Education and Learning Disabilities Therapists in Emeryville, CA
![Photo of Dr. Shea M. Pilgrim, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e2df2122-3895-4040-b74a-8ab9b1a5a9a4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Psychological assessment can help answer questions about and offer recommendations for challenges such as ADHD, dyslexia, autism, executive functioning, and learning disabilities.
I complete psychological and neuropsychological assessments with an approach that is transparent and collaborative in nature. Evaluations follow the philosophy and techniques of collaborative/therapeutic assessment. An important first step in the process is a collaborative conversation to uncover questions that you want to have answered by the assessment. I specialize in working with children, teens, and young adults.
Psychological assessment can help answer questions about and offer recommendations for challenges such as ADHD, dyslexia, autism, executive functioning, and learning disabilities.
I complete psychological and neuropsychological assessments with an approach that is transparent and collaborative in nature. Evaluations follow the philosophy and techniques of collaborative/therapeutic assessment. An important first step in the process is a collaborative conversation to uncover questions that you want to have answered by the assessment. I specialize in working with children, teens, and young adults.
![Photo of Brandon Brawner, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/400471a9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I'm here to support teenage youth, parents/families, and adults in meeting their emotional, psychological and practical challenges. If you're a teen struggling with school problems, family difficulties or hoping to improve your mood, confidence and relationships, I can assist you in breaking down obstacles and achieving your goals. If you're a parent trying to manage and communicate with your "coming of age" depressed or rebellious adolescent, I provide counsel and safe opportunities to explore the conflicts and confusion that block resolutions.
I'm here to support teenage youth, parents/families, and adults in meeting their emotional, psychological and practical challenges. If you're a teen struggling with school problems, family difficulties or hoping to improve your mood, confidence and relationships, I can assist you in breaking down obstacles and achieving your goals. If you're a parent trying to manage and communicate with your "coming of age" depressed or rebellious adolescent, I provide counsel and safe opportunities to explore the conflicts and confusion that block resolutions.
![Photo of Iman Saint Jean, ASW, MSW, MEd, EMDR, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e3dc5325-faab-4d31-bdfd-1eef522c2588/1/320x400.jpeg)
Iman Saint Jean
Pre-Licensed Professional, ASW, MSW, MEd, EMDR
Verified Verified
Emeryville, CA 94608
Feeling stressed and anxious about life’s challenges? Struggling to find balance and peace in your everyday life? If you’re seeking to strengthen meaningful connections and personal growth you're in the right place. My name is Iman Saint Jean and I am an ADHD & EMDR trained Clinical Psychotherapist with a passion for supporting clients on their healing journey. Whether you're seeking to overcome obstacles, enhance your well-being, or achieve personal growth, my approach blends psychological insight with compassionate support. Embark on a transformative journey in therapy and discover the power and resilience within.
Feeling stressed and anxious about life’s challenges? Struggling to find balance and peace in your everyday life? If you’re seeking to strengthen meaningful connections and personal growth you're in the right place. My name is Iman Saint Jean and I am an ADHD & EMDR trained Clinical Psychotherapist with a passion for supporting clients on their healing journey. Whether you're seeking to overcome obstacles, enhance your well-being, or achieve personal growth, my approach blends psychological insight with compassionate support. Embark on a transformative journey in therapy and discover the power and resilience within.
![Photo of Jody Ann Sollazzo, LPCC, MA, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cf79589-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jody Ann Sollazzo
Counselor, LPCC, MA
Verified Verified
Emeryville, CA 94608 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I can offer a unique perspective around physical disability and learning disabilities whether a client has this disability or has a loved one with disabilities.
I enjoy working with motivated people who feel stuck. Often they are in a transition or a loss. The loss can be great or small. (ex. death, break-up, job, disability/health, identity change, end-of-friendship) People who desire connection who often feel alone (even if they are close with others.) People who want to either strengthen or change their relationships whether it's in work, family, romantic, or platonic. Flawed perfectionists and people with imposter syndrome are always welcome!
