Evaluations for students in elementary school, middle school and high school
Comprehensive evaluations that lead to clarity, understanding, and solutions. When learning challenges create questions, our experts provide answers that make a difference.
For more than two decades, our trusted approach has helped thousands nationwide
find clarity, understanding, and a path forward.
Why our approach works
At Diagnostic Learning Services, we never assess a single skill in isolation. Every evaluation is designed to connect the dots between reading, writing, math, attention, memory, and processing—ensuring accurate diagnoses and clear, practical next steps. Our goal is to give families answers, direction, and a plan that leads to lasting success.
Comprehensive Psycho-Educational Evaluations
Our psycho-educational evaluations are designed to uncover the root causes of learning and attention difficulties that may be impacting a student’s progress in school. Rather than focusing on test scores alone, we take an in-depth look at how your child thinks, learns, and processes information to identify whether challenges are related to a specific learning disability—such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia—or attention-related concerns like ADHD.
These assessments go beyond the surface to provide parents and educators with a clear understanding of a student’s strengths and challenges. Each evaluation results in actionable recommendations, academic accommodations, and strategies tailored to help your child succeed in and beyond the classroom.
Stat:
Recent national data show that nearly 80% of students with a specific learning disability who receive appropriate school support graduate with a standard high school diploma—a rate that actually surpasses the overall U.S. graduation average of about 74–75%. With the right help, students don’t just catch up—they thrive.
What Our Assessments Measure
Our comprehensive approach examines every key area of learning and cognition, including:
Learning Disabilities
Identifying dyslexia (reading), dysgraphia (writing), and dyscalculia (math) to clarify academic needs.
Attention and Focus
Evaluating for ADHD and related attention difficulties that impact classroom performance.
Visual and Auditory Processing
Understanding how the brain interprets information through sight and sound.
Problem-Solving & Processing Speed
Measuring reasoning, cognitive flexibility, and how efficiently information is understood.
Memory
Assessing both short-term and long-term memory crucial for comprehension and retention.
Academic Skills
Measuring foundational reading, writing, and math abilities to identify areas for targeted support.
What to Expect on the Day of Testing
During the evaluation, the student will work one-on-one with our assessment specialist to complete a variety of interactive assessments. We explore areas such as attention, memory, reasoning, and academic performance to build a complete picture of how your child learns best.
Every child’s experience is personalized—our assessment specialist may adjust pacing, format, and encourage breaks to ensure comfort and accuracy throughout the process.
After the Evaluation: Creating A ‘Road Map’ for Success
We strive to do more than provide a diagnosis. Our goal is for every family to leave the follow-up meeting with a clear understanding of the testing results and a concrete plan for next steps.
Within 10 to 14 working days of the evaluation, families meet with a Diagnostic Learning Services Director to review the assessment. During this meeting, the director explains the findings and recommendations in simple, practical terms. The resulting report becomes a valuable tool for families, schools, and professionals to collaborate effectively, ensuring students receive the support they need and empowering families to advocate confidently for their child.
Let us help you become the expert in your child's learning and success.
Based on the assessment results we may recommend:
• Requesting accommodations in the classroom: Tailored support to address learning challenges.
• Exploring specialized interventions: Targeted programs to enhance learning.
• Using assistive technology: Tools that assist with reading, writing, and organization.
• Accessing external resources and support networks: Additional resources to support academic success.
Tip:
Follow-up appointments are a great time to ask detailed questions and clarify any recommendations.
What is Dyslexia?
/Dis-lek-see-uh/
Dyslexia is a learning disorder that makes it difficult to understand how sounds and letters work together to form words. This can lead to challenges with recognizing words accurately, sounding out new words, reading fluently, and spelling. Even with proper instruction, children with dyslexia often continue to struggle significantly with reading and writing despite strong overall intelligence.
Note:
It’s important to note that dyslexia is not about reversing letters or numbers, writing or reading backwards, or words moving on the page. It affects phonological processing, which impacts reading accuracy and fluency.
Red flags of Dyslexia
Difficulty sounding out (decoding) unfamiliar words
Slow, inaccurate, or labored oral reading
Frequent spelling errors
Family history of similar learning challenges
Difficulty with written composition
Struggles reading words in isolation
Difficulty learning letter names and sounds
Did you know?
Dyslexia is one of the most common learning differences—and also one of the most misunderstood. Students with dyslexia often excel in creativity, problem-solving, “big-picture” thinking, and hands-on learning. Identifying dyslexia early opens the door to evidence-based reading instruction, reduced frustration, and improved academic outcomes.
