LEARNING DISABILITY ASSESSMENT IN CALGARY
getting in the way of
learning.
Many intelligent and capable students struggle with reading, writing, math, memory, organization, or academic performance despite putting in significant effort. When learning feels harder than it should, it is important to understand why. A Learning Disability Assessment helps identify specific learning disabilities, clarify cognitive and academic strengths and challenges, and provide practical recommendations that support success at school, work, and in everyday life. The goal is to answer important questions, reduce uncertainty, and create a clear path forward.
A Psychologist’s Definition
Learning Disability Assessment, Defined
A Learning Disability Assessment is a comprehensive evaluation designed to determine whether a specific learning disability may be contributing to ongoing difficulties with reading, writing, mathematics, academic achievement, information processing, or learning efficiency. Many individuals with learning disabilities are intelligent, motivated, and capable, yet continue to struggle despite considerable effort and support. A learning disability is not related to intelligence or motivation. Instead, it reflects differences in how the brain processes and uses information. A comprehensive assessment examines cognitive abilities, academic skills, memory, attention, processing speed, executive functioning, and learning patterns to identify strengths and challenges. The goal is not simply to determine whether a learning disability is present, but to provide meaningful insight into how an individual learns, answer important questions about academic performance, and deliver practical recommendations, accommodations, and supports that promote confidence, learning, and long-term success.
How NU Psychology Approaches Learning Disability Assessments
A Learning Disability Assessment is about more than identifying academic challenges. At NU Psychology, our assessment process focuses on understanding how an individual learns, processes information, and performs across different academic areas. We examine cognitive abilities, academic achievement, memory, attention, processing speed, and learning patterns to develop a comprehensive understanding of strengths and challenges. The goal is to provide meaningful answers, practical recommendations, and educational supports that help students build confidence, access appropriate accommodations, and achieve greater success in school and beyond.
Complete a comprehensive assessment exploring cognitive abilities, academic skills, and learning processes.
Review educational history, school performance, and developmental factors that may affect learning.
Administer standardized assessment measures evaluating reading, writing, mathematics, and academic achievement.
Identify learning disabilities while examining factors such as attention, memory, processing speed, and executive functioning.
Receive clear feedback regarding learning strengths, challenges, diagnostic findings, and educational needs.
Leave with personalized recommendations, school accommodations, interventions, and practical next steps for success.
Check Out Our Other Assessments
Meet the Psychologists Behind NU Psychology.
Our Calgary psychologists bring diverse backgrounds, advanced training, and a shared commitment to thoughtful, evidence-informed care. Whether you're looking for support with anxiety, ADHD, trauma, relationships, depression, OCD, assessments, or life transitions, we'll help connect you with a psychologist who is the right fit for your goals and preferences.
Our Locations
NU Psychology offers in-person therapy across two Calgary locations — Bridgeland and Killarney. Whether you are in the inner east or the inner southwest, our psychologists provide warm, evidence-based care tailored to teens, adults, couples, and families.
Inner East Calgary
Bridgeland
Conveniently located in the heart of Bridgeland, our east-side clinic is easily accessible from downtown Calgary, Renfrew, Riverside, and surrounding neighbourhoods — with nearby LRT access and street parking.
Inner Southwest Calgary
Killarney
Our Killarney location serves families and individuals across the inner southwest, including Marda Loop, Rutland Park, Glenbrook, and Shaganappi — offering a calm, welcoming space close to where you live.
Learning Disability Assessments FAQs
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Yes. Many adults were never assessed in school, or were told they needed to try harder when something else was getting in the way. An adult assessment can explain long-standing difficulties with reading, writing, or math, and support accommodations in post-secondary programs or the workplace.
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The two are closely related. A psychoeducational assessment gives a broad picture of how someone thinks and learns. A learning disability assessment focuses on whether a specific learning disorder, such as in reading, written expression, or math, is present. Your psychologist can help you decide which fits the questions you are trying to answer.
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Often, yes. When diagnostic criteria are met, the report includes a diagnosis and specific recommendations that schools and post-secondary accessibility offices can use to put supports in place. Documentation requirements vary between institutions, so it helps to check what your school asks for before the assessment begins.
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That is one of the most important questions an assessment answers. Attention difficulties, anxiety, language differences, or slower processing speed can all make learning harder and can look similar on the surface. A thorough assessment looks at these possibilities so the recommendations match what is actually going on.
