Testing for learning disabilities in children and teens
Does your child work hard, yet reading, writing, or math stays a struggle? You are not imagining it. A learning disorder is a real, brain-based difference in how a child takes in and uses information. It is not about being smart, trying hard, or caring enough. Most kids with a learning disorder also have true strengths right beside the thing that is hard. Testing names what is going on. It also gives you paperwork a school can act on.
Encore Psychology tests children and teens ages 2 through 17 for learning disorders. All testing is done by Dr. Brooke Colman, a licensed Clinical Psychologist.
Learning disorders we evaluate
- Reading: specific learning disorder with impairment in reading, often called dyslexia. Trouble reading smoothly, sounding out words, and linking letters to sounds.
- Written expression: specific learning disorder with impairment in written expression, often called dysgraphia. Trouble with handwriting, spelling, and getting thoughts onto paper.
- Mathematics: specific learning disorder with impairment in mathematics, often called dyscalculia. Trouble with math thinking and number sense.
- Language-based learning differences: trouble making sense of what is read or heard, and putting thoughts into words.
Learning disorders often show up next to attention or other differences. When the picture is mixed, testing sorts out what is really driving it. If attention is part of the question, see ADHD testing for children and teens. You can also read more about learning disorders on our What We Treat page.
What a learning disorder evaluation involves
Testing at Encore is a set of steps, not a single test. It typically includes:
Evaluation intake session with caregivers
With caregivers (and your child, as it fits) to gather history and pin down the questions you need answered.
Cognitive testing
With trusted, well-studied tools.
Academic testing
In reading, writing, and math.
A review of school records and history
A feedback session
After testing to walk through results in plain words.
You receive a multi-page written report. It covers the findings, what they mean, and specific strategies chosen for your child. Schools can act on it, whether for an IEP, a 504 plan, or supports in college.
Why careful testing matters
By the time a family reaches out, there has often been a long stretch of hard work without much progress. Testing compares how your child thinks with how your child does in school. That side-by-side view is what sets a learning disorder apart from other causes. It also makes the advice in the report exact, not generic.
A diagnosis is not a ceiling. It is the start of support that fits your child.
What the report covers
The final deliverable is a multi-page written report with diagnostic findings, interpretation, individualized strategies, and documentation that schools and institutions can act on, whether for an IEP, a 504 plan, or accommodations at the college level.
Dr. Colman meets with families for a guided feedback session once testing is complete. You will hear what the findings mean, including strengths as well as areas to support, and the written report follows, organized to be shared with schools, tutors, or other providers.
| Payment method | Report turnaround |
|---|---|
| Private pay | 5 to 10 business days after testing |
| Expedited (private pay only) | 48 hours after testing, for an additional fee |
What this costs and how it is paid for
Learning disability evaluations (dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia) are not covered by insurance and are private pay only. Our reception team can walk you through the fee and the payment structure before you schedule, so there are no surprises.
See fees and insurance for the full breakdown →In person at Bloomfield Hills
Child and teen learning disorder evaluations are in-person at our Bloomfield Hills office. The academic testing components work better with everyone in the same room.
Encore Psychology is located at 33 Bloomfield Hills Parkway, Suite 225, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304, and is available Monday through Friday for in-person evaluations. Encore is part of Michigan Healthcare Professionals (MHP).
Initial appointments are typically scheduled within approximately six weeks of contact. If your child has an upcoming IEP meeting, school transition, or accommodations deadline, let us know.
Conducted by Dr. Brooke Colman
Learning disorder evaluation has been part of Dr. Colman's clinical work since founding the practice. She holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and is licensed in Michigan.
Learn more about Dr. Colman →Questions parents ask before scheduling
Can the report be used for an IEP or 504?
Yes. The report and recommendations are written to be used directly in IEP and 504 conversations. The documentation meets what schools need, whether for eligibility, accommodations, or annual review.
Will the school have to follow the recommendations?
Schools consider outside evaluations as one input. We write recommendations in language schools recognize, which supports the conversation, but the school team makes its own eligibility and placement determinations.
Will the evaluation rule out other things?
A comprehensive evaluation looks at the whole picture: learning, attention, anxiety, and more, because these often overlap. When the picture is mixed, testing sorts out what is actually driving the pattern.
Is this different from school testing?
Yes. Our evaluations are typically more comprehensive than what schools provide and use a broader set of measures. Schools look at whether a child qualifies for services; our report goes further into the clinical picture and individualized recommendations.
My child is bright. Can they still have a learning disorder?
Yes. A specific learning disorder is not a measure of intelligence. Many children who struggle significantly with reading, writing, or math have strong reasoning skills. The evaluation cross-references cognitive ability against academic performance, which is exactly how a specific learning disorder is distinguished from other explanations.
How long does the process take?
From intake to the feedback session, most evaluations take several weeks. The written report follows testing and is typically ready within 5 to 10 business days for private pay clients. If you have a fixed-date IEP meeting or deadline, let us know at intake.
Is this covered by insurance?
Learning disability evaluations (dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia) are not covered by insurance and are private pay only. Our reception team can walk you through the fee and payment structure before you schedule.
What age range do you evaluate?
We evaluate children and teens from age two through seventeen. Testing instruments are selected to be appropriate for your child's age and developmental level.
Questions before you reach out?
It is normal to have questions before deciding on testing. Our reception team is glad to walk you through the process and talk through whether Encore is the right fit for your family.
You can also see the full set of evaluations for children and teens.
A first conversation, on your terms.
Reach out by phone or message. We return inquiries within one to two business days.