Dyslexia Testing – Professional Diagnostic & Evaluation Services
Expert Dyslexia Testing in Cape Girardeau, Missouri
At Great Oak Counseling, we provide comprehensive dyslexia testing services throughout Southeast Missouri. Like the mighty oak gaining strength from deep roots, we believe all people have the inherent capacity to grow stronger through life’s challenges. Furthermore, our DESE-certified psychological examiners specialize in accurate dyslexia diagnosis. Additionally, we use evidence-based assessment tools that help unlock your child’s learning potential.
Why Choose Great Oak Counseling for Dyslexia Testing Cape Girardeau?
- DESE-certified psychological examiners with over 30 years of combined experience
- Same-week appointments available (no 6-8 month wait times)
- Comprehensive evaluations completed in one day
- Detailed reports with specific school recommendations
- Conveniently located just off Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau
- Insurance accepted with major providers
Understanding Dyslexia: What Parents Should Know
Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that affects 15-20% of the population. Moreover, some people have undiagnosed learning disabilities that prevent effective treatment. While counseling improves academic performance, some individuals benefit from combined educational interventions and therapy.
Common Signs Your Child May Have Dyslexia:
- Difficulty reading words accurately despite normal intelligence
- Poor spelling that persists over time
- Challenges connecting sounds to letters
- Reading comprehension difficulties
- Trouble naming letters, colors, or objects quickly
- Problems with language-based memory tasks
Important to Remember: Dyslexia isn’t about seeing letters backwards. Instead, it’s a specific language-processing difference that responds well to proper identification and intervention. Many individuals with dyslexia have average intelligence and achieve academic success with appropriate support.
Our Comprehensive Dyslexia Testing Process
At Great Oak Counseling, our evaluation process provides thorough understanding of your child’s learning profile. Additionally, our DESE-certified psychological evaluators create personalized assessment plans.
Step 1: Initial Consultation (60 minutes)
Our team meets with you to gather important background information. Specifically, this includes:
- Detailed developmental and educational history
- Review of school records and previous evaluations
- Discussion of specific academic concerns
- Development of customized assessment plan
Step 2: Comprehensive Psychological Evaluation (One Day)
Our dyslexia testing Cape Girardeau includes multiple assessment components:
Cognitive Assessment: Intelligence testing is performed by DESE-certified evaluators. This determines your child’s intelligence quotient and identifies cognitive strengths. Moreover, it reveals limitations in processing speed and attention.
Phonological and Language Processing:
- Sound-symbol recognition evaluation
- Rapid naming tasks for processing speed
- Working memory assessment
- Oral language skills evaluation
Academic Achievement Testing:
- Word recognition and decoding assessment
- Reading fluency and comprehension evaluation
- Spelling and written expression analysis
- Math skills screening when needed
Step 3: Results Review & Report (90 minutes)
Following evaluation, our team provides:
- Comprehensive written report (15-20 pages)
- Specific diagnosis using current criteria
- Detailed school accommodation recommendations
- Evidence-based intervention strategies
- Follow-up consultation when needed
School Accommodations & Educational Support
Professional dyslexia testing provides documentation for essential educational accommodations. Furthermore, these support services help your child succeed academically.
504 Plan Accommodations: With formal dyslexia diagnosis, your child can access:
- Extended time on tests and assignments
- Alternative assessment methods (oral examinations)
- Access to assistive technology
- Preferential classroom seating
- Modified homework requirements
- Additional transition time
Individualized Education Program (IEP) Services: For students requiring intensive support, our evaluations establish eligibility for:
- Specialized reading instruction
- Speech-language therapy services
- Academic support in general education
- Transition planning for high school
College Accommodations: Our comprehensive reports provide documentation for:
- Extended test time on college exams
- Alternative format materials
- Note-taking assistance
- Access to assistive technology
- Priority class registration
Why Early Dyslexia Testing Matters
Academic Success Through Early Intervention: Research shows early identification improves academic outcomes. Moreover, students who receive proper support develop effective strategies and achieve grade-level reading. Our Great Oak Counseling team works with families and educators to begin interventions quickly.
Protecting Self-Esteem: Undiagnosed dyslexia leads to frustration and decreased confidence. Additionally, children may see themselves as “not smart” when the issue is unidentified learning differences. Professional diagnosis helps children understand their struggles aren’t due to lack of effort.
Access to Legal Protections: Formal dyslexia diagnosis ensures access to federally mandated accommodations. These include protections under IDEA and Section 504.
