Language-Learning Disabilities Evaluation
Comprehensive diagnostic evaluations are conducted for children and young adults who have been diagnosed with a learning disability or who present with learning difficulties. Our evaluations highlight the individual's areas of strength and weakness and provide recommendations including accommodations and treatment goals.
Our comprehensive evaluations include formal and informal assessments of spoken and written language as well as related executive function skills.
A diagnostic evaluation consists of an interview and history review, formal and informal assessments, discussion of results and treatment options, and assistance with referrals to other professionals and facilities, as needed. A written evaluation report is generated that summarizes test results and recommendations.
An evaluation may assess the following skill areas:
Auditory Processing
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Discrimination of sounds and words
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Segmenting, blending and manipulation of sounds, syllables and words
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Recall of numbers, words, nonsense words and sentences
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Semantics/Vocabulary
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Syntax/Grammar
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Comprehension of oral directions and stories
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Higher-Level comprehension (multiple meanings, inferences, figurative language & social language)
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Vocabulary/Word retrieval
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Sentence formulation
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Recalling a known story and formulating a story
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Verbal problem solving
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Social expression: initiating, maintaining, closing conversation
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Phonological Processing (phonemic awareness, rapid naming)
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Decoding and Encoding (reading and spelling)
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Reading Fluency (rate and accuracy)
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Reading Comprehension
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Written Expression
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Project planning and sequencing steps
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Organization of thoughts and ideas
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Flexible thinking and self-monitoring
Throughout the lifespan, a variety of speech, language and learning conditions can arise. Some typical diagnoses include:
Language Learning Disabilities Nonverbal Learning Disabilities Dyslexia and other Reading Disorders Executive Function Disorders Pediatric Speech and Language Delays Articulation and Phonological Disorders Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD, also called attention-deficit disorder, is a behavior disorder, usually first diagnosed in childhood, that is characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity.
Head Injury
A head injury is a broad term that describes a vast array of injuries that occur to the scalp, skull, brain, and underlying tissue and blood vessels in the head.
The following related clinical trials and research studies are currently seeking participants at Massachusetts General Hospital. Search for clinical trials and studies in another area of interest.
Felicita Aponte
Professional Office BuildingPOB3
275 Cambridge Street, 3rd Floor
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: (617) 724-0767
Fax: (617) 724-0771
Email: faponte@partners.org
