This document discusses learning disabilities and the assessment process. It notes that a licensed psychologist can diagnose a learning disability based on criteria including average or above average intelligence and achievement below expectations. The assessment is a comprehensive process involving history, testing, scoring, and recommendations. It can identify specific processing difficulties and provide diagnosis, understanding, and intervention strategies to help foster academic success. While some worry about labeling, proper diagnosis ensures a child receives needed supports.

1. Presented By:
Janice Chisholm-Briand, M.A.S, L. Psych &
Sara Osborne, M. A., L. Psych.

2. What is a Learning Disability?
 There is specific criteria that needs to be met for a
diagnosis of a Learning Disability.
 The individual has to have average to above average
intelligence.
 Individual achieves below what would be expected
based on their ability.
 Some evidence of specific processing difficulties that
explains the underachievement (e.g. deficits in
working memory, phonological processing, visual
processing, etc).

3. Who makes the diagnosis of a
Learning Disability?
 Only a Licensed Psychologist can diagnose a Learning
Disability.
 Other professionals may identify characteristics and
provide supporting data.

4. When should you consider getting
an Psychological Assessment?
 Your child is struggling in one or more academic areas
for at least 2 years
 Child’s difficulties can not otherwise be explained by
factors such as high absenteeism, trauma, adjustment
difficulties, hearing or vision problems, etc.
 Child is still struggling despite extra supports and
interventions (e.g. tutoring, extra help, resource,
classroom accommodations, etc).
 Assessment results increase in reliability after age 8
(grade 3) and this allows for sufficient time to see if
children respond to interventions.

5. What does an LD assessment look like?
 There may be different terms used to describe an
assessment such as Psychoeducational Assessment,
Learning Assessment or Psychological Assessment.
 This a very specific, comprehensive type of assessment
completed by a Psychologist.
 Assessments can be a lengthy process that take
approximately 15-20 hours to complete.
 This includes gathering a developmental history (parent
interviews, teacher reports, previous assessment),
individual testing, scoring, report writing, sharing of the
results and recommendations with parents and schools.

6. Where do I go to get an LD assessment completed?
 School: Talk to your child’s teacher. Each school has their
own school based team. They will be able to determine if
your child is a candidate for an assessment and the length
of time you may need to wait to access this service.
 Private Psychologist: The recommended fee from the
College of Psychologists is $150/hr. There is a range of fees
offered by Psychologists in the community.
 Families can access coverage through medical insurance
and/or EAP.
 Medical coverage can be discussed with the Psychologist to
determine how this can be most beneficial to meet your
individual needs.

7. Can the Assessment look at more
than just a Learning Disability?
 YES!
 During the initial parent meeting, it may be decided
that it would be helpful to explore other factors such as
ADHD, ODD, anxiety, depression, etc.

8. What is the benefit of a
Psychological Assessment?
 It can provide a diagnosis.
 A diagnosis can entitle your child to more support
(classroom accommodations, formal SEP, assistive
technology, disability tax credit and intervention support).
 It can provide a greater understanding of your child’s
strengths and challenges.
 It can generate appropriate intervention strategies and
supports.
 It can foster greater academic success, self esteem, parent-
child relationships and educational opportunities.

9. Are there any disadvantages to
having an LD diagnosis?
 Some parents worry about their child being labeled.
 However, without a proper diagnosis, your child may
be mislabeled and not receive the most effective
supports to maximize their true potential.

10. More Questions?
 There will be a question and answer period at the end
of the presentation.
 For additional information, you also contact us
directly:
 Janice Chisholm-Briand
 850-8250 or janice.briand@bellaliant.net
 Sara Osborne
 874-2731 or sara0@rogers.com