Diagnostic Resources

The first step in helping a child or an adult with learning problems is to obtain a careful diagnosis of these problems. All underlying difficulties that are inhibiting his or her ability to learn and succeed need to be identified and addressed. Therefore, a thorough evaluation by a qualified psychologist or learning specialist is essential. Sometimes a person can have more than one learning disability, and specialized treatment will be needed for each disability. For example, children with ADD and dyslexia will not learn to read if they are treated only for ADD, dyslexia requires a specialized kind of intervention.

When the diagnosis indicates that treatment is in order, no time should be lost in finding a suitable teacher, therapist, or tutor. Often, the diagnostician can suggest people qualified to provide remediation. Other referral sources may include the local school, nearby universities, and private reading clinics. It is important to select carefully, for treatment can be expensive, and those receiving the treatment will be investing their time and faith in the person selected.

Evaluating the qualifications and performance of tutors and therapists is not easy. Be sure to inquire about the background, special training, and experience of service providers. You may want to request references from parents, students, and professionals, such as teachers, principals, and pediatricians. Remember, however, that the most experienced, well-qualified person may not be the most suitable. Young professionals, especially those who work under the supervision of a master teacher or therapist, often do excellent work.

We recommend that those seeking evaluations ask each provider about insurance coverage up front. A preapproval from your insurance provider will help avoid surprises.

The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) and IDA-UMB do not recommend specific individuals or programs. However, IDA-UMB does provide the names of persons and institutions that have demonstrated competence in the diagnosis and/or treatment of dyslexia.

Diagnostic Centers/Diagnostic Professionals

Twin Cities & Surrounding Areas

Academic Tutoring and Testing
Elayne Engler, M.A.
7515 Wayzata Blvd.
Suite 208
St. Louis Park, MN 55426
952-591-9437

Park Nicollet Alexander Center
Amanda Fields, Ph.D., LP
Stephen Bonfilio, Ph.D., LP Child Psychology
M&I Bank Building
11455 Viking Drive, Suite 300
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
952-993-2498
Note: New intakes currently restricted to Park Nicollet patients, Oct 2009

Groves Academy
Ray Boyd
3200 Hwy 100 South
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
952-920-6377
www.grovesacademy.org

Hennepin County Medical Center
Rachel Trockman, M.D.
Child Behavior & Learning Clinic
701 Park Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-347-2675

David Morris, Ph.D., LP
6381 Osgood Avenue North
Stillwater, MN 55082
821 University Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55104
651-439-4040
email: davidmorris@visi.com

Learning and Language Specialists
Susan Storti, Ph.D., Psychologist
1405 Lilac Dr. #200
Minneapolis, MN 55422
763-545-7708
Website: http://lls-mn.com/default.aspx

The Rosenberg Center
1935 County Road B2, Suite 100
Roseville, MN 55113
651-636-4155
email: information@rosenbergcenter.com
www.rosenbergcenter.com/

St. Paul Children’s Hospital Child & Family Services
345 N. Smith Ave.
Suite 404
St. Paul, MN 55102
651-220-6720

Janette M. Schaub, Ph.D., LP
7400 Metro Blvd.
Edina, MN 55439
952-832-9094

Testing Plus, Inc.
Patricia Higgins, M.A.
8307 Portland Ave. S
Bloomington, MN 55420
952-884-7042

Pediatric Consultation Specialists, PLLC
Sandy K. Sondell, Ph.D., LP
Ellie Covin, Psy.D., LP
3021 Harbor Lane North
Plymouth, MN 55447
763-559-7050
email: info@ pediatricconsultationspecialists.com
www.pediatricconsultationspecialists.com

Dultuth

Language Therapy Center, Inc.
Gloria Bouschor
124 N. 24th Ave. E
Duluth, MN 55812
218-724-7761

Rochester – Southeastern MN/Southwestern WI

Dyslexia Institute of Minnesota/The Reading Center
Nancy Sears, MA, Fellow/AOGPE
847 5th St. NW
Rochester, MN 55901
email: read@thereadingcenter.org
www.TheReadingCenter.org

Mayo-Dana Child Development & Learning Disabilities Program
Paula Horner & Shirley Stanich
200 W. 1st Street SW
Rochester, MN 55905
507-284-3007

Twice Exceptional/Gifted & Talented

Teresa Boatman, Ph.D. LP
Located in Plymouth, MN
763-234-4974
Specializes in parenting issues, educational planning, testing, school advocacy, intensities, learning styles, gifted girls, individual and family therapy using a cognitive, behavioral and interpersonal approach (not psychoanalysis). Authorized in-network provider for some insurance plans. MN Council of Gifted & Talented (MCGT) past president 2004-2008.

Katherine A. Daly, MD, PA
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Parkdale Plaza
1660 So. Highway 100, Suite 598
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
763-520-1631
Specializes in diagnosis and treatment of disorders of mood, anxiety and inattention.

The International Dyslexia Association, Upper Midwest Branch (IDA-UMB) does not endorse, accredit, recommend, or evaluate schools, colleges, camps, or institutions, teacher-training activities, specific educational materials or techniques, diagnostic tests or methods, individual or group practitioners in any such field. The Association is convinced that selection of appropriate diagnostic and/or remedial resources is the responsibility of the inquirer, who alone can best determine the essential elements of compatibility and accessibility.