UMBIDA
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.
DIAGNOSTIC CENTERS
Academic
Tutoring
and Testing
Elayne Engler, M.A.
7515 Wayzata Blvd.
Suite 208
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
952-591-9437
Alexander
Center
Park Nicollet
11455 Viking Drive
M & I Buldg., Suite 300
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
952-993-2498
www.parknicollet.com/Clinic/Specialties/Alexander_center/
Dyslexia
Institute
of Minnesota / The Reading Center
Nancy
Sears, MA, Fellow/AOGPE
Jean Hayward, MA, Fellow/AOGPE
847 5th St. NW
Rochester, MN 55901
507-288-5271
read@thereadingcenter.org
www.TheReadingCenter.org
Groves Academy
Ray Boyd
3200 Hwy 100 South
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
952-920-6377
Hennepin
County
Medical Center
Rachel Trockman, M.D.
Child Behavior & Learning Clinic
701 Park Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-347-2675
Janette M.
Schaub,
Ph.D., LP
7400 Metro Blvd.
Edina, MN 55439
952-832-9094
Language
Therapy
Center
Gloria Bouschor
124 N. 24th Ave. E
Duluth, MN 55812
218-724-7761
Learning and
Language
Specialists
Susan Storti, Ph.D., Psychologist
1405 Lilac Dr. #200
Minneapolis, MN 55422
763-545-7708
Learning
Disabilities
Association (LDA)
4301 Hwy. 7, Suite 160
Minneapolis, MN 55416
952-922-8374
www.ldalearningcenter.com
Mayo-Dana
Child
Development & Learning Disabilities Program
Paula Horner &
Shirley Stanich
200 W. 1st Street SW
Rochester, MN 55905
507-284-3007
Saint Paul
Children’s
Hospital Child & Family Services
345 N. Smith Ave.
Suite 404
St. Paul, MN 55102
651-220-6720
Testing Plus, Inc.
Patricia Higgins, M.A.
8307 Portland Ave. S
Bloomington, MN 55420
952-884-7042
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.