At KMN Psych in San Diego, we specialize in comprehensive neuropsychological testing for learning disabilities in individuals across all age groups: children, teens, and adults.
Learning disabilities are neurologically-based processing problems that manifest in various ways, significantly impacting an individual’s ability to perceive, process, and respond to information. These disabilities can interfere with foundational academic skills such as reading, writing, and mathematics—commonly referred to as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, respectively.
Each type of learning disability presents unique challenges:
Learning disabilities can also impact more complex cognitive functions such as organization, time planning, abstract reasoning, long or short-term memory, and attention. For example, individuals may struggle with organizing their thoughts or belongings, managing their time efficiently, or remembering instructions over short or long periods.
It is important to recognize that learning disabilities do not reflect an individual’s intelligence or willingness to learn. They often occur in individuals who otherwise exhibit average or above-average intelligence but have specific areas of cognitive processing that are impaired. Research supports that early intervention and diagnosis can help boost children’s confidence and social competency.
Learning disabilities can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status. By fostering an environment of support and adaptation, we can help those with learning disabilities cope with their challenges and thrive in academic, work, and social settings.
At KMN Psych in San Diego, we streamline the psychological testing process to provide you or your child with clear, insightful answers to longstanding questions. Recognizing that psychological testing is a crucial first step in effective treatment planning, we are dedicated to making comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation for learning disabilities simple and accessible to everyone.
We understand the urgency of receiving accurate results. Whether you're seeking a diagnosis for your child, the right educational accommodations, or guidance on managing behavioral health, our clinical team is equipped with the expertise to conduct and analyze tests with precision and speed. We aim to deliver comprehensive assessments illuminating the path to better understanding and managing your child’s mental health and learning needs.
Our team comprises seasoned professionals passionate about developmental psychology and mental health. With extensive training and experience, we specialize in various psychological and neuropsychological assessments designed to uncover the root causes of your child’s academic and behavioral challenges. Visit our website to learn more about our expert team of professionals.
We believe that every individual and child deserves personalized attention and care. Neuropsychological testing at KMN Psych is not just about identifying problems; it’s about opening new doors to improved educational outcomes and quality of life. By understanding the specific reasons behind difficulties at school, in social settings, or in daily activities, we can tailor interventions that directly address these issues and significantly enhance their day-to-day life.
At KMN Psych, we're ready to provide the help you need with the professionalism and compassion you deserve. Contact us today to start the journey towards a better understanding of your psychological health and a clearer path to improvement.
At KMN Psych, we recognize the complexity and variety of learning disabilities. Many mental health professionals, including the Learning Disabilities Association of America, categorize several disorders as distinct learning disabilities. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
Difficulties in accurate and/or fluent word recognition and poor spelling and decoding abilities characterize this learning disability. It primarily affects reading, where individuals might struggle with letter recognition, phonemic awareness, and the mapping of sounds to letters. Individuals with dyslexia often struggle with reading comprehension and might read at a level lower than expected despite having normal intelligence.
Individuals with dyscalculia experience challenges in understanding numbers and mathematical concepts. This includes difficulty learning to manipulate numbers, perform mathematical calculations, and recall math facts. Dyscalculia can also affect a person's ability to perform tasks involving money management, time management, and spatial reasoning.
Dysgraphia primarily affects a person’s handwriting ability and fine motor skills. It can lead to problems with spelling, poor handwriting, and trouble putting thoughts on paper. This might manifest as inconsistent spacing, poor spatial planning on paper, and struggles with writing within a defined space.
This disorder impacts the ability to analyze or make sense of sounds, especially where there is background noise. Children with auditory processing disorder (APD) may struggle to follow spoken directions or distinguish between similar sounds. They might also have difficulty with reading comprehension and vocabulary, as these skills are often linked to the ability to process auditory information effectively.
Closely related to auditory processing disorder, this disability affects the attachment of meaning to sound groups that form words, sentences, and stories. Individuals may have difficulty understanding spoken language, making it hard to follow conversations or instructions. This can also extend to difficulties expressing oneself verbally, affecting academic performance and social interactions.
This group of disabilities involves trouble with nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions, body language, and coordination. Children with nonverbal learning disabilities may be physically clumsy and may have trouble interpreting nonverbal signals from others. This can lead to misunderstandings in social situations and difficulty forming peer relationships.
A visual perceptual/visual motor deficit affects a person's understanding of information and ability to draw or copy. It might also impact recognition of shapes, the ability to track visual information, and spatial perception. Children with this disorder may struggle with activities that require visual-motor integration, such as handwriting, catching a ball, or buttoning clothes.
While not classified strictly as learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are closely related disorders that significantly impact learning and development. ASD affects communication and behavior, leading to difficulties in social interaction and a restricted range of interests. ADHD is characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, which hinder academic and social performance.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), individuals with diagnosed disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations during standardized testing, and other high-stakes exams such as the SAT, ACT, and GRE. These accommodations are designed to provide equal access and opportunity for students to demonstrate their competency without being hindered by their disabilities.
Should testing indicate a disability diagnosis, it’s important to understand the options available to you. Here are some common accommodations allowed under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):
These accommodations ensure that all students, regardless of their disabilities, have a fair chance to succeed on standardized tests. Understanding these options can help individuals and their families advocate for the necessary support, ensuring they have the best chance of succeeding academically.
At KMN Psych, our comprehensive psychological evaluations are tailored to uncover the cognitive and emotional processes influencing academic and personal performance. This deep analysis helps differentiate learning disorders from behavioral or emotional issues that may appear similar.
Through psychological testing, KMN Psych effectively diagnoses and helps manage learning and cognitive disorders, providing a foundation for successful interventions that allow individuals of all ages to overcome their unique challenges and thrive.
If you suspect that you or your loved one might be facing challenges related to learning disabilities, contact us at 858-224-2906. We are dedicated to providing simple and accessible psychological testing for learning disabilities in San Diego, helping our clients achieve their full potential.
Psychologists use a variety of standardized tests to assess cognitive, behavioral, and academic skills. These tests might include intelligence tests, achievement tests, and tests for specific cognitive functions like memory and processing speed. Psychologists also conduct thorough interviews and review educational and medical histories as part of the assessment process.
There is no single "best" test for learning disabilities; the assessment process typically involves tests tailored to the individual's specific symptoms and needs. This comprehensive approach ensures a holistic understanding of the individual’s strengths and weaknesses across various cognitive and academic functioning areas.
To get assessed for a learning disability, you typically start by consulting with a psychologist or psychological testing facility like KMN Psych who can conduct a comprehensive evaluation. This may involve referrals from school, physician, or mental health professionals. The evaluation usually includes a series of tests and assessments designed to identify areas of difficulty and determine if a learning disability is present.
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) 224-2906
Contact us to learn about KMN Psych, verify your insurance coverage, or schedule an appointment ASAP:
Call us: (858) 224-2906
3760 Convoy Street, Suite 223
San Diego, CA
Email us: info@kmnpsych.com