When a smart, motivated student continues to struggle in school, it can feel confusing and frustrating — for the student and everyone around them. Maybe they’ve been told they’re just “not trying hard enough,” or that they’ll grow out of it. But when learning challenges persist, it’s time to dig deeper.
At Tailwinds, we offer comprehensive learning disability evaluations to identify what’s getting in the way and how to help. Our testing gives families, educators, and students the clarity they need to move forward with confidence.
A learning disability (more formally called a Specific Learning Disorder) is a neurologically-based difference in how someone processes certain types of information. It isn’t about intelligence — it’s about the brain needing different tools or strategies to succeed in a specific area.
There are three main types of learning disabilities:
Difficulty decoding words, recognizing spelling patterns, or understanding text, even with average or above-average intelligence. Reading may be slow, labor-intensive, or exhausting.
Trouble organizing ideas into written form, forming letters legibly, or expressing thoughts clearly in writing. May involve poor spelling, inconsistent grammar, or slow handwriting.
Struggles with number sense, mental math, and understanding mathematical concepts. May include difficulty remembering math facts or completing calculations accurately.
These challenges often appear alongside — or get confused with — ADHD, anxiety, or emotional distress. Our job is to untangle the symptoms and provide a full, accurate picture.
We work with students from kindergarten through college — and even adults returning to school or seeking accommodations in the workplace.
Every evaluation is tailored to the individual, but may include assessment of:
Our evaluations are grounded in cognitive testing but focus specifically on learning profiles. We use gold-standard tools and a strength-based lens to uncover both areas of need and areas of promise.
Our learning disability testing process is thorough, personalized, and designed to be accessible to families.
We begin with a clinical interview to understand academic concerns, learning history, and any previous supports. For children, we involve caregivers and may request teacher input.
Clients complete a battery of assessments with a licensed psychologist. Sessions typically take 1–2 appointments depending on age, attention span, and complexity.
We evaluate patterns across cognitive, academic, and emotional domains to clarify whether a learning disability is present and what accommodations might help.
You’ll receive a clear explanation of results, diagnoses (if applicable), and how to support learning at home and in school.
We provide a comprehensive report that includes scores, recommendations, and documentation suitable for schools, tutors, or standardized testing boards.
