- Diagnostic methods and standards used to diagnose learning disabilities in public schools are different from those used by evaluators in private practice.
- Public schools and private evaluators are governed by different government agencies, boards, and regulations.
- The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act regulations governing diagnosis of learning disabilities and other types of disabilities in public schools are somewhat general and leave the diagnostic details up to states to define.
- Regulations governing evaluators in private practice, namely licensed psychologists or psychiatrists, are even less specific than those used in public schools.
- Usually, learning disability diagnostic processes in public schools are consistent among schools within individual states.
- Different states may have different standards and practices for the diagnosis of learning disabilities. Consequently, it is possible for a student to qualify for a diagnosis of learning disabilities in one state but not another.
- Public school systems typically use a combination of:
- Formal evaluations using an aptitude achievement discrepancy to determine the severity of a learning disability; and
- Response to Intervention methods to determine if a learning disability could be the cause of a student's academic problems.
- Evaluators in private practice usually use either the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual(as in DSM-IV) or the International Statistical Classifications of Diseases (as in ICD-10).
- Both the ICD and DSM methods of diagnosis rely heavily on an evaluator's professional judgment, which naturally varies from evaluator to evaluator. Terms used to name and describe learning disabilities in these systems are different from those used in the IDEA in public schools.
Diagnosing Learning Disabilities - How Learning Disabilities are Diagnosed
Methods of Diagnosing Learning Disabilities Vary
By Ann Logsdon, About.com
Testing for Learning Disability
LD Diagnosis by Getty Images
Learning disability diagnosis is an inexact science. Even the experts disagree on the best ways of determining whether a learning disability exists. Why the confusion?
Learning Disability Diagnoses in Basic Math, Applied Math and Dyscalculia
Learning Disabilities in Basic MathLearning Disabilities Applied MathDyscalculia Definition
Learning Disability Diagnoses in Basic Reading, Comprehension, and Dyslexia
Learning Disabilities in Basic ReadingLearning Disabilities in Reading ComprehensionDyslexia Definition
Learning Disabilities - Diagnosis - Testing - Screener for Learning Disorders
How to Have Your Child Tested for LDsLD Strategies for Home and SchoolSelf Screener for Learning Disabilities
Explore Learning Disabilities
Must Reads
By Category
- Learning Disability Basics
- LD Assessment and Testing
- Infants and Toddlers
- Developmental LDs
- Special Education Programs
- Parenting LD Teens
- LD Teaching Resources
- Parents and Family Issues
- College, Vocational School
- Career Issues
- Learning Disabled Seniors
- Government Programs
- Disability Laws
- Learning Disability Terms
- Disability Research
About.com Special Features
Make Meals Easy
An easy way to put delicious meals together.Build Your Business
Get tips on starting up and staying competitive.Love Your Living Space
Achieve your dream home with advice from the pros.Financial Planning
Stay on top with our smart financial tips.
©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.
All rights reserved.