Learning Disabilities Program

The Learning Disabilities Program at Boston Children's Hospital offers a comprehensive evaluation for children who face challenges in cognitive (thinking), academic, and social development. Our evaluations give parents, teachers, and physicians a well-rounded understanding of a child's learning profile and provide recommendations to help address the difficulties they encounter.

Prior to the evaluation, the lead clinician and the clinical psychologist will each meet with you via phone or Zoom to learn about your child and your concerns. On the day of the evaluation, you and your child will spend about half a day at the hospital, and your child will meet with a team of specialists. After the evaluation, the team will meet to share their findings with one another to develop a comprehensive diagnostic understanding and intervention plan. A few weeks after your visit, the lead clinician will share the findings with you at a feedback meeting. Detailed written reports, which you can share with the school, are provided several weeks after that.

Watch the following video to learn more about our program:

Who do we evaluate?

We evaluate children who have completed first grade up until completion of eighth grade who have problems with school functioning — academic, cognitive, behavioral, or social. The evaluation may also be appropriate for some children with medical or neurological conditions that may be affecting their development and school functioning.

If your child is not fluent in English, has been diagnosed with an intellectual disability, or has significant sensory or motor impairments, he or she is not likely a good fit for our evaluation.

What questions does this evaluation address?

• What are the underlying causes of your child's problem?
• Is there a medical basis for your child's problems?
• Are emotional or social factors slowing your child’s learning progress?
• Is the learning problem causing emotional or social problems?
• What specific programs and interventions does your child need to make progress?

Videos to guide you through the process

Watch the following videos to learn more about the program, our evaluation process, how we work with schools, and billing and insurance coverage.