the individual and the scope of the evaluation. For Dyslexia/Dysgraphia-Only and Dyscalculia-Only assessments, typical time would be a full morning of testing, or around 3 hours. For comprehensive assessments, testing usually encompasses the time of a full school day (3 hours in the morning and around 3 hours after lunch), and sometimes a few hours on an additional day. For students who have difficulty attending for a full school day length, we break up testing across multiple days of shorter sessions.
How Far Out Are You Scheduling?
Typically we are able to schedule your testing appointment about 3 to 4 weeks out from your initial call, but this sometimes varies by time of year.
How Much Does Autism Testing Cost At CPEA?
Fees vary depending on the scope of the evaluation. Please visit our Fees page for current pricing. CPEA does not currently accept insurance for evaluations, but we can provide documentation that many families use to seek partial reimbursement through their insurance provider as an out-of-network benefit.
Will The School Accept This Report?
Typically, schools readily accept our reports. We use assessments familiar to school systems and ask for teacher input regarding students. In addition, several of our psychologists are certified school psychologists as well as licensed psychologists and have extensive experience working in school settings.
How Is A Private Evaluation Different From A School Evaluation?
A school evaluation is conducted to determine eligibility for special education services under IDEA and is limited to questions relevant to educational need. A private evaluation at CPEA is a clinical diagnostic evaluation that addresses the full picture: diagnosis, cognitive profile, adaptive functioning, sensory processing, co-occurring conditions, and individualized recommendations that extend beyond the school setting. Private evaluations can complement school data and are often more comprehensive. Private evaluations can also be used to apply for additional supports such as waivers.
Can You Test For Learning Disabilities In Adults?
Yes. We evaluate adults for learning disorders and welcome patients who were never evaluated as children, who received a prior diagnosis they want to revisit, or who are seeking documentation for workplace accommodations or disability services.
Which Location Completes Learning Disability Evaluations?
All four of our locations, Atlanta, Cumming, Marietta, and Alpharetta, offer the shorter and the comprehensive assessments. In addition, parents from surrounding areas such as Decatur and Roswell regularly visit our offices for learning assessments. We are happy to set up an appointment at the location most convenient for your family.
Who Completes The Testing?
All of our psychologists have doctoral degrees and complete all assessments. For a complete list of our professionals and their qualifications, click here.