There are many trained professionals available to help individuals with learning disabilities. Researching what each specialist can do to improve the issues that you or your child may be dealing with is important. Choosing the right one that best fits the needs of the individual can save time and money. Also, know that you may not have to see every specialist at once. Â Trying to work on one or two issues at a time depending on the severity of the issue can help prevent burnout and still help address each issue over time. Listed are a few of the professionals and what they can do to help.
Audiologist
Provide assessments and exercises to measure and improve hearing ability
Educational Consultant
Furnish educational evaluations and school support
Educational Therapist
Design and implement learning and behavior programs
Learning Disabilities Specialist
A teacher with specific training and credentials to provide educational services to students with learning disabilities and their teachers
Neurologist
A medical doctor who looks for possible damage to brain functions
Neuropsychologist
Integrates psychological observations of behavior and the mind with neurological observations of the brain and nervous system
Occupational Therapist
Evaluate and treat motor and sensory functions related to performing daily tasks
Pediatrician
A medical doctor who provides services to infants, children and adolescents
Psychiatrist
A medical doctor who diagnoses and treats severe behavioral and emotional conditions and may prescribe medications
Clinical Psychologist
Provides psychological and intellectual assessment and treatment regarding mental and emotional health
School/Educational Psychologist
Administers psychological and educational assessments and may participate in behavior management, counseling and consultations
Speech-Language Therapist
Evaluates and treats speech and language disorders.
For further reading:
- The Adult Learning Disability Assessment Process
- What to Expect When Your Child Has a Learning Disability: Identification and Diagnosis
- Core Principles: Best Practices in the Use of Cognitive Assessment in Learning Disability Identification
