LEARNING DIFFICULTIES
Clear Answers & Tailored Support: Neuropsychological & Learning Disability Evaluations in Brighton & Plymouth, MI
Is your child struggling in school despite putting in hours of effort? Are you noticing daily battles over homework, declining grades, or growing frustration that leaves everyone feeling overwhelmed? At McCaskill Family Services, our fully licensed clinical psychologists provide comprehensive learning disability and neuropsychological evaluations for children, teens, and adults.
Our evaluations pinpoint the exact root cause of your child’s learning struggles. Using this data, we create a clear, personalized “roadmap” of practical interventions. Following this roadmap improves grades, restores motivation, builds self-esteem, and reduces family stress.
Common learning disorders can include:
- Dyslexia
- Mathematics Disorder (Dyscalculia)
- School Refusal
- Giftedness
- Disorder of Written Expression (Dysgraphia)
Understanding Learning Problems & Conditions We Assess
Every individual processes information differently. When an underlying condition interferes with academic or personal performance, a comprehensive evaluation provides the clarity needed to unlock potential. Once we can identify exactly what is going on through this comprehensive evaluation process, our expert fully-licensed clinical psychologists provide an individualized “roadmap” of practical solutions to help you, your child or teen reach their highest potential. If you follow the roadmap we design using the data from the evaluation, grades improve, self-esteem and self-confidence improve, motivation toward school, learning and/or work improves and relationships improve.
We assess and create tailored treatment plans for a wide range of learning disorders and related conditions:
Dyslexia & Reading Disorders
Dyslexia impacts how the brain processes written language, making reading fluency, decoding, phonics, and comprehension significantly more challenging. Early clinical identification allows us to recommend multisensory reading approaches that help students build reading confidence.
Disorder of Written Expression & Dysgraphia
If your child struggles to translate thoughts onto paper, organizes ideas poorly, or experiences physical fatigue while writing, they may have a written expression disorder or dysgraphia. School testing often misses these conditions due to limited assessment tools. We evaluate both the fine-motor and cognitive-formulation components of writing to recommend assistive technology and tailored strategies.
Mathematics Disorder (Dyscalculia)
When math concepts, number sense, time management, or spatial arithmetic remain confusing despite tutoring and extra help, a formal evaluation for dyscalculia is essential. Testing goes beyond basic math drill work to assess how the brain processes numerical information, allowing us to recommend targeted multisensory math techniques.
Executive Functioning Breakdown & Developmental Delays
Not every evaluation results in a learning disability diagnosis. Many academic difficulties stem from underdeveloped executive functioning skills—such as working memory, task initiation, organization, and emotional regulation. Identifying these specific skill gaps allows us to build targeted strategies without unnecessarily labeling your child.
School Refusal
When a child who once enjoyed school becomes defiant, tearful, or oppositional about going to class, school refusal is often a symptom of an underlying issue—such as an undetected learning disability, severe anxiety, or social friction. As parents are forced into the role of “school enforcer,” family relationships suffer. With over 25 years of experience treating school refusal, we provide structured, collaborative intervention plans that restore peace at home and get students comfortably back in the classroom.
Giftedness & Dual Exceptionalities (2e)
High cognitive ability can sometimes mask underlying learning difficulties, or lead to frustration and behavioral changes when a student is under-stimulated. We provide comprehensive gifted evaluations and identify “twice-exceptional” (2e) profiles to ensure your child receives the appropriate academic enrichment and support.
Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NLD)
Nonverbal Learning Disorder (sometimes referred to as Right-Hemispheric Syndrome) affects visual-spatial processing, social communication, and executive functioning. While individuals with NLD often demonstrate strong rote memory and verbal skills, they may experience:
- Difficulty interpreting nonverbal cues, facial expressions, and tone of voice
- Challenges with visual-spatial relationships, abstract concepts, and reading comprehension
- Struggles with executive functioning (planning, organization, and impulse control)
- Inflexibility or anxiety when routines change or expectations feel overwhelming
- Social awkwardness or difficulty maintaining peer relationships
Why Choose McCaskill Family Services?
For over 25 years, families across Plymouth, Brighton, and surrounding Southeastern Michigan communities have trusted McCaskill Family Services to guide them through complex academic and emotional challenges.
- Fully Licensed Clinical Psychologists: Your evaluation and care are directly managed by experienced, doctoral-level clinical specialists who focus specifically on neuropsychological and educational testing.
- Comprehensive, Data-Driven Insights: We go far beyond standard school screenings to evaluate the full cognitive, academic, and emotional picture, ensuring no hidden processing weakness is overlooked.
- Actionable, Individualized Roadmaps: An accurate diagnosis is just the beginning. We provide concrete, step-by-step recommendations for home, school, and clinical settings—including guidance on assistive technology, multisensory learning approaches, and classroom accommodations.
- Collaborative Advocacy: We partner directly with parents, educators, schools, and tutors to help implement our recommendations and ensure your child gets the support they deserve.
- Warm, Supportive Environment: We create a comfortable, stress-free testing experience where children and adults feel valued, understood, and empowered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a school evaluation and a private evaluation at McCaskill Family Services?
School evaluations are conducted to determine if a student meets specific legal criteria for special education services or accommodations within the public school system. They are often narrow in scope. A private evaluation at McCaskill Family Services is a comprehensive clinical assessment that identifies exact diagnostic profiles, hidden processing weaknesses, and executive functioning gaps—providing a complete roadmap for success regardless of school qualification thresholds.
How do I know if my child needs learning disability testing?
Testing is recommended if your child consistently struggles with reading, writing, or math despite extra help or tutoring; experiences extreme frustration or anxiety around schoolwork; demonstrates a gap between their intelligence and their grades; or exhibits signs of school refusal. An initial one-hour consultation with our specialists can help determine if formal testing is appropriate.
Will a psychological evaluation always result in a diagnosis?
No. An evaluation may reveal that academic struggles are driven by executive functioning delays, stress, attention gaps, or developmental timing rather than a formal learning disorder. Regardless of whether a formal diagnosis is made, the evaluation provides clear, actionable solutions tailored to your child’s unique cognitive profile.
How do you help after the testing is completed?
We don’t just hand you a report. We review the evaluation findings together in detail, answer all your questions, and provide an individualized intervention roadmap. We can also work collaboratively with your child’s school, recommend effective assistive technologies, and provide ongoing therapy or coaching to help implement the recommended strategies.
Where are your offices located?
We have convenient office locations in Plymouth, MI and Brighton, MI, serving families throughout Wayne, Oakland, and Livingston counties. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.
Does McCaskill Family Services accept health insurance for learning disability testing?
McCaskill Family Services is an out-of-network provider with insurance companies. This model allows our clinical psychologists to dedicate full time and thorough clinical focus to your evaluation without restrictions imposed by insurance companies—such as arbitrary session limits or restricted testing batteries. Payment is due at the time of service and can be made via cash, check, credit card, or Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards. Visit our Billing & Insurance policy page to learn more.
