How is a learning disability tested?
There are different forms of learning disabilities and no single test that proves them. There are standardized test procedures for the most common learning disabilities, dyslexia and dyscalculia. Spelling ability can be tested with the WRT, DRT or HSP, while reading ability can be tested with the ZLT-II or SLRT-II test.
A dyscalculia At elementary school age can be tested with the Heidelberger Rechentest. An intelligence test is often recommended for children with learning disabilities. Intelligence tests suitable for children are HAWIK, CFT and K-ABC.
Not rarely the causes for a temporary learning blockade are to due to psychosocial factors, like fear of school or conflicts in the social surrounding field. Therefore it is important that the examination is carried out by an experienced child and adolescent psychiatrist. Such a psychiatrist has the means to also examine the child’s psychological state and its attention and concentration.
The psychological well-being is examined with tests suitable for children, such as DTK, AFS and “Animals in pictures”. The attention and concentration capacity of children is analyzed with the TAP test and a thorough conversation with the child and parents. The above-mentioned examinations enable the examiner to detect or exclude specific learning weaknesses in the child. Learning disabilities can be very different from one child to another. These articles may also be of interest to you:
- Early detection of a dyscalculia
- Symptoms of dyscalculia
- Early detection of a dyslexia
- Symptoms of dyslexia
These are the accompanying symptoms of a learning disability!
Learning disabilities lead to children being negatively noticed in certain areas of achievement. This weakens the children’s self-confidence. They often develop fear of failure, fear of criticism and do not trust themselves with many things.
The accompanying symptoms of a learning disability can be a fear of school and generally introverted behavior. Many children withdraw from school and deal with themselves. It is not uncommon for these children to be labeled as loners in school. Because of the failures in school, many children with a learning disability do other things in which they are more successful.This includes various sports activities and computer games. Young people can be tempted to engage in alcohol, drugs and cliques that are not good for them.