Why We Look at the Whole Picture
At Diagnostic Learning, we do not assess for a single learning disability in isolation. A comprehensive evaluation is essential to understanding how an individual learns and processes information. By assessing multiple areas—such as reading, writing, math, attention, memory, and processing—we can rule out overlapping challenges and ensure the most accurate diagnosis and support plan.
What is Dyscalculia?
/Dis-kal-coo-lee-uh/
Dyscalculia is a learning disorder that affects a student's ability to understand and perform mathematical tasks. Whether it's simple addition and subtraction, reading a clock, or handling money, math can feel impossible for children with dyscalculia. Even with tutoring or extra practice, they may still struggle to grasp these concepts, making homework time a nightly battle.
Note:
Dyscalculia is not a reflection of intelligence; it is a difficulty with processing numerical information and mathematical reasoning.
Red flags of Dyscalculia
If you notice these signs in your child, they may be experiencing the effects of dyscalculia
Trouble with Basic Math
Struggles with foundational skills like addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.
No “Number Sense”
Difficulty understanding the value of numbers, quantities, or how numbers relate to each other.
Forgets Math Steps
Confusion with multi-step math problems, such as long division, and often performing the steps out of order.
Clocks and Time Don’t Add Up
Struggles to read an analog clock or estimate how long something will take.
Mental Math Feels Impossible
Difficulty calculating simple problems in their head, either very slowly or inaccurately.
Direction Mix-Ups
Trouble distinguishing left from right or following spatial directions.
Money Math is Stressful
Difficulty handling money, calculating change, or sticking to a budget.
Confused About Dates:
Struggles to understand concepts like days, weeks, or seasons.
Did you know?
Students with dyscalculia often excel in imagination, reasoning, and verbal skills—they simply need a different approach to learning math. Early identification helps prevent years of unnecessary frustration and allows students to receive targeted math interventions that build understanding and confidence. With the right support, students with dyscalculia can master essential math skills and thrive academically.
Why We Look at the Whole Picture
At Diagnostic Learning, we do not assess for a single learning disability in isolation. A comprehensive evaluation is essential to understanding how an individual learns and processes information. By assessing multiple areas—such as reading, writing, math, attention, memory, and processing—we can rule out overlapping challenges and ensure the most accurate diagnosis and support plan.
What is Dysgraphia?
For students, writing is an important part of learning, but for children with dysgraphia, even writing a single word can feel like a monumental task. Dysgraphia is a learning disorder that impacts motor skills, spelling, and the ability to organize thoughts effectively. It goes beyond just messy handwriting—it can significantly hinder a child’s ability to express themselves in writing, making schoolwork feel overwhelming and frustrating.
Note:
Dysgraphia is not caused by laziness or lack of intelligence. It is a neurological condition affecting how the brain manages the fine-motor and language processes involved in writing.
Red flags of Dysgraphia
If you notice these signs in your child, they may be experiencing the effects of dyscalculia
Hard-to-Read Writing:
Messy, inconsistent, and difficult-to-read handwriting—even after practice.
Mixed-Up Letter Styles:
Switching between cursive, print, uppercase, and lowercase letters with no clear pattern.
Words Left Unfinished:
Letters, syllables, or entire words are frequently missing from sentences.
Spacing That’s All Over the Place:
Uneven gaps between letters and words make their writing hard to follow.
Can’t Picture Letters Before Writing:
Difficulty mentally visualizing letters or planning their placement on the page.
Writing Feels Exhausting:
Slow, labored handwriting that takes significant time and effort—leading to frustration.
Disorganized Pages:
Writing doesn’t stay on the lines, and the page looks cluttered or chaotic.
Cramped Pencil Grip:
An uncomfortable or awkward pencil grip that causes hand pain or fatigue.
Thinking and Writing Don’t Mix:
Difficulty jotting down notes in class or keeping up with their own thoughts during creative writing.
Did you know?
Dysgraphia affects writing skills, but not intelligence or potential. Many students with dysgraphia have strong verbal abilities, creative thinking, and deep ideas to share. With testing, handwriting help, and assistive tools, students can demonstrate what they truly know. The right support transforms writing from a barrier into a manageable skill.
Why We Look at the Whole Picture
At Diagnostic Learning, we do not assess for a single learning disability in isolation. A comprehensive evaluation is essential to understanding how an individual learns and processes information. By assessing multiple areas—such as reading, writing, math, attention, memory, and processing—we can rule out overlapping challenges and ensure the most accurate diagnosis and support plan.
