Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) Testing for College Accommodations

Reading takes longer than it should, written assignments never reflect what you know, or math slows you down even when you understand the concepts? A Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) is a clinical diagnosis that can qualify students for college accommodations like extra time, exam breaks, reduced-distraction testing, and assistive technology. Get a formal SLD evaluation for college accommodations today.

$1,200 total (60%+ below typical $3,000-$5,000 rates)

See why clients find our plans cost-effective.
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What Is a Specific Learning Disorder?

Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) is the clinical diagnosis used by psychologists for persistent, unexpected difficulty learning and using academic skills. It shows up in one or more specific areas, even when a student is intelligent, motivated, and has had good instruction. The diagnosis is specified by where the difficulty occurs.

SLD in Reading (Dyslexia)

Affects reading accuracy, reading speed and fluency, and decoding. Students may read accurately but slowly, reread often, and run out of time on exams.

SLD in Written Expression (Dysgraphia)

Affects spelling, grammar, punctuation, and organizing ideas in writing. Putting clear answers on paper takes far more effort than the ideas themselves.

SLD in Mathematics (Dyscalculia)

Affects number sense, math facts, calculation, and reasoning. Math becomes much harder under time pressure, even when the concepts are understood.

What an SLD Can Look Like in College

Running out of time on exams

You know the material but cannot finish in the standard time because reading or processing takes longer.

Grades that do not match effort

You study harder than your peers and still underperform on timed tests and written assignments.

Writing feels disproportionately hard

Spelling, grammar, and organizing a response slow you down and obscure how much you actually understand.

Math anxiety under time pressure

Calculations, word problems, and multi-step work become unreliable on tests even after careful study.

Avoiding reading-heavy courses

You steer away from majors or classes that involve dense reading or fast writing because of past struggles.

Childhood support that has run out

You had extra help, an IEP, or a 504 plan in school, but you have no current documentation that college disability offices accept.

How a Psych Evaluation Can Help

An SLD diagnosis is more than a label. A psychological evaluation gives colleges, testing agencies, and disability services offices the objective evidence they need to approve accommodations, and it gives you clarity and a plan.

Confirms the diagnosis

Standardized testing shows whether your profile meets the criteria for a Specific Learning Disorder, and in which academic area.

Measures current impact

The evaluation explains how the SLD affects timed reading, writing, math, and studying right now, not just years ago.

Supports specific accommodations

Schools want to see why each requested support is needed. The report ties your results to accommodations like extra time or assistive technology.

Separates overlapping issues

Academic struggles can overlap with ADHD, anxiety, or processing speed. Testing helps identify what is actually driving the difficulty.

Updates outdated records

Childhood IEPs and 504 plans rarely meet college documentation standards. A current evaluation translates your history into accepted documentation.

Gives you a path forward

Beyond accommodations, results can guide study strategies, technology, and self-advocacy you can use throughout college.

Accommodations You May Qualify For

Extra time can help when reading, writing, or math processing takes longer than standard testing allows.

Extended Time on Exams

Extra time can help when reading, writing, or math processing takes longer than standard testing allows.

Breaks can reduce cognitive fatigue and help you reset when focus or processing begins to drop.

Breaks During Exams

Breaks can reduce cognitive fatigue and help you reset when focus or processing begins to drop.

A quieter setting can make it easier to focus, pace yourself, and avoid losing time to distractions.

Reduced-Distraction Testing

A quieter setting can make it easier to focus, pace yourself, and avoid losing time to distractions.

Some students qualify for text-to-speech, speech-to-text, calculators, note-taking support, or accessible text formats.

Assistive Technology & Alternative Formats

Some students qualify for text-to-speech, speech-to-text, calculators, note-taking support, or accessible text formats.

How It Works

1

Schedule Your SLD Evaluation

Start with a simple appointment with a licensed psychologist who understands Specific Learning Disorder and college accommodation documentation. We will explain the process and answer your questions up front.

2

Complete the Assessment from Home

You complete evidence-based testing tailored to your concerns, which may include reading, writing, math, processing speed, memory, and attention measures. Breaks are allowed throughout.

3

Get Your Documentation

We prepare a clear, professionally written report that names the diagnosis, explains the findings, and supports accommodation requests for college disability services.

$1,200 total (60%+ below typical $3,000-$5,000 rates)

Typical comprehensive evaluations for Specific Learning Disorder cost $3,000-$5,000. Our $1,200 total is 60%+ below those rates while still giving students documentation built for college accommodations.

See why clients find our plans cost-effective.

Payment plans available · Telehealth in 42 states

Specific Learning Disorder FAQ

What is a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD)?
Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) is a clinical diagnosis in the DSM-5 for persistent difficulty learning and using academic skills in reading, written expression, or math. It is specified by area, for example SLD with impairment in reading (dyslexia), in written expression (dysgraphia), or in mathematics (dyscalculia). SLD is not caused by low intelligence, vision or hearing problems, or lack of instruction. Many students with SLD are bright and hardworking but need accommodations to show what they truly know.
How is Specific Learning Disorder different from a general learning disability?
"Specific Learning Disorder" is the precise clinical term used by psychologists in the DSM-5, while "learning disability" is a broader everyday and educational term. SLD is diagnosed in one or more specific academic areas (reading, writing, or math) and is documented with the severity and functional impact that college disability services offices look for when reviewing accommodation requests.
What accommodations can I get in college for an SLD?
Common accommodations include extended time on exams, breaks during exams, reduced-distraction testing, assistive technology (such as text-to-speech or speech-to-text), note-taking support, calculators or formula sheets for math-based SLD, and alternative text formats. The specific accommodations supported depend on how your SLD affects reading, writing, or math.
Do I need a formal SLD diagnosis to get college accommodations?
Usually, yes. Most colleges require recent documentation from a licensed psychologist that names the Specific Learning Disorder diagnosis, explains the testing results, describes the functional limitations, and identifies which accommodations are supported by the evaluation.
I had an IEP or 504 plan in school. Do I need a new evaluation?
Often, yes. An IEP or 504 plan from K-12 is helpful background, but colleges typically want recent, adult-focused documentation, frequently within the last 3 to 5 years, that explains your current academic needs. A new evaluation can translate your history into the documentation college disability offices accept.
How does the SLD evaluation work?
You complete evidence-based assessments remotely from home with a licensed psychologist. Depending on your concerns, the evaluation may measure reading, writing, math, processing speed, memory, attention, and other academic and cognitive skills to determine whether the SLD criteria are met. Breaks are allowed throughout.
How much does an SLD evaluation cost?
Our $1,200 evaluation is a 60%+ discount off typical $3,000-$5,000 market rates. We keep costs low through modern processes and technology so more students can access documentation for college accommodations. See why clients find our plans cost-effective..

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Get the Documentation You Need for Specific Learning Disorder Accommodations

You deserve exams and coursework that measure what you know, not how a learning difference slows you down under pressure. Take the first step toward the accommodations that can help.