Center for
Academic Resources
and Student Support Services



DO I HAVE A LEARNING DISABILITY?

What is a Learning Disability?

A learning disability is a general term which means a problem in one or more of the processes involved in understanding or in using spoken or written language. A person with a learning disability is someone who has average to above average intelligence, but who has significant difficulties in the acquisition and use of listening, speaking, reading, writing, reasoning, or mathematical abilities. The only way to determine if you have a learning disability vs a weakness in a particular area is to be tested by a diagnostician.

Why Now?

It is not unusual for students to question whether they may have a learning disability in college even if it was never mentioned or tested for during elementary or high school. For some people, the support systems they built for them selves might not have followed them to college and/or the ways they found to compensate for weaknesses might no longer work in this academic environment.

How Would I Determine if I have a Learning Disability?

There are some options you can choose prior to being tested for a learning disability. If you are concerned that what you are experiencing could be related to not knowing how to study effectively for your courses, then you can meet with a study skills tutor/counselor on a weekly, individual basis while you continue to explore the possibility of a learning disability. Another option is to fill out questionnaires and discuss your responses with Dani Adler which will give some indication of the likelihood of a learning disability. Dani is available to meet with you and answer your questions and address your concerns.

How Can I Be Tested for a Learning Disability?

Listed below are names of diagnosticians that we would suggest. As when shopping for any service, we encourage you to contact a few names on the list to find out cost, wait time for an appointment, and information abouyt insurance coverage. The UNH Counseling Center does some testing, but only a limited number of persons can be done each semester and there is generally a waiting list. To pursue testing at the Counseling Center, schedule an intake appointment with Edie Posselt or Linda Guttman at Schofield House (862-2090).

REFERRALS FOR ASSESSMENT OF LEARNING DISABILITIES

PORTSMOUTH

Paul Treacy, Ph.D.
(603) 436-7415

Center for Learning & Attention Disorders
Richard Guare, Ph.D. - Peg Dawson, Ph.D.
(603) 436-4042
CONCORD

William Dinan, PhD.
(603) 224-4979

Edwin Goodall, Ph.D.
(603) 224-9290

Angel Martinez, PhD.
(603) 622-7959

Warren Fitzgerald, Ph.D.
(603) 224-5140
MASSACHUSETTS

Educational Directions
Marilyn Engelman, Ph.D.
Westborough, MA 01581
(617) 964-0440

New England Medical Center
Hope Schreiber, Psy.D.
Boston, MA 02111
(617) 636-5747