About Diagnosis ad Treatment

The first step in helping a child or an adult with learning problems is to obtain a careful diagnosis of these problems. All underlying difficulties that are inhibiting his or her ability to learn and succeed need to be identified and addressed. Therefore, a thorough evaluation by a qualified psychologist or learning specialist is essential. Sometimes a person can have more than one learning disability, and specialized treatment will be needed for each disability. For example, children with ADD and dyslexia will not learn to read if they are treated only for ADD, dyslexia requires a different kind of intervention.

When the diagnosis indicates that treatment is in order, no time should be lost in finding a suitable teacher, therapist, or tutor. Often, the diagnostician can suggest people qualified to provide remedial treatment. Other referral sources may include the local school, nearby universities, and private reading clinics. It is important to select carefully, for treatment can be expensive, and those receiving the treatment will be investing their time and faith in the person selected.

Evaluating the qualifications and performance of tutors and therapists is not easy. Be sure to inquire about the background, special training, and experience of service providers. You may want to request references from parents, students, and professionals, such as teachers, principals, and pediatricians. Remember, however, that the most experienced, well-qualified person may not be the most suitable. Young professionals, especially those who work under the supervision of a master teacher or therapist, often do excellent work.

IDA and UMBIDA do not recommend specific individuals or programs. However, UMBIDA does provide the names of persons and institutions that have demonstrated competence in the diagnosis and/or treatment of dyslexia.

Academic Tutoring and Testing
Elayne Engler, M.A.
7515 Wayzata Blvd.
Suite 208
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
phone: 952-591-9437 last verified tbd

Groves Academy
Ray Boyd
3200 Hwy 100 South
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
phone: 952-920-6377 last verified tbd

Hennepin County Medical Center
Rachel Trockman, M.D.
Child Behavior & Learning Clinic
701 Park Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55415
phone: 612-347-2675 last verified tbd

Janette M. Schaub, Ph.D., LP
7400 Metro Blvd.
Edina, MN 55439
phone: 952-832-9094 last verified tbd

Learning and Language Specialists
Susan Storti, Ph.D., Psychologist
1405 Lilac Dr. #200
Minneapolis, MN 55422
phone: 763-545-7708 last verified tbd

Learning Disabilities Association (LDA)
4301 Hwy. 7, Suite 160
Minneapolis, MN 55416
phone: 952-922-8374 last verified tbd
www home page: www.ldalearningcenter.com

Saint Paul Children’s Hospital Child & Family Services
345 N. Smith Ave.
Suite 404
St. Paul, MN 55102
phone: 651-220-6720 last verified tbd

Testing Plus, Inc.
Patricia Higgins, M.A.
8307 Portland Ave. S
Bloomington, MN 55420
phone: 952-884-7042 last verified tbd

Language Therapy Center
Gloria Bouschor
124 N. 24th Ave. E
Duluth, MN 55812
phone: 218-724-7761 last verified tbd

Dyslexia Institute of Minnesota / The Reading Center
Nancy Sears, MA, Fellow/AOGPE
Jean Hayward, MA, Fellow/AOGPE
847 5th St. NW
Rochester, MN 55901
email: read@thereadingcenter.org
www home page: www.TheReadingCenter.org

Mayo-Dana Child Development & Learning Disabilities Program
Paula Horner & Shirley Stanich
200 W. 1st Street SW
Rochester, MN 55905
phone: 507-284-3007 last verified tbd

The International Dyslexia Association does not endorse, accredit, recommend, or evaluate schools, colleges, camps, or institutions, teacher-training activities, specific educational materials or techniques, diagnostic tests or methods, individual or group practitioners in any such field. The Association is convinced that selection of appropriate diagnostic and/or remedial resources is the responsibility of the inquirer, who alone can best determine the essential elements of compatibility and accessibility.