I can offer a unique perspective around physical disability and learning disabilities whether a client has this disability or has a loved one with disabilities.
I enjoy working with motivated people who feel stuck. Often they are in a transition or a loss. The loss can be great or small. (ex. death, break-up, job, disability/health, identity change, end-of-friendship) People who desire connection who often feel alone (even if they are close with others.) People who want to either strengthen or change their relationships whether it's in work, family, romantic, or platonic. Flawed perfectionists and people with imposter syndrome are always welcome!
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Alisa Crovetti, MA, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/65b78e18-13f2-49e0-8fa4-0c55b60c491e/2/320x400.jpeg)
I offer recommendations for accommodations and interventions to address learning disabilities, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, mental health challenges, substance abuse, and other issues.
I offer psychotherapy for ages 14 and up and neuropsychological assessment for ages 6 and up. My therapy approach is relational and solution focused and begins with building a mutual understanding of your goals and how those goals will make a positive difference in your life. If aligned with your goals, I may introduce CBT and DBT informed interventions to address specific concerns. My assessments provide comprehensive written reports of clients' learning and mental health profiles, which may be used to document diagnoses so clients receive appropriate accommodations in school and/or on standardized admissions/licensing exams.
I offer recommendations for accommodations and interventions to address learning disabilities, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, mental health challenges, substance abuse, and other issues.
I offer psychotherapy for ages 14 and up and neuropsychological assessment for ages 6 and up. My therapy approach is relational and solution focused and begins with building a mutual understanding of your goals and how those goals will make a positive difference in your life. If aligned with your goals, I may introduce CBT and DBT informed interventions to address specific concerns. My assessments provide comprehensive written reports of clients' learning and mental health profiles, which may be used to document diagnoses so clients receive appropriate accommodations in school and/or on standardized admissions/licensing exams.
![Photo of Omolade Rosalyn Roddy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/64c3073d-cdb7-45b6-970a-ee74313583aa/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in critical therapeutic services for adults. I provide strength-based, collaborative & non-diagnostic psychotherapy which focuses on cultivating resilience & insight. The cornerstone of my practice was built on exploring embedded issues of loss & shame that impact identity and are exacerbated by race, class, gender, learning differences & socio/cultural conditions. I work with people of all ages, backgrounds, orientations & ethnicities. My practice was refined through my work serving persons harmed through the provisions of systems: educational, criminal justice, foster-care and/or military systems.
I specialize in critical therapeutic services for adults. I provide strength-based, collaborative & non-diagnostic psychotherapy which focuses on cultivating resilience & insight. The cornerstone of my practice was built on exploring embedded issues of loss & shame that impact identity and are exacerbated by race, class, gender, learning differences & socio/cultural conditions. I work with people of all ages, backgrounds, orientations & ethnicities. My practice was refined through my work serving persons harmed through the provisions of systems: educational, criminal justice, foster-care and/or military systems.
![Photo of Dr. Dean Leav - Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean, PsyD, QME, Author, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fbce1760-f124-40d5-bbf2-37a2936b5371/1/320x400.jpeg)
Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94607
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.
![Photo of Siobhan Sheil, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/22358894-f9a7-4703-9da6-e073dd81faf8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Siobhan Sheil
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94610 (Online Only)
As a licensed clinical social worker, I have treated children from ages 3-18 with a range of concerns, from anxiety, ADHD, Autism, depression, learning disabilities, TBI, and much more.
As a licensed clinical social worker, I have treated children from ages 3-18 with a range of concerns, from anxiety, ADHD, Autism, depression, learning disabilities, TBI, and much more.
![Photo of Dr. Dean Leav - Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean, PsyD, QME, Author, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fa5a4f7b-c09c-46f5-8767-5b632a153e13/1/320x400.jpeg)
Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94701
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.