Dyslexia Testing for Adults
Many adults discover dyslexia later in life. Often, this happens when their children are diagnosed or they face workplace challenges. At Great Oak Counseling, we provide comprehensive adult evaluations.
Our Adult Dyslexia Testing Helps With:
- Understanding lifelong learning challenges
- Workplace accommodation requests
- College disability services registration
- Professional licensing exam accommodations
- Career planning with learning differences
- Personal insight and validation
Adult evaluations follow comprehensive processes adapted for adult-specific concerns. Furthermore, our experienced team understands unique challenges adults face seeking diagnosis.
Investment in Your Child’s Future
Transparent Pricing: At Great Oak Counseling, we provide clear pricing information. Our comprehensive dyslexia testing Cape Girardeau costs $1,300. This is significantly less than many Missouri providers while maintaining highest professional standards.
Insurance and Payment Options: Most insurance companies don’t cover dyslexia testing. However, we work with families to make services accessible:
- We accept major insurance providers
- HSA and FSA funds are accepted
- Flexible payment plans available
- We provide detailed documentation for reimbursement
Worthwhile Investment: Professional dyslexia testing provides lifelong benefits. These include improved academic performance, increased self-esteem, and access to support services. Additionally, the cost is small compared to long-term benefits.
Serving Southeast Missouri Communities
Great Oak Counseling is conveniently located off Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau. We’re easily accessible from I-55 at Exit 99 or 96. Our offices provide welcoming, professional environments. Moreover, we serve families throughout Southeast Missouri, including:
Missouri Communities We Serve:
- Cape Girardeau County and surrounding areas
- Scott County including Sikeston
- Bollinger County including Marble Hill
- Perry County including Perryville
- Stoddard County including Dexter
- New Madrid County including New Madrid
- Mississippi County including Charleston
- Jackson, Missouri and surrounding communities
Why Families Choose Us: Unlike university training clinics with long wait times, our experienced DESE-certified professionals provide immediate access. Furthermore, families no longer need to travel hours to Springfield or St. Louis for comprehensive dyslexia testing.
Schedule Your Dyslexia Testing Today
Don’t let undiagnosed dyslexia limit your child’s potential. At Great Oak Counseling, we provide nurturing environments where growth flourishes. Additionally, our experienced team provides comprehensive evaluation and ongoing support.
Ready to Get Started? If you think your child may benefit from dyslexia testing Cape Girardeau, call our team. Our onboarding specialists help determine which Great Oak Counseling provider meets your family’s needs.
Contact Great Oak Counseling:
- Phone/Text: 573.271.2008
- Address: 3037 Lexington Avenue, Cape Girardeau, Missouri
- Email: info@greatoakcounseling.com
- Website: www.greatoakcounseling.com
Simple Steps to Begin:
- Call our office to schedule consultation
- Complete intake paperwork we provide
- Attend comprehensive evaluation appointment
- Receive detailed results and recommendations
- Implement support strategies for success
Office Hours: Our offices provide welcoming, professional spaces designed for privacy. We offer flexible scheduling options including evening and weekend appointments when available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dyslexia Testing
Q: How long does dyslexia evaluation take? A: Our comprehensive dyslexia testing typically takes one full day. Unlike other providers requiring multiple appointments, we complete assessment, scoring, and consultation efficiently.
Q: What age can children be tested? A: We evaluate children as young as 5-6 years old. However, some assessments are more reliable after age 7 when reading instruction begins. Early identification is important, but testing benefits any age.
Q: Will insurance cover dyslexia testing? A: Most insurance plans don’t cover psychoeducational evaluations for dyslexia. However, we work with major providers and provide detailed documentation for reimbursement. HSA and FSA funds typically work for these services.
Q: How is private testing different from school evaluations? A: Our private evaluation is more comprehensive than school district testing. We include wider assessment ranges and provide detailed recommendations. Additionally, school districts must consider our evaluation results for accommodation plans.
Q: What makes Great Oak Counseling different? A: We offer same-week scheduling and comprehensive one-day evaluations. Our DESE-certified psychologists have over 100 years combined experience. Most importantly, we’re conveniently located in Southeast Missouri, eliminating long travel times.
Q: How should I prepare my child? A: Ensure your child gets good sleep and healthy breakfast. Bring glasses or hearing aids they normally use. We recommend explaining they’ll do activities to help us understand how they learn best.
Great Oak Counseling: Professional counseling services fostering growth, courage, and healing in Cape Girardeau. Comprehensive dyslexia testing and psychological evaluation services serving all of Southeast Missouri.
