Frequently Asked Questions
Approximately 1 in 5 children are diagnosed with a learning disability.
No. Children with learning disabilities have average to above average intelligence. Difficulties with reading, writing or math just means that their brain is wired to process information differently.
Most often, the earlier, the better! We can help you decide based on your specific concerns.
Our evaluations are customized based on the needs of the child and can be conducted over several days. Our evaluations take place in a comfortable school setting with access to an outside playground and other school-related resources. Our psychologists are both clinical and school psychologists who have a deep knowledge of school settings. We offer speech-language assessments from a speech-language pathologist and motor-sensory assessments from an occupational therapist.
Multidisciplinary assessment teams offer the most comprehensive insights for you and your child and provide a depth of knowledge and information that would normally have to be obtained through separate evaluations. Our multidisciplinary team consists of licensed clinical and school psychologists, speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists, all of whom work with students to treat a wide range of learning challenges. The team produces an individualized, cohesive report with results and recommendations for home, school, therapy and medical supports.
Absolutely! An evaluation offers you an in-depth understanding of your child’s strengths and weaknesses as a learner. It can help both you and your child identify how they learn best and can give you the information you need to better advocate for their needs.
An evaluation is the best way to determine your child’s learning style and whether they have a learning disability. Often, children with learning disabilities have an average intelligence, but weaker memory or processing skills that impact their learning.
Most parents and children find that having a diagnosis is an empowering tool. It helps their child understand that they are not “dumb” or “different.” There is a specific reason why something is hard for them. This allows them to connect with others who might also share their learning struggles. A diagnosis can also help parents find better ways to support their children.
No, you have the right to decide if and with whom you share the results. We can walk you through the pros and cons of sharing your diagnosis during the feedback meeting.
We are not a Medicaid provider. We are not allowed to treat anyone who is covered under Medicaid, even if they want to pay out of pocket. Based on our conversations with Medicaid representatives we have been told explicitly that if you are covered under Medicaid, even if you wish to pay out of pocket, you are not permitted to be seen by a non-Medicaid provider. Likewise, as non-Medicaid providers, we are barred from treating anyone who is covered under Medicaid. We did not make these rules, but we are required to follow them. If you have Medicaid please contact Medicaid to find a list of providers who are allowed to see Medicaid clients.
Dr. Tolinski did a remarkable job with our 8-year-old son’s evaluation and assessments. Two years later Dr. T helped our family update his assessments, and she also helped with our 11-year-old daughter’s assessments. I will be grateful to Dr. T and for the guidance of the LEC always, because they were there for our family during a time of great uncertainty and upheaval in my son’s educational life. I cannot recommend this team highly enough. Dr. T is patient and thorough, and really helped me understand many things about my kids and their learning that were previously unclear.
Courtney, parent
