To diagnose a learning disability, professionals conduct learning disability evaluations that include psychological assessment, achievement testing, and a clinical interview to assess cognitive abilities and academic performance. These evaluation services help identify specific learning difficulties and determine the need for academic accommodations. In some cases, assessments may also screen for autism spectrum disorder or other developmental conditions.

The seven commonly recognized learning difficulties include dyslexia (reading difficulties), dysgraphia (writing difficulties), dyscalculia (math difficulties), auditory processing disorder, visual processing disorder, nonverbal learning disability, and language processing disorder. However, only the first four—dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and language processing disorder—are formally classified in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).

The remaining three—auditory processing disorder, visual processing disorder, and nonverbal learning disability—are not official DSM diagnoses, but they can still significantly impact learning. A clinician can assess and identify these difficulties, even though they do not receive a formal diagnosis.

Learning disability evaluations help clarify these challenges, allowing students, including those in college, to access appropriate academic accommodations and support tailored to their specific needs.

In the United States, ADHD is not classified as a learning disability, but it can cause significant learning difficulties that impact academic performance. While learning disability evaluations focus on conditions like dyslexia or dyscalculia, ADHD assessments often involve separate psychological assessment and disability evaluations. However, students with ADHD can still qualify for academic accommodations to support their learning needs.

A learning disability is typically diagnosed when a person’s achievement testing scores are significantly lower than expected for their age and intellectual ability. Generally, a discrepancy of two standard deviations between cognitive ability and academic performance in areas like reading, writing, or math is used as a marker in disability evaluations. These evaluation services help determine eligibility for academic accommodations, particularly for children, teen, and college students who need additional support.