Dyslexia (Specific Learning Disorder in Reading)

Dr. Hahn provides comprehensive dyslexia evaluations for children and teens throughout New Jersey, including Morris County, Bergen County, Essex County, Hunterdon County, Hudson County, and Somerset County. If your child struggles with reading fluency, decoding, spelling, or written expression, a thorough neuropsychological evaluation can identify dyslexia and provide the documentation needed for school accommodations and targeted interventions. Learn more about our neuropsychological evaluation services.

Understanding Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts approximately 5-20% of the population, according to the International Dyslexia Association. It is important to note that Dyslexia occurs across all ethnic and socioeconomic groups and affects individuals of all intelligence levels.

Early identification and intervention are crucial for supporting individuals with Dyslexia and helping them to succeed academically in all areas of life. Dyslexia can be accurately diagnosed in children as young as age 4.

How Dyslexia Affects Reading and Writing

Dyslexia affects the ability to read accurately and fluently (automatically). Individuals with dyslexia may struggle with decoding words, recognizing familiar words, and comprehending written text. Dyslexia often impacts spelling and writing skills. Individuals may have trouble spelling words correctly, organizing their thoughts coherently in writing, and may experience difficulties with grammar and punctuation.

Dyslexia and Writing Challenges

While dyslexia is primarily known as a reading disorder, its impact on writing is often equally significant and can persist even after reading skills improve. Children with dyslexia frequently struggle with written expression because writing requires the simultaneous coordination of multiple skills: spelling, handwriting or typing, organizing thoughts, grammar, and punctuation.

Common writing challenges in dyslexia include:

Difficulty translating thoughts into written words
Frequent spelling errors, even with familiar words
Inconsistent letter formation and handwriting difficulties
Trouble organizing ideas into coherent paragraphs
Avoidance of writing tasks due to frustration
Written work that doesn't reflect the child's verbal abilities or intelligence

A comprehensive dyslexia evaluation assesses both reading and writing skills to provide a complete picture of your child's learning profile. This ensures that school accommodations address not only reading challenges but also the support needed for written assignments, essays, and note-taking

Comprehensive Dyslexia Testing in Morris County

A neuropsychological evaluation for dyslexia typically involves a comprehensive assessment of intellectual functioning and academic skills including evaluating the individual's phonological and automaticity skills.

Dr. Hahn's evaluations go beyond basic reading tests to examine the underlying cognitive processes that affect reading, spelling, and writing.

Our dyslexia evaluation includes:

Assessment of phonological awareness (the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in words)
Evaluation of decoding skills (sounding out unfamiliar words)
Reading fluency and automaticity testing
Reading comprehension assessment
Spelling and written expression evaluation
Assessment of rapid automatic naming (processing speed for letters and words)
Cognitive testing to identify strengths and rule out other learning difficulties
Review of school records, work samples, and developmental history
Input from teachers about classroom performance
Comprehensive written report with specific recommendations for school accommodations and interventions

Families in Morris County, Bergen County, Essex County, and surrounding areas receive detailed reports with in-depth feedback, ensuring their children get the reading interventions and accommodations they need to succeed.

Early Identification Makes a Difference

Research shows that early identification and intervention for dyslexia lead to significantly better outcomes. Children as young as age 4 can be accurately assessed for dyslexia, and early intervention during the critical early elementary years can prevent the reading difficulties and frustration that accumulate when dyslexia goes undiagnosed.

If your child shows signs of reading struggles—such as difficulty learning letter sounds, trouble blending sounds into words, avoidance of reading tasks, or slow reading progress despite instruction—a comprehensive evaluation can provide clarity and open the door to evidence-based reading interventions and support.

Dyslexia in Math vs. Reading

While this page focuses on dyslexia in reading, it's important to note that some children experience dyslexia in math (dyscalculia) or struggle with both reading and math. If your child has difficulty with number sense, math facts, or mathematical reasoning in addition to reading challenges, a comprehensive evaluation can assess both areas. Learn more about dyslexia in math.

