Answers for School Struggles
Learning Disability Evaluations
- Caring for Chicago kids since 1994
- Polish, Russian & Spanish
- Irving Park, Chicago
ASB Medical Clinic
Learning Disability Evaluations in Chicago
In Chicago, many parents first see the signs when homework turns into nightly tears. Our learning disability evaluations look at why your child struggles with reading, writing, or math. We rule out medical causes, screen for learning disabilities, and guide you to full testing. Call (773) 777-4767 to book a visit with a pediatrician who knows your child’s health history.
How does a learning disability evaluation in Chicago work?
A learning disability evaluation is a step-by-step check of how your child reads, writes, and works with numbers. It starts with your pediatrician and often continues with school or psychological testing.
- You share report cards, work samples, and teacher notes.
- We review your child’s health history and early milestones.
- We check vision and hearing to rule out medical causes.
- We look for signs of ADHD or anxiety that can look similar.
- We explain our findings and the next steps.
- We refer you for full educational or psychological testing.
- You get medical documents for the school and a follow-up plan.
ASB Medical Clinic
Signs of a Learning Disability by Grade
Learning disabilities often become clear between kindergarten and third grade, when reading and math skills start to build. Chicago teachers may flag concerns on report cards or at parent-teacher conferences. Watch for signs that last all school year:
- Kindergarten to 2nd grade: trouble matching letters and sounds.
- 2nd to 4th grade: slow, choppy reading or poor spelling.
- Any grade: messy writing that does not improve with practice.
- Any grade: trouble with number facts, time, or money.
Families in Portage Park often call us after a hard first report card. Early checks give your child more time to catch up.
Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia Explained
Most learning disabilities fall into three main types. Each one affects a different school skill, and some children have more than one.
- Dyslexia affects reading, spelling, and sounding out words.
- Dysgraphia affects handwriting and putting thoughts on paper.
- Dyscalculia affects number sense and math facts.
A learning disability is not about intelligence or effort. Many bright Chicago kids work twice as hard just to keep up. Knowing the type helps teachers choose the right support.
When a Pediatrician Refers for Full Testing
A pediatrician does not give the full test for a learning disability alone. Our role is to rule out health problems and spot the signs early. We check vision and hearing during a well-child exam and look for ADHD or anxiety. These can look like a learning problem in class.
When your child needs full testing, we refer you to a psychologist or educational specialist in Chicago. We send your records, so you do not have to repeat the history. Our office on Irving Park Road stays your child’s medical home through the process. If focus or worry is part of the picture, our Mental Health Clinic can help.
ASB Medical Clinic
Free School Evaluations and IEP Support in Chicago
You can ask your child’s public school for a free special education evaluation. Put the request in writing and keep a copy. Under Illinois rules, the district must decide within 14 school days whether to evaluate. The Illinois State Board of Education oversees this process for Chicago Public Schools.
Our medical notes add the health side of the picture. We prepare documents that support an IEP, which is a special education plan. We also support 504 plans, which give classroom changes like extra test time. Bring any school forms to your visit.
How to Prepare for Your Child's Evaluation Visit
A little planning helps you get more from a learning disability evaluation at our Chicago office. Bring these items with you:
- Recent report cards and teacher notes.
- Samples of homework, writing, or math tests.
- Any past school testing or IEP papers.
- A list of your child’s medicines and health conditions.
Tell your child the visit is about finding ways to make school easier. We offer visits in English, Polish, Spanish, and Russian. Families from Dunning and Irving Park reach us easily on Irving Park Road. Call (773) 777-4767 or request an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a pediatrician diagnose a learning disability?
Not fully on our own; we spot the signs and rule out medical causes. A psychologist or school team gives the full test. We refer you and share your child’s records.
At what age can a learning disability be diagnosed?
Many learning disabilities are identified between kindergarten and third grade. Signs can show earlier or later, and children of any age can be evaluated.
What are the three main types of learning disabilities?
The three main types are dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. They affect reading, writing, and math skills.
Do schools test for learning disabilities in Chicago?
Yes, Chicago Public Schools must evaluate a child when a disability is suspected, at no cost to you. Send your request to the school in writing.
Do I need a referral for a learning disability evaluation?
No, you can call us directly at (773) 777-4767 to schedule. We welcome new patients from across Chicago.
What should I bring to a learning disability evaluation?
Bring report cards, teacher notes, homework samples, and any past test results. These help us see patterns faster.