SPECIFIC LEARNING DISORDER (SLD)
A Specific Learning Disorder (SLD), also sometimes referred to as a Learning Disability (LD), is a neurological condition that relates to how a person receives and processes information. An SLD is not an indication of intelligence. Children and adults with learning disabilities are usually as smart or smarter than their peers, yet they may struggle with reading, writing, comprehension, language, hand/eye coordination, spelling, and/or math computation. For some, just one area is impacted, while for others, there may be several areas impacted, as is often seen in those with dyslexia or dyscalculia. For both children and adults, it is important to identify which specific areas are impacted. It is incomplete to only diagnose "Specific Learning Disorder." Dr. Schuster provides a detailed diagnosis that includes the specific areas that are impacted by the learning disorder(s). For those with an SLD, it is important to ensure that they are adequately challenged and taught in a manner that is helpful to them. As part of the recommendations in the report, Dr. Schuster includes age appropriate educational and/or work accommodations.
Evaluation Process
The evaluation process is usually completed in 2-3 sessions. It is important to provide all documentation prior to the evaluation, including any relevant medical records and a current Individualized Education Plan (IEP), if one exists. The 1st session is typically completed online and lasts for 45 minutes. This session involves a clinical interview, in which background information is gathered. The 2nd session is in-person at our office in Winter Park. The session time is variable depending on the tests given and the pacing of the individual being tested. It lasts approximately 90 minutes to 3 hours. It typically involves intellectual testing, assessment of adaptive behavior, and achievement testing. The evaluation includes identification of other possible mental health disorders that may be impacting their behavior and learning, such as ADHD, ASD, anxiety, depression, or psychosis. If the individual being tested takes psychotropic medication, especially if it is medication for ADHD, it is important to ensure that they take their medication as prescribed on the days prior to and including the days of the sessions, in order to better ensure accuracy of the test results.
The feedback session occurs a few weeks after testing. The feedback session is usually completed online or by phone. You are provided an electronic copy of the report so that you can then give one to whomever you think needs a copy, such as school or the pediatrician for children, or work, college, or primary care physician for adults. Dr. Schuster will give a diagnosis or diagnoses, if any are present.
Ideal age for testing
It is best for the individual being tested to be at least 6 years old for an SLD assessment. Testing children less than 6 years old is possible, but it is important to note that the results are unlikely to provide clear, stable, and specific diagnoses. If your child is too distracted or hyperactive, some testing may be invalid and may not be able to be completed in those situations. There is no upper age limit for an SLD assessment, as there are many adults who have SLDs but were never diagnosed in school.