Why Choose Dr. Hahn for Dyslexia Testing

Dr. Lisa Hahn is one of only four neuropsychologists in New Jersey with dual board certification in both clinical neuropsychology and pediatric neuropsychology. As a fellow parent of neurodivergent children, she understands the emotional and academic impact of learning differences and provides thorough, compassionate evaluations that lead to meaningful support

What sets our approach apart:

Comprehensive assessment of reading, writing, spelling, and underlying cognitive skills
Early diagnosis capability; accurate assessment for children as young as age 4
Holistic evaluation that differentiates dyslexia from other learning difficulties, ADHD, or processing disorders
Collaborative approach including input from teachers and review of classroom work samples
Ongoing support to help families connect with reading specialists, tutors, and school teams
One-day testing model structured with breaks to keep your child comfortable
Virtual consultation options for family convenience (testing is in-person for accuracy)

Our Parsippany office is centrally located to serve families across Morris County, Bergen County, Essex County, and surrounding areas. Learn more about Dr. Hahn's credentials and approach.

Ready to Schedule a Dyslexia Evaluation?

If you're concerned about your child's reading, spelling, or writing difficulties, we're here to help. Contact our office to schedule a consultation and learn how a comprehensive dyslexia evaluation can provide the answers and support your child needs to thrive academically

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Learn about our other evaluation services

Also serving families seeking:

ADHD evaluations

Autism evaluations

Dyslexia in Math assessment

Frequently Asked Questions About Dyslexia Testing

At what age can dyslexia be diagnosed?

Dyslexia can be accurately diagnosed in children as young as age 4. Early identification is crucial because intervention during kindergarten and early elementary years, when the brain is most responsive to reading instruction, leads to significantly better outcomes. If your preschool or kindergarten-age child shows difficulty learning letter sounds, rhyming, or recognizing letters, an early evaluation can identify dyslexia and guide appropriate support.

What's the difference between dyslexia in reading and dyslexia in math?

Dyslexia in reading (Specific Learning Disorder in Reading) affects decoding, fluency, spelling, and written expression. Dyslexia in math (dyscalculia or Specific Learning Disorder in Mathematics) affects number sense, math facts, calculation, and mathematical reasoning. Some children struggle with both. A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation assesses both reading and math skills to identify the specific areas of difficulty.

How is dyslexia different from just being a "slow reader"?

Dyslexia is a neurobiological condition that affects the brain's ability to process phonological information (the sounds in words) and achieve reading automaticity. Children with dyslexia don't simply read slowly—they struggle with the foundational skills of decoding and word recognition despite adequate intelligence and instruction. A neuropsychological evaluation identifies whether reading difficulties are due to dyslexia or other factors such as attention problems, processing speed, comprehension issues, or lack of instruction.

What accommodations help children with dyslexia?

Common accommodations for dyslexia include extended time on tests and assignments, audiobooks or text-to-speech technology, speech-to-text for writing, reduced writing requirements, copies of notes, alternative assessments, and access to word processors with spell-check. Dr. Hahn's reports specify which accommodations and interventions are appropriate for each child's unique profile.

Do you accept insurance for dyslexia testing?

Dr. Hahn is an out-of-network provider. She provides all necessary diagnostic and procedural codes so you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement. Many families receive partial reimbursement for out-of-network neuropsychological services.

What is the timeframe for the dyslexia evaluation?

The full dyslexia evaluation typically takes 4-6 weeks from your initial intake to receiving the comprehensive written report. Testing itself is completed in one full day, structured with breaks tailored to your child's needs to ensure accurate results without fatigue.

What areas do you serve?

Our office is located in Parsippany, NJ, and we serve families throughout Morris County, Bergen County, Essex County, Hunterdon County, Hudson County, Somerset County, and surrounding areas in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

“Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be."

- Rita Pierson