![Photo of Jessica Lipkind, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/477d882a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in psychological testing with children and adolescents. I have been practicing in this area for over a decade and have trained with experts in child assessment. My evaluations assess the presence of attention challenges, learning struggles, and emotional difficulties. I conduct thorough, comprehensive assessments informed by the Therapeutic/Collaborative Assessment model. In this model, parents and children are team members in the process and we work together to answer the referral questions. At the completion of the process, adolescents receive a feedback letter explaining the testing findings in accessible language and children receive an individualized picture book.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in psychological testing with children and adolescents. I have been practicing in this area for over a decade and have trained with experts in child assessment. My evaluations assess the presence of attention challenges, learning struggles, and emotional difficulties. I conduct thorough, comprehensive assessments informed by the Therapeutic/Collaborative Assessment model. In this model, parents and children are team members in the process and we work together to answer the referral questions. At the completion of the process, adolescents receive a feedback letter explaining the testing findings in accessible language and children receive an individualized picture book.
![Photo of Dr. Kandece Skinner, EdD, LEP, NCSP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7ba9ba32-7be5-44bc-8378-3159f3b675ce/2/320x400.jpeg)
Do you have concerns regarding your child's learning, mood, or behavior? Is your child having difficulty making or maintaining friendships? Allow me to partner with you, to help your child receive support and develop skills that can change the course of their future.
Do you have concerns regarding your child's learning, mood, or behavior? Is your child having difficulty making or maintaining friendships? Allow me to partner with you, to help your child receive support and develop skills that can change the course of their future.
![Photo of Dr. Dean Leav - Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean, PsyD, QME, Author, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9c668dd4-debc-479c-a0c2-608f85089ada/1/320x400.jpeg)
Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94607
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.
![Photo of Rachel Holowicki, MEd, EdS, LEP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f1f2cedb-2658-4633-8769-0db9336cbf62/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Holowicki
Licensed Educational Psychologist, MEd, EdS, LEP
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704
I feel incredibly fortunate to have the ability to help children and families understand and navigate learning differences and disabilities. The special education/IEP process can be overwhelming, and I am happy to help guide you and your family to make the best decisions for your child. I truly believe every child can be successful, and it's so rewarding to help children reach their full potential. I work often with children with learning disabilities like dyslexia, ADHD, Autism, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have the ability to help children and families understand and navigate learning differences and disabilities. The special education/IEP process can be overwhelming, and I am happy to help guide you and your family to make the best decisions for your child. I truly believe every child can be successful, and it's so rewarding to help children reach their full potential. I work often with children with learning disabilities like dyslexia, ADHD, Autism, and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
![Photo of Elizabeth Block, MA, LEP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/545ec5f7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in identifying learning disabilities, ADHD, Autism, and Emotional Disturbances by providing comprehensive, diagnostic evaluations.
Are you worried that your child is not showing the expected growth this year? Do you have concerns about your child's development, academic progress, or social development? Don't lie awake at night worrying. Call me for a free consultation and we can discuss your child's needs. I have been effectively and compassionately helping children with learning, behavioral, or emotional difficulties for over 30 years.
I specialize in identifying learning disabilities, ADHD, Autism, and Emotional Disturbances by providing comprehensive, diagnostic evaluations.
Are you worried that your child is not showing the expected growth this year? Do you have concerns about your child's development, academic progress, or social development? Don't lie awake at night worrying. Call me for a free consultation and we can discuss your child's needs. I have been effectively and compassionately helping children with learning, behavioral, or emotional difficulties for over 30 years.
![Photo of Radha Richmond - Radha Richmond, Licensed Educational Psychologist, MA, EdS, LEP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50aadd45-76f9-4d8f-9265-14416f9f2194/1/320x400.jpeg)
Radha Richmond, Licensed Educational Psychologist
Licensed Educational Psychologist, MA, EdS, LEP
Verified Verified
Berkeley, CA 94704
I'm a licensed educational psychologist specializing in assessment and intervention of psychological disorders impacting learning and school performance (e.g. dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, attention issues like ADD/ADHD, neurodevelopment disorders such as autism, and social-emotional disorders). I specialize in psycho-educational assessment focusing on discovering why educational difficulties are occurring and providing intervention recommendations. Families often come to me to discover why their child may be failing in school, or has lost motivation to do their best, or is having behavioral/attention challenges, or when homework takes a long time and/or is a battle (among other reasons).
