Dyslexia Testing for Children in San Diego

Pediatric Neuropsychological Assessment & Diagnostic Services for Children
(Ages 7+)

Understanding Dyslexia in Children

Dyslexia affects approximately 15-20% of the population as a whole, making it the most common learning disorder and accounting for 85% of those students who qualify for special education with a primary learning disability in reading and language processing (International Dyslexia Association, 2020). At KMN Psych, we understand that early identification and comprehensive testing are crucial for your child’s academic success and emotional well-being.

Dyslexia is not about intelligence. Children with dyslexia are often highly intelligent and creative, but their brains process written language differently. With proper diagnosis and support, children with dyslexia can excel academically and develop effective reading strategies.

As part of our comprehensive learning disabilities evaluation services, we provide specialized dyslexia testing that goes beyond basic educational assessments to examine the underlying neurological processes that affect reading development.

Client Testimonials & Success Stories

I completed a neuropsychological assessment at KMN Psych and I’m so glad I finally did. The team makes sure you are comfortable and well taken care of, and the assessment is very thorough. I was easily able to spend 4-5 hours here in a quiet, peaceful environment that was not intimidating at all. I was worried that I was heavily masking whatever I was going through but they caught every little detail. This was a worthy investment of time and money that gave me the clarity I needed, and I highly recommend this place to anyone wishing to undergo assessment. Thank you Dr. Doshay, Dr. Perry, and Tara!

Kajal V.

KMN Psych has been wonderful to work with! They have been very accommodating and attuning to clients’ needs during testing. It has also been a pleasure with coordinating services with them. They are quick to respond and flexible with their schedules. Overall, a great place to check out if you’re needing neuropsych testing done!

Reydel T.

Incredible team here that does the most beautiful work. Their neuropsychological testing is so detailed and really helps provide the full picture. I feel lucky to have found them!

Alexandra Z.

I had a wonderful experience with KMN Psych. From the very first phone call, the staff was welcoming and compassionate, which immediately put me at ease. My neuropsychological testing was thorough, clearly explained, and conducted in a comfortable, professional environment. Dr. Max and his team took the time to really listen to my concerns, answered all my questions, and made sure I understood the process and results. I left feeling validated, understood, and with a clear plan for next steps. I truly appreciate their kindness, professionalism, and dedication to their clients.

Sophia J.

KMN has been nothing but a positive experience every time. From their professionalism to the quality of service they provide on a consistent basis. I highly recommend KMN to all my friends and family!

Simone D.

I have had the pleasure to interact with the team at KMN Psych. They were extremely professional, compassionate, and helpful in supporting me through navigating a challenging time. I felt safe and validated, and I would definitely recommend coming here for testing!

Danielle B.

KMN Psych is an outstanding and reputable neuropsychological testing center, known for its professionalism, thoroughness, and compassionate care. Their team provides comprehensive, evidence-based assessments that are both accurate and easy to understand, ensuring patients and families feel supported through the entire process. The clinicians alongside Dr. Max are highly skilled, detail-oriented, and take the time to explain results clearly, which builds trust and confidence. KMN Psych’s commitment to ethical practice and individualized care truly sets them apart as a trusted leader in the field!

Cory G.

I recently completed neuropsychological testing as an adult female to better understand some ongoing mental health concerns, and I’m so grateful I did. The entire process was very thorough — from the detailed intake session to the actual testing, which covered memory, attention, processing speed, and emotional functioning.

The clinician made me feel heard, respected, and never rushed. The evaluation helped identify ADHD, generalized anxiety disorder, and trauma-related patterns, which finally gave me clarity after years of confusion. I also received a comprehensive report with clear recommendations for therapy, medication options, and strategies for daily life.

This experience was truly life-changing and empowering. If you are struggling to find answers about your mental health as an adult, I highly recommend pursuing neuropsychological testing here.

Kacie O.

As a mom, I was initially nervous about my child undergoing neuropsychological testing, but it turned out to be an incredibly positive experience. The evaluation provided a comprehensive understanding of my child’s strengths and areas of need, which has been invaluable for tailoring their educational plan. The insights from Dr. Max and team have not only helped the school create a more effective learning environment but also guided us in seeking the right support and interventions. Overall, the testing has empowered us with the knowledge to better support our child’s development and well-being.

Michelle P.

I’ve had the privilege of working with KMN Psych for several years and they continue to be my top choice for neuropsychological and psychological testing. Their team has been thorough, professional, and compassionate with every client we’ve referred. Their reports are clear, timely, and highly actionable, which makes a tremendous difference in treatment planning.

Carson W.

