CORNELSEN DIAGNOSTIC CENTER
The Cornelsen Diagnostic Center is an integral part of the Learning Center that serves hundreds of children each year. It provides IQ and educational diagnostics, psychological assessments, Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA), and occupational, speech/language, and physical therapy evaluations for children ages 2 to 18. These assessments are needed to help diagnose learning disabilities, ADHD, Autism, speech/language delays, sensory integration disorder, anxiety, depression and other conditions that may impact a student’s learning and functioning at home and school. They provide parents with a pathway that will help their child achieve his or her potential. All assessments can be conducted, with permission, at the child’s school, or at the Center.
Need-based tuition assistance may be available for testing. Click here for a financial aid application.
ACADEMIC AND IQ TESTING
Academic and IQ and testing are important tools that can identify learning disabilities (dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia). Significant differences between a child’s IQ and his or her academic performance can indicate if a learning disability exists. Differences in subtest scores can also “red flag” potential issues with attention, poor memory, delayed processing, and a multitude of other problems that can interfere with learning. All testing is individualized, based upon the presenting issues, and also includes screenings for learning disabilities, language disorders, ADHD, Autism, anxiety, depression and behavior issues. Many gifted children also have learning disabilities. This can only be identified through testing because these children are usually not considered at risk for failing school, but rather are performing below their cognitive abilities.
PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS
Frequently, children with learning disabilities have other issues that can compound academic problems. These can include ADHD, Autism, depression, anxiety, low self concept, behavior disorders and other mental health concerns. As a part of the psychological evaluation, the Center’s licensed professionals can provide a medical diagnosis based upon the DSM5, and come up with a treatment plan to improve performance at school, at home, and in the community.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY EVALUATIONS
An occupational therapy evaluation is usually the first step needed to identify any sensory issues or fine and gross motor delays a child might be having. Sensory issues may impact a child’s ability to maintain attention in the classroom. Children may not be able to sit for long periods of time in their chair. They may seek out stimulation that is needed to calm their body. Fine motor issues may impact a child’s ability to write letters and numbers or to tie his or her shoes. Gross motor deficits may leave the child feeling awkward in PE classes and in sports.
This evaluation will identify any areas of concern, and will provide recommendations to help each child improve upon his or her functional skills. Parents will meet with the occupational therapy evaluator to discuss the evaluation results, and will receive a written report.
SPEECH/LANGUAGE EVALUATIONS
Many speech issues can be developmentally appropriate. However, when a problem prevails, parents should consult with a professional to make sure interventions are not needed. The Learning Center’s speech evaluation can identify issues including Apraxia, stuttering, difficulty with certain letter sounds, and other articulation issues.
A language evaluation can identify any issues a child may be having that affect his or her ability to understand what is said to them, follow oral or written directions, organize his or her thoughts so that others can understand what they are trying to convey, and/or use appropriate social language.
Different standardized tests are used to evaluate each child. After testing is completed, the Learning Center’s speech/language pathologist will go over the testing results, and parents will receive a written report of the findings.
PHYSICAL THERAPY EVALUATIONS
MLC’s pediatric physical therapist evaluates a child’s mobility, strength, balance, coordination, and his or her ability to function in his or her environment. By understanding the child’s physical strengths and weaknesses, the evaluator is able to determine a treatment plan to help each child work toward age-appropriate motor skills.
BEHAVIOR ASSESSMENT
Children communicate many of their needs and desires through behaviors that can be both positive and negative. The Learning Center frequently works with children who are exhibiting behaviors that are not acceptable within the context of school, home, and /or the community. These behaviors interfere with learning and can disrupt the harmonious communication within the family. Parents and educators can become confused by these behaviors because they don’t understand the context of the actions…why the child is acting out. Through a psychological behavior assessment or Functional Behavior Assessment, a licensed clinical social worker or Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) can identify a plan to help improve a child’s behavior.