What is ADHD
ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopment condition that affects attention, self-control, and activity levels. It often begins in childhood and can continue into adulthood. People with ADHD may have trouble focusing, staying organized, following instructions, or sitting still.
There are three main types: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. ADHD is not caused by poor parenting or lack of effort; it is linked to brain differences and genetics. With proper support, structure, and sometimes medication, individuals with ADHD can manage symptoms effectively and succeed in school and daily life.
Note:
It's important to note that Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) were once considered separate diagnoses. ADD focused primarily on inattentive behaviors like 'daydreaming', while ADHD was linked to hyperactivity. Today, ADHD is the recognized diagnosis, and it includes three distinct subtypes to reflect the variety of behaviors within the disorder.
There are 3 types of ADHD
What are the signs and symptoms of each ADHD type?
Predominantly Inattentive Type
Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes.
Has difficulty sustaining attention.
Does not appear to listen.
Struggles to follow through on instructions.
Has difficulty with organization.
Avoids or dislikes tasks requiring sustained mental effort.
Loses things.
Is easily distracted.
Is forgetful in daily activities.
Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive Type
Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in chair.
Has difficulty remaining seated.
Runs about or climbs excessively.
Difficulty engaging in activities quietly.
Acts as if driven by a motor.
Talks excessively.
Blurts out answers before questions have been completed.
Difficulty waiting or taking turns.
Interrupts or intrudes upon others.
Combined Type
Individual meets both inattention and hyperactive/impulsive criteria.
Did you know?
Students with ADHD are bright, capable, and often exceptionally creative. While ADHD often comes with challenges like distractibility or overwhelm, early identification and the right supports can dramatically improve school success. Research shows that when ADHD is properly understood and supported, students experience stronger academic performance, better emotional well-being, and increased confidence—all of which help them flourish in and out of the classroom.
The Qb Check
As part of our comprehensive evaluation, we administer the Qb Check, an FDA-approved objective measure that assesses attention, impulsivity, and activity levels. This objective test is used alongside additional subjective assessments to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Click here for information about the Qb Check.
Why We Look at the Whole Picture
At Diagnostic Learning, we do not assess for a single learning disability in isolation. A comprehensive evaluation is essential to understanding how an individual learns and processes information. By assessing multiple areas—such as reading, writing, math, attention, memory, and processing—we can rule out overlapping challenges and ensure the most accurate diagnosis and support plan.
Start Your Evaluation Today
Discover how we can help you succeed.
FAQs
Find answers to common questions about our diagnostic services and processes.
What is a 'psycho-educational evaluation'?
A psycho-educational evaluation is a comprehensive assessment designed to provide a clear, detailed picture of how someone learns, processes, and retains information. It involves tests that measure cognitive abilities (like memory, problem-solving, and reasoning skills), academic achievement (reading, math, and writing performance), or attention difficulties.
These assessments are crucial to help identify learning disabilities, ADHD, or other learning-related challenges while providing clear documentation and a detailed roadmap of an individual’s strengths and areas of need. This information helps parents, educators, or employers understand why someone may be struggling and what types of supports, accommodations, or interventions will be most effective. Without a comprehensive evaluation, it can be difficult to accurately pinpoint the root of these challenges or how to provide meaningful, effective support moving forward.
Will schools or colleges accept your evaluations for accommodations?
Yes, absolutely. Our comprehensive reports are meticulously designed to meet the rigorous standards and specific documentation requirements set forth by all educational institutions and testing authorities.
Diagnostic Learning is committed to staying up-to-date on the latest evolving guidelines, laws, and best practices across the educational and testing landscapes. The documentation you receive from us will be current, compliant, and universally accepted, giving you peace of mind and reducing the stress of the accommodations process.
How soon can we schedule testing, and when will we get results?
Once you’re ready to move forward, appointments are typically scheduled within 10–14 days of your call with us, depending on availability.
After testing is completed, our team needs approximately 10–14 days to review the results and prepare a detailed evaluation report. You’ll then meet with a director for a comprehensive follow-up meeting, who will walk you through the results in clear, easy-to-understand terms and provide a personalized roadmap of recommendations and next steps.
Do you test adults, too—or just kids?
Yes! Learning differences don’t only affect children. Many adults discover later in life that they’ve been compensating for learning or attention challenges for years without answers. We test individuals of all ages, including college students and working professionals who may need documentation for academic, workplace, or professional exam accommodations.
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