KMN Psych provides outstanding neuropsychological assessments with a rare combination of professionalism, expertise, and clarity. Their team is thorough, organized, and clearly knows what they’re doing when it comes to complex cognitive and psychological evaluations. They approach interactions with compassion and genuine care. The reports are detailed, easy to understand, and full of useful recommendations. Whether for school, work, or clinical needs, their assessments truly make a difference. Can’t recommend them enough!

Ryan

KMN has been nothing short of exceptional. From the very first interaction, their team has shown unmatched professionalism, kindness, and genuine care for our clients. It is clear the KMN truly values both the clients and the organizations they partner with.working with them has been an absolute pleasure, and we could not ask for a more reliable, caring and professional team. Highly recommended!

Dawn F.

Why Choose KMN Psych for Your Child's Dyslexia Testing?

When seeking dyslexia testing for your child, choosing the right provider makes all the difference in getting accurate results and actionable recommendations. At KMN Psych, we combine clinical expertise with a family-centered approach that puts your child’s comfort and success at the center of everything we do.

Comprehensive Neuropsychological Approach

Our team, led by Dr. Doshay, uses scientifically validated assessments that go beyond basic educational testing. We examine the underlying cognitive processes that affect reading, including phonological processing, rapid naming, memory, and executive functioning.

Child-Friendly Testing Environment

We understand that testing can feel overwhelming for children. Our pediatric neuropsychological testing approach ensures that assessments are designed to be engaging and age-appropriate, helping children feel comfortable while providing accurate diagnostic information.

Immediate Results & Same-Day Feedback

Unlike many testing centers, we provide initial feedback and recommendations on the same day as testing, with a comprehensive 15-20 page report following within one week.

Educational Advocacy Support

Our detailed reports are specifically formatted to support IEP and 504 plan development, ensuring your child receives appropriate school accommodations.

Verify Insurance

As part of the screening process, we help clients verify their insurance provider can provide financial assistance. We accept PPO as well as non-insured clients. Let us walk you through the process so you can get tested as soon as possible.

Early Warning Signs of Dyslexia in Children

Recognizing the signs of dyslexia early can make a significant difference in your child’s academic journey and emotional well-being. While all children develop at their own pace, persistent patterns of difficulty in specific areas may indicate the need for professional evaluation. The signs of dyslexia change as children grow, but certain patterns remain consistent across age groups.

Preschool Signs (Ages 3-5)

Young children who may be at risk for dyslexia often show difficulties with language development and early literacy skills:

Difficulty learning nursery rhymes or songs with rhyming patterns
Trouble remembering the names of friends, teachers, or colors
Mispronouncing familiar words; persistent “baby talk”
Difficulty following multi-step instructions
Difficulty learning and remembering letter names

Elementary School Signs (Ages 5-12)

As academic demands increase, signs of dyslexia become more apparent in reading and writing tasks:

Reading much slower than peers
Confusion with similar-looking letters (b/d, p/q, m/w)
Spelling the same word multiple ways in one piece of writing
Difficulty memorizing words for spelling tests
Problems with phonological awareness – difficulty breaking words into sounds
Reading errors that show no connection to the sounds of letters

Middle School Signs (Ages 11-14)

Older children with dyslexia may develop coping strategies that mask some difficulties, but challenges often persist in more complex academic tasks:

Poorly organized written work that lacks expression
Avoiding reading aloud or reading-heavy activities
Symptoms increase dramatically with time pressure or emotional stress
Difficulty with note-taking and organizing assignments

If your child displays several of these signs consistently, comprehensive neuropsychological testing can provide clarity and direction. At KMN Psych, we offer comprehensive testing for children ages 7 and older.

Our Dyslexia Testing Process

Our comprehensive dyslexia evaluation follows a structured, child-friendly approach designed to provide accurate diagnostic information while keeping your child comfortable throughout the assessment. Each step builds upon the previous one to create a complete picture of your child’s learning profile.

Initial Phone Screening

We begin with a detailed phone consultation to understand your child’s challenges, family history, and specific concerns. This helps us customize the testing battery to your child’s needs.

Comprehensive Assessment Session

Our testing includes multiple research-validated assessments that examine all aspects of reading and learning. The assessment battery is carefully selected based on your child’s age, symptoms, and individual presentation:

Phonological Processing Tests: Including Rapid Automatic Naming (RAN) tasks, which are strong predictors of reading fluency and important risk factors for dyslexia across all languages
Intelligence Testing: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V) or WAIS-V for teens
Academic Achievement Testing: Comprehensive evaluation of reading, spelling, and writing skills
Executive Function Assessment: Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF)
Visual-Motor Integration: Bender Visual-Motor Gestalt Test (BVMGT)

For more information about specific dyslexia assessment tools, visit the International Dyslexia Association’s testing resources.

