Reading and writing are the foundations of all learning. When a child struggles with these basic skills, they don't just fall behind in language arts—they struggle in history, science, and even math word problems. Yet, school districts in California are often slow to identify Dyslexia and Dysgraphia, frequently labeling children as having "slow processing" or "lack of focus" instead of a specific learning disability.

Why Districts Miss Dyslexia

Many school psychologists are trained in general psychoeducational testing but lack specialized expertise in the deep phonological processing required to diagnose dyslexia. Furthermore, some districts still follow outdated models that require a child to "fail" significantly before providing help.

Common Signs of Undiagnosed Dyslexia

  • Difficulty associating letters with sounds (phonics)
  • Slow, effortful reading that lacks expression
  • Substituting words (e.g., reading "house" for "home")
  • Avoiding reading tasks entirely due to frustration
  • Poor spelling, even on familiar "sight words"

Dysgraphia: More Than Just "Bad Handwriting"

Dysgraphia is a neurological disorder that impacts a child’s ability to put thoughts into writing. It isn't just about messy letters; it’s about the mental effort required to organize thoughts, spell words, and handle a pencil simultaneously.

At CAS Evaluations, our Dysgraphia IEEs look at both the motor aspects and the cognitive components of writing. We advocate for accommodations like assistive technology and specialized instruction that go beyond "more handwriting practice."

Stop the Frustration. Get the Data.

An expert, independent look at your child’s literacy profile can be the map you need for success.

Request a Specialized Literacy IEE

How an IEE Protects Your Child

An Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) from CAS Evals uses specialized testing batteries like the CTOPP-2 (Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing) and the GORT-5 (Gray Oral Reading Tests) that schools often simplify or omit.

We provide a comprehensive roadmap for your child's IEP, including:

  • Evidence-Based Reading Programs: Recommending specific, structured literacy programs (like Orton-Gillingham based curricula).
  • Assistive Technology: Identifying the right voice-to-text or spelling-support tools.
  • Classroom Accommodations: Strategic changes to how your child is taught and assessed.