Psychological Testing Services in Calabasas, CA

We provide comprehensive psychological assessments for children, adolescents and adults utilizing neuropsychological tests

Learning Disorder & Dyslexia Testing

What Are Learning Disorders?

Does your child have difficulty with reading or dyslexia, writing or dysgraphia, or math or dyscalculia? Do they struggle to maintain good grades or perform well on tests despite working hard? Do they become frustrated or give up more easily in certain subjects? If so, a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation can help identify areas of strength and weakness and provide individualized recommendations and accommodations.

Learning disorders are neurodevelopmental conditions that affect the ability to learn and use academic skills. Difficulties may occur in reading, writing, and/or math and can sometimes occur alongside challenges with attention, executive functioning, memory, or other areas.

Types of Learning Disorders

• Reading / Dyslexia: Difficulties with accurate or fluent word reading, decoding unfamiliar words, phonological processing, spelling, and/or reading comprehension.

• Writing / Dysgraphia: Difficulties may include handwriting, spelling, written expression, organizing thoughts on paper, and producing clear and organized written work.

• Math / Dyscalculia: Difficulties may include understanding number concepts, learning and recalling math facts, performing calculations accurately and fluently, and applying mathematical reasoning.

It is important to remember that learning disorders are not a reflection of intelligence. Many children with dyslexia and other learning disorders are bright, hardworking, creative, and have significant strengths in other areas. Our goal at MindWorks is not only to identify areas of difficulty, but also to understand each individual's strengths and how those strengths can be used to support areas of challenge.

What We Evaluate?

A comprehensive learning evaluation typically examines the following areas:

• Cognitive Functioning

• Attention/Executive functioning

• Memory

• Reading

• Writing

• Math

• Fine motor skills and visual motor integration skills

• Oral language screening

• Emotional Screening

Learn more about comprehensive evaluations.

How Long Does Testing Take?

A comprehensive evaluation involves more than the time spent in testing appointments. With your permission, we may gather information from parents, teachers, therapists, physicians, psychiatrists, and other providers. We also review relevant records and take time to score, analyze, and integrate the results.

On average, a comprehensive evaluation includes approximately 5–6 hours of one-on-one testing, typically divided across 1–3 appointments. A feedback appointment is generally scheduled approximately 2–3 weeks after testing is completed to discuss the results and recommendations.

What Is Included In Each Evaluation?

Initial Intake: After our initial consultation, a comprehensive intake will be conducted with the individual (and parent, if needed) to fully understand the individual’s needs. These initial series of questionnaires will help create the testing battery that will later be used for the series of one-on-one tests. Contact with doctors, teachers, schools, therapists and psychiatrists (with your permission) are also utilized to help understand the “full picture” of the individual.

Full Review: A full review of psychological, educational and past testing records is conducted.

Observations: An observation may be conducted when appropriate.

One-on-One Tests: The individual will meet one-on-one with a psychologist in person. During the "testing" appointments, we use the testing battery created in intake to administer a variety of questions, puzzles, word games, pictures and drawings, and stories, as well as some school-like tasks, such as reading and math, to investigate how the student thinks and feels in different settings. Many of our sessions may range from one to four hours, with several short breaks, depending on the individual's energy level. Tests will examine one’s:

• General cognitive and mental strengths and weaknesses including a full IQ test.

• Academic skills in reading, writing, math, oral language and fine motor skills.

• ADHD concerns and full executive functioning skills.

• Memory skills.

• Emotional and behavioral concerns .

• Autism/neurodevelopmental skills (if requested).

Evaluation and Interpretation: After the testing and evaluation is complete, Dr. Salanga will score, interpret, and integrate the information into a comprehensive written report. The report will include background information, test scores, psychologist interpretations, tailored recommendations to better help the individual, and referrals to any needed specialists.

Report and Feedback Discussion: After testing, evaluation, and reports are complete, Dr. Salanga will meet one-on-one with the individual and/or parent to discuss the report and answer any questions. This feedback may also be given to other professionals such as the teacher if desired, and many times Dr. Salanga will meet briefly with the child to go over their strengths and weaknesses as well. A copy of the full report will be given after the feedback appointment is complete.