Behavioral Observation

Throughout testing, our clinicians observe your child’s approach to tasks, attention patterns, and emotional responses to provide additional diagnostic insights.

Same-Day Feedback Session

Immediately following testing, we provide initial results and recommendations. Parents receive practical strategies to support their child while awaiting the full report.

Comprehensive Written Report

Within one week, you’ll receive a detailed 15-20 page report that serves as a roadmap for your child’s educational support. The report includes:

Clear diagnostic conclusions
Cognitive strengths and weaknesses profile
Specific educational recommendations
Treatment and intervention suggestions
IEP/504 plan guidance

Optional Follow-Up Consultation

Meet with Dr. Doshay to discuss the report in detail, ask questions, and develop an action plan for supporting your child’s learning.

What Our Testing Reveals

Our comprehensive neuropsychological assessment examines the underlying cognitive processes that affect reading and learning. Rather than simply identifying that a child has reading difficulties, our testing reveals why these difficulties occur and what specific interventions will be most effective.

Phonological Processing Abilities

Core deficits in phonological processing comprise the primary cognitive deficits in dyslexia, affecting how children break down and manipulate sounds in words.

Rapid Naming Speed

Rapid Automatic Naming tasks are important predictors of automatic word recognition and reading fluency, and deficits persist into adolescence and adulthood.

Memory and Learning Patterns

We assess how your child processes and retains information, identifying specific memory strengths and challenges that impact reading development.

Executive Functioning

Testing reveals how your child organizes information, sustains attention, and manages cognitive demands – all crucial for reading comprehension and academic success.

If your child displays several of these signs consistently, comprehensive neuropsychological testing can provide clarity and direction.

Common Dyslexia Testing Needs

Every family’s journey to dyslexia testing is unique, but there are several common situations that prompt parents and educators to seek a comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. Understanding these different testing needs can help you determine the best timing and approach for your child’s assessment.

New Diagnosis

Comprehensive evaluation for children showing reading difficulties or displaying multiple warning signs of dyslexia.

School Accommodation Planning

Most schools require neuropsychological testing results to qualify students for individualized education programs or classroom accommodations.

Clinical Interview: Detailed review of medical, educational, and testing history
Cognitive Assessment: Standardized measures of intelligence, memory, processing speed, and attention
Achievement Testing: Academic skills assessment when relevant
Executive Function Evaluation: Planning, organization, and working memory assessment
Emotional/Behavioral Assessment: Impact of psychological factors on performance

Differential Diagnosis

Distinguishing dyslexia from other learning differences, ADHD, or processing disorders that may present with similar symptoms. Our comprehensive approach helps identify co-occurring learning disabilities that may impact your child's academic performance.

Diagnostic conclusions
Functional limitations analysis
Specific accommodation recommendations
Rationale linking disabilities to requested accommodations
Professional credentials documentation

Progress Monitoring

Follow-up testing to measure improvement after interventions and adjust support strategies.

Transition Planning

Testing before major academic transitions (elementary to middle school, middle to high school) to ensure appropriate support continues.

Insurance & Investment Information

We believe that every child deserves access to comprehensive dyslexia testing, regardless of their family’s financial situation. Our team works closely with families to explore all available options for making testing affordable and accessible.

Insurance Coverage

As part of our screening process, we help families verify insurance benefits. We accept most PPO plans and work with families to maximize coverage for neuropsychological testing.

Self-Pay Options

We understand that not all families have insurance coverage for testing. We offer transparent pricing and payment plans to make a comprehensive dyslexia evaluation accessible.

Educational Value

Professional dyslexia testing is an investment in your child’s academic future. Early identification and intervention can prevent years of academic struggle and protect your child’s self-esteem and motivation.

The Importance of Early Testing

Early assessment and intervention are critical for improving positive outcomes for children with dyslexia. Research demonstrates that intensive, targeted reading interventions can physically change the brain’s neural circuitry in struggling readers, with improvements visible after just eight weeks of specialized tutoring (Yeatman et al., 2018).

Without early assessment and proper intervention, gaps between struggling readers and their peers will only continue to widen. The brain’s neuroplasticity is greatest during childhood, making early intervention particularly effective when there are 50% more neural connections than exist in the adult brain (LEARN Behavioral, 2024).

