A full year of kindergarten is essential before considering a learning disability test
Dr. Talinski emphasizes the importance of allowing a child to complete a full year of kindergarten before considering a learning disability test. During this year, children develop essential skills such as stamina, social skills, and the ability to adhere to the structure of a classroom environment. These foundational skills are crucial for academic development, and without them, it can be challenging to accurately assess a child’s learning abilities.
Understanding Learning Disabilities: When and Why to Test Your Child
As a parent, it can be heart-wrenching to see your child struggle in school or at home. Dr. Courtney Talinski, a clinical and educational psychologist from the Zarlingo Foundation Learning Evaluation Center, shares valuable insights on when and why to test your child for learning disabilities. While schools play a role in early interventions, it’s crucial for parents to take proactive steps to ensure their child receives the support they need for a better future.
Early intervention in schools can help identify and support struggling students
Schools have improved their response to intervention strategies, which involve assessing students’ early reading and math skills three times a year. This allows educators to identify students who need targeted support and provide them with evidence-based interventions. A full year of such support is critical to determine if a child can catch up with their peers or if they continue to struggle despite the assistance.
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A lot of kids are really good at figuring out ways to compensate or accommodate for some of their struggles and then because of that they fly under the radar.
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Red flags in older children may indicate the need for a learning disability test
For children in third, fourth, or fifth grade who seem to be keeping up but struggle with homework or frequently miss school, Dr. Talinski suggests that these are significant red flags. These children may be intelligent and have learned to compensate for their challenges, but they could still have a learning disability that has gone undiagnosed. Third grade is a pivotal year, as students transition from learning to read to reading to learn, and any gaps in their skills can widen without proper support.
Key Takeaways:
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Timing for Testing: Parents should consider testing for a learning disability if their child struggles significantly after a full year of kindergarten and targeted interventions. Early intervention in kindergarten is crucial, and if the child continues to struggle into first grade, especially if they are in the 0-15th percentile, testing becomes more urgent.
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Recognizing Red Flags in Older Children: For children in third grade and beyond who may be compensating for learning challenges but still showing signs of struggle, such as prolonged homework sessions or frequent school avoidance, it's important to get them tested. Third grade is a pivotal year as students transition from learning to read to reading to learn, and timely support can prevent further academic gaps.
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Ongoing Evaluation and Support: It's recommended to reevaluate a child every three years to monitor progress and adjust accommodations as needed. This periodic assessment helps address any new developmental challenges and ensures that the child's educational support remains effective and relevant. Schools typically require a full reevaluation every three years for students with an IEP, alongside annual reviews to update goals and track progress.
Testing for learning disabilities is beneficial at any age, even in high school
It’s never too late to test for a learning disability, even if a child is in high school. Some students may have struggled with spelling or reading comprehension throughout their education without a formal diagnosis. A Learning Difficulties Analysis can provide valuable insights into a student’s learning profile and help identify areas where they may need additional support.
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Never too late to test for a learning disability, especially in high school.
”Overcoming the challenge of undiagnosed learning disabilities can lead to a better life for your child
If your child has been struggling academically or emotionally, it’s essential to take action and seek a Dyslexia Test or other appropriate assessments. As a parent, you play a crucial role in advocating for your child’s needs and ensuring they receive the support necessary to thrive. By identifying and addressing learning disabilities, you can help your child develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in school and beyond.
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