Living with LD
Do I Have LD?  Problem Signs Benefits of Being Tested Where to Seek Help  Questions to Ask Knowing for Sure

Knowing for Sure

Here are three steps to finding out if you have a learning disability:

3 Steps to Knowing for Sure:

1. Interview. You will meet with one or more qualified professional(s) who will ask you about your learning problems and also want to know about your education, physical and mental health, and family and employment history. You should be honest in providing this information because it will help the evaluators understand your background, strengths and problem areas. If after the interview it is decided that testing should be done, you will need to schedule a series of appointments with qualified specialists who can help pinpoint the problem. Evaluators are required to keep your records and testing information confidential.

2. Evaluation. This step will identify whether you have a learning disability, and will profile your areas of strength and weakness. The goal for evaluating adults is different from the goal for evaluating children. Evaluation for children and youth is tied to determining how to best help them in school. Evaluation for adults is more directly related to solving problems in employment, life situations, and academic advancement. After the type of learning disability you have is uncovered, an evaluator will provide guidance as to what you should do next.

3. Recommendations. The single most important part of the evaluation process is knowing what to do with your new learning profile. The evaluation should provide direction for employment, education and daily living, and should make specific recommendations for learning strategies that may be the most helpful to you. And there should be some recommendations for ways you can compensate for, or work around, the effects of your disability. The evaluator may also suggest possible accommodations that you can use to be more successful and feel less frustrated in every aspect of your life.

You will receive a written report explaining the tests you took and the results. If a learning disability is discovered, it will be documented in the written report that will name specific accommodations for you. Be sure to keep a copy of this report in a place where you can find it easily because you will need it to request accommodations in school or at work. You might want to create a file folder and keep this report along with other information, such as your school Individualized Education Program, medical history, performance evaluations, and letters of reference from employers.

You have now found out something new about yourself. This information can help you plan for the assistance you need to succeed in school and at work. Even if your evaluation results do not indicate that you have a learning disability, you will at least have a better understanding of your overall strengths and areas for improvement.

For more information on this subject, click here.