Disability Resources and Services
The following information will assist you in
understanding the diagnostic procedures
necessary to be evaluated for a Learning
Disorder.
Information
Please be advised that the University of Pittsburgh
Office of Disability Resources and Services, the
University Counseling Center and Student Health
Services DO NOT provide evaluations for learning
disabilities.
Youwill have to determine if proceeding with an
evaluation is needed for you at this time.
There is only one way to be properly
evaluated for a learning disability
Obtain a comprehensive neuropsychological
evaluation.
What is a Neuropsychological Evaluation?
• A neuropsychological evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of
cognitive and behavioral functions using a set of standardized tests
and procedures. Various mental functions are systematically tested,
including, but not limited to:
• Intelligence
• Problem solving and conceptualization
• Planning and organization
• Attention, memory, and learning
• Language
• Academic skills
• Perceptual and motor abilities
• Emotions, behavior, and personality
Why should I have these
functions evaluated?
This is the most accurate way to obtain a
“blue print” of how you learn and process
information. Your blueprint will be
compared to others to determine if there
is a learning problem.
How do I go about obtaining a
neuropsychological evaluation?
1. Contact your PCP or medical insurance company for a list of
psychologists who are trained to perform
neuropsychological testing in your coverage area.
2. Contact Disability Resources and Services for a list of
neuropsychologists who are accepting new patients in
Pittsburgh. E-mail drsrecep@pitt.edu to request a referral
list.
3. Contact a disability office of a college or university in your
home town for a list of area neuropsychologists.
4. Contact the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for your
home State State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies.
What can I expect if I do decide to get a
neuropsychological evaluation?
• An out of pocket expense. Comprehensive examinations can
costs upwards of $1500.00 and insurance is typically not
accepted.
• An accurate determination if you do or do not have a learning
disability.
I have obtained an diagnosis of a
learning disorder, now what?
• Individuals requesting reasonable
accommodations for academic courses should
contact DRS (412.648.7890) to schedule an
intake appointment with a disability specialist.
I still have questions
• If after reviewing this presentation you still
have questions regarding obtaining an
evaluation for a learning disability please email your questions to:
Ms. Leigh Culley, Coordinator of Services, Disability Resources
and Services @ lculley@pitt.edu.