Optimal Testing Ages

Understanding the best timing for dyslexia testing can help maximize the benefits of early intervention:

Ages 7+ Ideal age for identification when symptoms become clear but before academic gaps widen significantly
Ages 15-20: Critical period for intervention, while brain plasticity supports new learning strategies
Ages 13-17: Important for transition planning and developing compensatory strategies for higher-level academics

Supporting Your Child Through Testing

The testing process can feel overwhelming for both parents and children, but with proper preparation and understanding, it can be a positive experience that leads to valuable insights and support strategies.

Before Testing

Preparing your child for the evaluation can help ensure accurate results and reduce anxiety. Our pediatric testing specialists provide families with detailed preparation guidelines:

Explain testing as a way to understand how their brain learns best
Ensure your child gets adequate sleep and eats breakfast
Bring any previous school evaluations or medical records

During Testing

Our child-friendly approach makes the testing experience as comfortable as possible:

Children typically find our assessments engaging and game-like
Sessions last 3-4 hours with breaks as needed
Parents are welcome to wait in our comfortable reception area

After Testing

Following the evaluation, there are important steps to maximize the benefits of testing:

Implement recommended strategies immediately
Share results with your child’s school team
Consider additional interventions based on our recommendations

Verify Insurance

Take the Next Step

If your child is struggling with reading, spelling, or shows signs of dyslexia, don’t wait. Early identification and intervention can prevent academic struggles from impacting your child’s confidence and self-esteem.

Your child’s reading challenges don’t define their intelligence or potential. With proper diagnosis and support, children with dyslexia can thrive academically and discover their unique strengths.

Ready for answers? Schedule your child’s dyslexia evaluation today.

FAQs

At what age can dyslexia be diagnosed?

Neuropsychological assessments are most commonly conducted for children 7 years and older, though early screening can identify risk factors as young as age 5.

How long does dyslexia testing take?

Comprehensive testing typically takes 3-4 hours, completed in one session with breaks as needed for your child's comfort.

Will my child's school accept your testing results?

Yes. Our reports are specifically designed to meet educational requirements for IEP and 504 plan development and are routinely accepted by school districts.

Is dyslexia testing covered by insurance?

Many PPO insurance plans cover neuropsychological testing. We verify benefits as part of our intake process and work with families to maximize coverage.

What happens after diagnosis?

We provide detailed recommendations for educational interventions, therapy options, and support strategies. Many children benefit from specialized reading programs, classroom accommodations, and assistive technology.

Can dyslexia be "cured"?

Dyslexia is a lifelong learning difference, but with proper support and intervention, children with dyslexia can become successful readers and achieve their academic goals. Research shows that targeted interventions and accommodations can help children with various learning disabilities develop effective strategies for academic success.

References

International Dyslexia Association. (2020, March 10). Dyslexia basics. https://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-basics/

LEARN Behavioral. (2024, August 9). Neuroplasticity in children & early intervention. https://learnbehavioral.com/blog/brain-plasticity-2

Yeatman, J. D., Dougherty, R. F., Ben-Shachar, M., & Wandell, B. A. (2012). Development of white matter and reading skills. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 109(44), E3045-E3053. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1206792109

Note: For the most current research on dyslexia assessment and intervention, visit the International Dyslexia Association and Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity.

Schedule an Appointment

To learn more information about KMN Psych, verify your insurance coverage, or schedule an appointment for you or your loved one, complete the form below, and we will get back to you in 24 hours. We respect your privacy and hold all information discussed in strict confidence.

Or call us: (858) 923-4228

References

Ginsberg, Y., Quintero, J., Anand, E., Casillas, M., & Upadhyaya, H. P. (2014). Underdiagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adult patients: a review of the literature. The primary care companion for CNS disorders, 16(3), PCC.13r01600. https://doi.org/10.4088/PCC.13r01600

Magnus W, Nazir S, Anilkumar AC, et al. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441838/

Neuropsychological Testing & Diagnosis Center

At KMN Psych, we aim to simplify the psychological testing process and minimize the turnaround time so you or your loved one can immediately get insights to many of the questions that have gone unanswered. Mental health testing is the first step in proper treatment planning, improved quality of life, happiness, and overall well-being.

Regardless of the specific need for testing — whether someone is seeking a diagnosis, proper medication, or academic accommodations, — we’re ready to provide comprehensive, immediate, and accurate testing and diagnostic services with with a clinical team that has extensive expertise in conducting and analyzing test results. We’re passionate about getting our clients the help they need.

Neuropsych testing is key to better understanding why you or your loved one may be having difficulties at work, in social settings, relationships, or simply feeling challenged by daily activities. Testing at KMN can open new doors to a better daily life.