I'm a licensed educational psychologist specializing in assessment and intervention of psychological disorders impacting learning and school performance (e.g. dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, attention issues like ADD/ADHD, neurodevelopment disorders such as autism, and social-emotional disorders). I specialize in psycho-educational assessment focusing on discovering why educational difficulties are occurring and providing intervention recommendations. Families often come to me to discover why their child may be failing in school, or has lost motivation to do their best, or is having behavioral/attention challenges, or when homework takes a long time and/or is a battle (among other reasons).
![Photo of Javarte Bobino - Bobino Counseling & Assessment, PsyD, LEP](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a054d50-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Bobino Counseling & Assessment
Licensed Educational Psychologist, PsyD, LEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Berkeley, CA 94704
Furthermore, a client of mine may seek to obtain or "rule-out" a diagnosis of, ADHD, a learning disorder or another "educationally related" disability.
Feeling anxious, overwhelmed, frustrated, or stuck? I can help you find ways to cope with uncomfortable feelings so that you can feel more balance in your daily life and more fulfilling relationships and experiences. Many of us rely on friends and family to help us work through problems, but sometimes our friends or family are part of the problem itself. Or maybe we just don't feel comfortable talking about certain issues with them. Oftentimes we withdraw from our support systems and end up feeling more and more alone.
Furthermore, a client of mine may seek to obtain or "rule-out" a diagnosis of, ADHD, a learning disorder or another "educationally related" disability.
Feeling anxious, overwhelmed, frustrated, or stuck? I can help you find ways to cope with uncomfortable feelings so that you can feel more balance in your daily life and more fulfilling relationships and experiences. Many of us rely on friends and family to help us work through problems, but sometimes our friends or family are part of the problem itself. Or maybe we just don't feel comfortable talking about certain issues with them. Oftentimes we withdraw from our support systems and end up feeling more and more alone.
![Photo of Dr. Dean Leav - Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean, PsyD, QME, Author, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/797032a5-0540-4d5b-b74d-83579940f534/1/320x400.jpeg)
Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Verified Verified
Oakland, CA 94607
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.
I'm Dr. Dean Leav, licensed psychologist and qualified medical evaluator (QME). I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I provide Evaluation Services, including (and not limited to): diagnostics (ADHD, Autism, Learning Dis.), cognitive/neuropsychological evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME), immigration-related evaluations, pre-adoption psychological evaluations, parenting/bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, pre-employment evaluations, and legal/forensics/criminal evaluations. These evaluations may be used to meet eligibility for certain services or accommodations.
![Photo of Kim Thompson, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a852c02c-ebbb-4bc7-b9ff-e1f977d5d489/1/320x400.png)
I specialize in neuropsychological assessment and psychotherapy for diagnoses like ADHD, Autism, Learning Disorders, Gifted/Talented/Twice Exceptional (2e).
Many people with ADHD seek out therapy or assessment with me because they struggle to maintain relationships, perform up to their potential at work or school, or parent in a confident and secure way. I help you to identify if ADHD or other forms of neurodiversity are the source of the challenges, frustration, or pain you and/or your child may be experiencing and I can support you in overcoming the obstacles you're facing. I use research-validated clinical tools both to conduct thorough neuropsychological assessments and to provide inclusive psychotherapy using a variety of customized modalities.
I specialize in neuropsychological assessment and psychotherapy for diagnoses like ADHD, Autism, Learning Disorders, Gifted/Talented/Twice Exceptional (2e).
Many people with ADHD seek out therapy or assessment with me because they struggle to maintain relationships, perform up to their potential at work or school, or parent in a confident and secure way. I help you to identify if ADHD or other forms of neurodiversity are the source of the challenges, frustration, or pain you and/or your child may be experiencing and I can support you in overcoming the obstacles you're facing. I use research-validated clinical tools both to conduct thorough neuropsychological assessments and to provide inclusive psychotherapy using a variety of customized modalities.
