Many adults and parents search online for a learning disability test after years of struggling with memory, concentration, reading, writing or processing information.
This guide explains what proper testing for learning disabilities actually involves, how it differs from online screening tools, and what to expect from a formal assessment for learning difficulties both online and in-person.
What are learning difficulties and learning disabilities?
The term learning difficulties usually refers to specific learning differences, such as:
- Dyslexia (reading and spelling)
- Dyspraxia (coordination and motor planning)
- Dyscalculia (numeracy and maths)
- Dysgraphia (writing)
- Memory and processing speed difficulties
A learning disability is a different clinical term and refers to global intellectual impairment (for example, what is sometimes called an intellectual disability). This is typically related to measurement of someone’s overall IQ score.
A specialist assessment clarifies exactly what might be going on.
Can you take a learning disability test online?
Many people begin their journey with:
- Online dyslexia screeners
These tools do not provide a diagnosis. What they can do is:
- Highlight possible traits
- Help you decide whether formal testing may be helpful
What does proper testing for learning disabilities involve?
A true learning disabilities test is not a single quick quiz. It is a structured cognitive and educational assessment carried out by a qualified psychologist or specialist clinician.
It usually includes four key parts:
1. Detailed background history
This explores:
- Early development and schooling
- Academic strengths and difficulties
- Work and daily functioning
- Mental health and physical health
- Family history of learning or neurodevelopmental conditions
2. Cognitive assessment (how the brain processes information)
This measures areas such as:
- Attention and concentration
- Working memory and learning disability memory difficulties
- Processing speed
- Verbal and non-verbal reasoning
- Executive functioning (planning, organisation, impulse control)
This helps distinguish between learning difficulties, ADHD, autism and emotional factors.
3. Understanding how you apply information
This may assess:
- Reading accuracy and comprehension
- Spelling and written expression
- Mathematical reasoning and calculations
- Speed and fluency of academic or work tasks
4. Interpretation and report
The clinician combines:
- Test performance
- Developmental history
- Functional impact
- Any questionnaire data
You receive a formal diagnostic report explaining:
- Whether a learning difficulty is present
- How it affects daily life
- What adjustments or support are recommended
This report is often used for workplace adjustments, university support, or occupational health referrals.
Online learning disability assessments
Remote testing is now widely used in the UK and can be highly effective when conducted properly.
How it works:
- Secure video appointment with a specialist
- Live administration of cognitive and attainment tests
- Digital testing platforms adapted from standard tools
- Full clinical observation in real time
An online learning difficulties assessment may be for you if you need flexibility, less sensory overload, and easier access.
Face-to-face testing takes place in a clinic with physical test materials and may be easier for those who find screens or tech difficult. It may also be recommended in certain cases.
At NeuroDiverse Online we are able to offer both online and face-to-face assessments of cognitive and learning difficulties, and dyslexia.
How long does a learning disability assessment take?
- Screening: 30–60 minutes
- Full learning difficulties assessment: 2–4 hours
- Depending on your profile, this could be split over two or more sessions
What does testing feel like?
People often worry that testing will feel like an exam. In reality:
- You cannot “revise” for it
- Some tasks will feel easy and others hard on purpose
- The aim is to understand how your brain works, not to judge intelligence
- Struggling with tasks provides useful diagnostic information
Who should consider cognitive testing?
You may benefit from an assessment for learning difficulties if you:
- Have always struggled with reading, writing, memory or maths
- Work much harder than others for the same results
- Experience slow processing or poor concentration
- Were labelled “lazy”, “careless” or “underachieving” at school
- Have ADHD or autism and suspect additional learning differences
- Are seeking workplace or educational adjustments
Adults are often missed in childhood and only reach assessment later in life.
What happens after the assessment?
Following your learning disability assessment, you will receive:
- A comprehensive written report
- Clear diagnostic conclusions where appropriate
- Practical recommendations for:
- Workplace adjustments
- University or school support
- Exam arrangements
- Memory and organisation strategies
- Further neurodiversity assessment if relevant (for example, ADHD or autism)
