As I write this, I know that my own educational diagnosis isn’t exactly the same as a learning disability—but the journey I went through as a child, and the adjustments I’ve had to make as an adult (even now), feel very similar to me.

I was diagnosed early on with a visual impairment. This led to receiving special education services in school—though to be honest, I didn’t find them all that helpful at the time. What truly made a difference was the support I received from my family and the personal strategies I developed to adapt and thrive as I got older.

So, How Does This Connect to Learning Disabilities?

Over the years working in schools, I’ve seen many children go through assessments and receive services that don’t quite capture what’s really going on beneath the surface. Too often, the evaluations are limited, and the supports feel generic—leaving both kids and parents feeling frustrated, misunderstood, and still searching for answers.

How Is a Private Learning Disability Assessment Different from a School-Based One?

In a private evaluation—like the ones I offer here in the Kansas City area—we have the time and space to look deeper. I take a personalized, whole-child approach that goes beyond test scores. We explore how your child learns, where they’re getting stuck, and what supports will actually help.

It’s not just about qualifying for services—it’s about truly understanding the root of the challenge and creating a plan that makes life better at school and at home.