![Photo of Nancy Levine-Jordano, PsyD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cfe598e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I believe most people seek therapy as a road to change: lessening sadness, loneliness, anxiety, guilt, shame; changing relationships; making life transitions. I have devoted many years of training and practice to better help my patients understand their unconscious obstacles to desired change. For some patients change means learning to confront pain from chronic conditions like anxiety, depression, bi-polar or attention deficit disorders, For others, change entails finding their authentic voice in relationships or facing difficult realities. I enjoy developing a close, working relationship with my patients to create new capacities within themselves, hopefully perceiving new choices in their lives.
I believe most people seek therapy as a road to change: lessening sadness, loneliness, anxiety, guilt, shame; changing relationships; making life transitions. I have devoted many years of training and practice to better help my patients understand their unconscious obstacles to desired change. For some patients change means learning to confront pain from chronic conditions like anxiety, depression, bi-polar or attention deficit disorders, For others, change entails finding their authentic voice in relationships or facing difficult realities. I enjoy developing a close, working relationship with my patients to create new capacities within themselves, hopefully perceiving new choices in their lives.
![Photo of Hannah Acevedo, MS, LEP, ABSNP, BCBA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7dc0d62f-ccf7-4d73-bddf-5028fbfd19f8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling to navigate the educational system to get help for learning or behavioral challenges? I am here to help support parents and students, making the pathway to success for your particular situation more clear and manageable. I specialize in assessment and intervention planning for a range of pediatric disorders that affect learning and behavior. I take care to make the entire consultation or assessment process feel positive, understandable and helpful. I provide School Neuropsychological assessments, Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs), Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans, and consultation around educational and behavior issues at school or at home.
Are you struggling to navigate the educational system to get help for learning or behavioral challenges? I am here to help support parents and students, making the pathway to success for your particular situation more clear and manageable. I specialize in assessment and intervention planning for a range of pediatric disorders that affect learning and behavior. I take care to make the entire consultation or assessment process feel positive, understandable and helpful. I provide School Neuropsychological assessments, Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs), Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs), Behavior Intervention Plans, and consultation around educational and behavior issues at school or at home.
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Nearby Education and Learning Disabilities Therapists Searches for Emeryville
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How effective is treatment for learning disabilities?
When initiated early and tailored to a child’s specific needs, learning disability treatment can be quite effective at helping a child cope with their disability, though its exact efficacy may depend on the severity of symptoms and whether comorbid disorders exist. Less is known about treatment initiated in adulthood, but it is certainly possible that an adult with a learning disability will see some improvement—or at the very least, identify workarounds and accommodations that could make symptoms less burdensome in day-to-day life.
When should someone seek treatment for learning disabilities?
It’s best to seek treatment as early as possible. Because learning disabilities often go unnoticed until a child starts school, or even until they’re a few years along, regular check-ins with teachers and doctors can help parents determine whether children are meeting milestones and keeping up with peers or whether an evaluation for learning disabilities may be warranted. And although earlier is always better, it’s never too late to be evaluated for learning disabilities and to seek treatment.
What happens if learning disabilities are left untreated?
Undiagnosed and untreated learning disabilities can be a source of significant frustration and shame for a child, who may feel that their challenges stem from a lack of intelligence or willpower. Such feelings can trigger low self-esteem, depression, or anxiety, which may push a child toward risky behaviors, including substance use. In adulthood, untreated learning disabilities can interfere with career success, and lingering feelings of self-doubt and shame can negatively affect someone’s mental health.
Are there medications for learning disabilities?
Currently, there are no medications designed to treat specific learning disabilities such as dysgraphia or dyscalculia. However, someone with a learning disability may be prescribed medication for a comorbid condition, such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD, which may have positive downstream effects on their learning disability; for example, a child with both ADHD and dyslexia may find that they’re better able to focus on their reading exercises after being prescribed a stimulant medication.