Evaluations and Assessments
for dyscalculia
There isn’t (yet) one simple test that is universally-agreed-upon as the way to determine whether you are dyscalculic. But there are several screeners and psychological tests that help professionals determine if an individual is dyscalculic.
Below are some helpful tips and information on screeners, private educational psych or neuropsych evaluations, and public school evaluations.
screeners
Where can I be screened for dyscalculia?
A dyscalculia screener can be an affordable way to determine if you, or your student, might be dyscalculic. Then follow up with a comprehensive evaluation to confirm.
In the UK
Visit the Dyscalculia Network website to help finding a qualified assessment administrator. If you use the search feature and don’t find one in your area, contact the network directly to determine if an online evaluator is available.
In the US and online:
The Scholars Grove offers online screeners for dyscalculia, as well as full evaluations.
Dyscalculia Services offers several dyscalculia screeners for children and adults.
Brian Butterworth’s Dyscalculia Screener has been reported to be the most accurate screeners for dyscalculia. However, it is difficult to find evaluators in the US who provide this screener. I am working with GL Assessments in the UK and Brian Butterworth to make this screener more easily accessible to schools and evaluators here in the U.S. Stay tuned for updates by joining my monthly newsletter.
Private or independent Evaluations
A comprehensive evaluation by an independent neuropsychologist or educational psychologist will explore everything you need to know about how your brain functions and how it impacts learning and everyday life. These evaluations give you feedback into both the strengths and the challenges. Having my own daughter go through the process of an independent educational evaluation, I can say it was worth the effort, time, and money.
How long will it take?
Good evaluators can have waitlists for up to 9-12 months. But if it’s a good evaluation, you will use the information for years to come, so it’s worth the wait.
How do I choose an evaluator?
Choose an experienced neuropsychologist or educational psychologist who is licensed in the state in which they practice. Make sure to ask if they they are familiar with dyscalculia because most are not trained recognize dyscalculia. If possible, choose one who is recommended by others you trust or who have had a great experience themselves. You can find recommendations in online or in-person groups. Parents are usually happy to share their experiences, whether good or bad, with other parents asking for help. You may also ask health professionals you trust for recommendations.
Can I use my health insurance to cover the cost?
Usually, yes! In chapter 3 of my book I explain in detail how the process works for using health insurance to cover the evaluation. Please check out the book for detailed information and steps to take, or you can book a consult call with me to discuss further.
What tests will be used?
There is not one test that psychologists use to evaluate for dyscalculia. It is a great idea to ask what specific tests they will use. You may hear some of the following: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V), Key Math (KeyMath-3), Wechsler Individual Achievement Test for math fluency only (WIAT-III), or the Feifer Assessment of Mathematics (FAM). If you have a dyscalculia screener done, be sure to bring the results to be included in data collection.
It is very important that the psychologist is familiar with dyscalculia and knows that they need to make a distinction between subtests. Tests using numbers for things such as memory capacity or processing, need to be looked at individually. Many psychologists, especially school psychologists, do not separate out the use of numbers in tests. (For example, dyscalculics may score average for memory capacity. But when you break down the subtests, they may score really low for memory capacity of numerals, but score high for memory of pictures or other information. Without assessing these separately, it will only show they have “average” memory capacity.
Will the psychologist suggest specific supports? Yes, a good evaluation report will included suggested steps to take after being evaluated. However, I always suggest getting a second opinion when it comes to support suggestions made by educational psychologists. While they are educated in diagnosing a learning disability like dyscalculia, they are not always familiar with the best interventions and supports. I review many psychologist reports and usually agree with about half of of the suggestions made.
If you want help reviewing your psychologist’s suggestions for dyscalculia, please reach out to me for a consult call.
IN THE UK: Visit the Dyscalculia Network website to help finding a qualified assessment administrator. If you use the search feature and don’t find one in your area, contact the network directly to determine if an online evaluator is available.
school evaluations
for dyscalculia or specific learning disability in math
School evaluations are provided in public schools by a school psychologist. Schools will rarely suggest an evaluation, in fact, in some school districts, the staff is not allowed to suggest that a student be evaluated. So parents must request in writing that their child be evaluated for learning disabilities.
School evaluations have their pros and cons.
Cons: They are not as insightful or comprehensive as a private evaluations. Their main purpose is to determine what school supports are needed and if an IEP must be set up.
Pros: They are free for students to receive. They may lower the cost of a followup private evaluation if your private evaluator reuses some data from school evaluation . They alert the school system and government that there is a real need for more learning disability support. Sometimes it helps students receive appropriate supports.
personalized support
If you would like help navigating the screening or full evaluation process for dyscalculia, please consider a booking a consult call. We can discuss how to request an evaluations, how to use insurance to pay for an evaluation, where to find good recommendations, what questions to ask professionals, what to look for in the report, etc.
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