Learning Disabilities

Professionals Who Assist with the Evaluation Process

• Audiologist – measures hearing ability and provides services for auditory training; offers advice on hearing aids.
  
  
• Educational Consultant – gives educational evaluations; familiar with school curriculum but may have a background in special education issues.
  
  
• Educational Therapist – develops and runs programs for learning and behavior problems.
  
  
• Learning Disabilities Specialist – a teacher with specific training and credentials to provide educational services to students with learning disabilities and their teachers.
  
  
• Neurologist – looks for possible damage to brain functions (medical doctor).
  
  
• Occupational Therapist – helps improve motor and sensory functions to increase the ability to perform daily tasks.
  
  
• Psychiatrist – diagnoses and treats severe behavioral and emotional problems and may prescribe medications (medical doctor).
  
  
• Psychologist (Clinical) – provides psychological and intellectual assessment and treatment for mental and emotional health.
  
  
• School/Educational Psychologist – gives and interprets psychological and educational tests; assists with behavior management; provides counseling; consults with parents, staff, and community agencies about educational issues.
  
  
• Speech and Language Therapist – helps people with language and speech difficulties.

In This Section

• Learning Disabilities
• What is a Learning Disability?
• Facts About Learning Disabilities
• Common Types of Learning Disabilities
• Characteristics of Learning Disabilities
• Evaluation Process
• Professionals Who Assist with Evaluation
• Students with Documented Disabilities
• Documentation Process
• Documentation Requirements
• Key Points to Remember
• Disability Related Information/Resource Sites

Also See

• Student Support Services