Evaluation Components

Students with significantly above average intellectual abilities need to be challenged in order to achieve academic success and eliminate boredom. Gifted learners have many specific characteristics that can be identified in order to achieve academic greatness. 

Processing speed is a contributing factor to many learning difficulties. The speed in which our brain performs tasks can affect our ability to learn new information at an appropriate rate and apply learned information at an average rate. Looking at processing speed and long-term retrieval can help parents answer the why question when it comes to their child's learning difficulties. 

Memory and learning are deeply connected. Your memory encodes, stores, and retrieves information. Successful learning relies on effective memory processes as information must be retained for use in the future. 

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that falls under the specific learning disability category. Dyslexia primarily affects reading, writing, and spelling. Ther are multiple types of dyslexia. An SLD evaluation will look at a child's phonological processing, phonemic awareness, letter & word recognition, fluency, and comprehension. 

Dysgraphia is a specific learning disability that affects a person's ability to write. It includes fine motor skills, handwriting, spelling, and the ability to organize thoughts. Dysgraphia stems from the brain's ability to process and execute writing tasks. An SLD evaluation for writing can look at written expression, spelling, and visual motor abilities. 

Dyscalculia is a learning disability that affects a person's ability to understand, learn, and apply mathematical concepts. An SLD evaluation to explore math deficits can include looking at math fluency, computation, and problem and application. Spatial and visual processing can affect a person's ability to complete many mathematical tasks. 

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects a person’s ability to focus, regulate impulses, and manage activity levels. There are three types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive, and combined.

 Executive functioning refers to a set of mental processes that help individuals plan, organize, make decisions, solve problems, regulate emotions, and control their behavior to achieve goals. These cognitive abilities are essential for managing daily tasks and making thoughtful, efficient choices in both simple and complex situations. Student with executive functioning deficits often struggle managing school. 

 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that impacts how individuals communicate, interact, and experience the world. It is considered a "spectrum" because it presents with a wide range of symptoms, abilities, and levels of support needs, varying greatly from person to person. 

 Developmental delay refers to when a child does not reach expected milestones in one or more areas of development within a typical timeframe. This can affect a variety of skills, including physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and communication abilities. Developmental delays can occur for many reasons, and while some children may eventually "catch up" as they grow, others may need ongoing support to address challenges in their development. 

 Emotional Behavior Disorder (EBD) is a term used to describe a range of emotional or behavioral difficulties that interfere with a person’s ability to function in typical social, academic, or work environments. These challenges often appear during childhood or adolescence and can have a long-lasting impact if not addressed. 

 Mental health assessments explore a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how individuals think, feel, and behave, and it also plays a key role in how they handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.