Learning Disability Evaluations (Ages 5 - Adult)
Finding What Helps You Learn Best
When school or work feels harder than it should, and
you feel like you’ve tried everything you can think of without seeing meaningful progress, I help identify what may be getting in the way of learning and progress, and pinpoint where targeted interventions and accommodations can make a meaningful difference.
When Learning Feels Harder Than It Should
For some, it’s a child who’s bright but falling behind in reading or math.
For others, it’s an adult who has always had to work twice as hard to keep up. They might wonder whether a learning difference could explain ongoing challenges at work, like taking a long time to draft emails or work reports or needing to reread information to fully understand it (which takes longer than everyone else in the meeting room).
Maybe you’ve been told your child is, “just not trying hard enough” or that they might have an attention deficit but they can pay attention to everything else (except during reading).
Or “You’re too smart for this to be a problem.”
The truth?
If something has felt off, there’s probably a reason.
And an evaluation can help you find it clearly, kindly, and with real solutions.
Who This Is For
- Children (ages 5+) who are struggling with reading, writing, math, and/ or focus
- Children (ages 5+) with suspected dyslexia, dysgraphia, and/or dyscalculia (yes, I will actually diagnose this if it is there)
- Students who work hard but still fall behind or feel overwhelmed
- Adults who were never evaluated as kids but have always found learning harder than others
- Anyone feeling lost, stuck, or burned out by school or work demands
- College students seeking classroom accommodations and needing an evaluation to prove diagnosis and need.
- Children who need testing for private school admissions. I offer both the WISC-V and the WPPSI-IV.
What We Might Explore
Each evaluation is tailored to the individual, but often looks at:
- Attention and focus
- Reading, writing, and math skills
- Processing speed and working memory
- Executive functioning (organization, planning, task initiation)
- Learning disorders (like dyslexia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia)
- Giftedness or twice-exceptional (2e) profiles
- School-based needs (interventions and accommodations)
My Approach
Learning and attention challenges can quietly chip away at confidence, especially when they’re misunderstood or brushed off. Whether it’s a child struggling in school or an adult who’s spent years “just trying harder,” I approach these evaluations with compassion and zero judgment.
Here’s what that looks like:
We start with your story.
Before any testing begins, I want to understand what daily life looks like, the strengths, the struggles, and the moments that led you here.
The process is individualized.
Every learning profile is different, so I tailor the evaluation to the questions that matter most whether that’s reading comprehension, focus, or school anxiety.
I meet you (or your child) where you are.
Sessions are paced for comfort and clarity, no pressure to “perform” or finish in one day.
Your voice matters.
Whether you're a parent sharing classroom concerns or an adult describing your lived experience, your perspective is part of the full picture.
You’ll get a strengths-based report.
Your report captures what’s working, what’s challenging, and offers practical ways to support learning and growth.
You’ll get a roadmap.
We review your results together and create a roadmap you can use at school, home, or work. It’s clear, practical, and ready to guide your next steps.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to the Evaluation
Intake Interview (Virtual)
We’ll start with a one-on-one conversation over video. This is where I’ll learn more about you (or your child), what’s been going on, what you’re hoping to figure out through testing, and how I can help guide you moving forward. We’ll also go over any forms or background information you’ve shared.
In-Person Testing
Testing takes place at my office in Richmond, and usually happens over one or two sessions. I follow your (or your child’s) lead when it comes to pacing. Some people need more breaks than others. I encourage you to bring snacks, dress comfortably, and if you need a fidget or comfort item to make the experience less stressful, go for it!
Feedback Session (Virtual)
Once testing is complete and I’ve reviewed everything, we’ll meet again by video to go over the results. I’ll walk you through the findings, talk through any diagnoses (as applicable), and share specific, realistic recommendations you can actually use at home and at school.
Roadmap Report
You’ll receive a comprehensive written report that puts everything together: scores, patterns, insights, and next steps. I write these to be understandable and practical, something you can share with teachers, therapists, or just keep for yourself. Reports are generally completed within one week of the final testing session, depending on the time of year and completion of all required materials. Results are reviewed together in a virtual appointment.
Child Feedback (Optional)
Some kids benefit from hearing about their results in a way that makes sense to them. In this optional 15-minute session, I meet with your child through a video appointment and explain things using visuals, stories, and metaphors. We talk about how their brain works, where they shine, and what tools can help, all in a way that feels kind, safe, and empowering. As an alternative, I write a letter to your kiddo with the same information/ format.
– Dr. Lee Ridens
Understand How You Learn Best
We’ll look at learning patterns, focus challenges and find tools that truly fit.