"Learning Disabilities 

are a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or in using language, spoken or written that may manifest itself in the imperfect ability to listen, speak, read, write, spell or do mathematic equations.”

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 2004

Remediation and Comprehensive Educational Evaluations of Learning Ability

Laurie Leifer, Ed. M., LDT/C, M.F.A. 

We are so fortunate and grateful that we have Laurie Leifer in our life! She’s been such a blessing for our daughter and our family.

Our daughter is ten years old. She is dyslexic and also has auditory processing issues. Laurie has been working with her weekly since we moved to the area a few years ago. Watching Laurie lift our daughter up has been inspirational. Her developmental work has been transformative, nurturing, and positively impactful.  Laurie has taught our daughter to read and now she reads beautifully despite her learning differences. Laurie has also taught us so much as parents too.

We now understand the methodologies for supporting our daughter. Laurie continues to be an active advocate for our daughter, exchanging information with her school, and suggesting the appropriate interventions.

Laurie has a gracious gentle style that all her students respond to positively. She is the model of a true, naturally gifted teacher— passionate, tireless, and fully committed to her students. She creates ambitious goals for all the kids she works with and they always meet or surpass them! 

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Andy w.
 

Practice Areas

Identification of Learning Disabilities
Educational evaluations start with the parent completing an intake form. Then there will be an intake conference to thoroughly collect all background information on the child. Testing typically takes two or three sessions of about 2 – 2 ½ hours each.  
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Please be prepared for the intake session by bringing any previous diagnostic testing, school reports, 504 plans, standardized testing or similar educational or psychological reference material. 
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In some cases, an observation of the child in school or additional testing is recommended. Some children may need a psycho-educational report, or further testing in areas of need. If appropriate placement is at issue visits to potential educational facilities may be warranted. After the testing sessions are complete, a detailed report will be written, and there will be an informing conference to discuss findings. 
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Remediation
Remediation methods are determined by your child's specific educational challenges.  For reading, math, and written expression, multi-sensory techniques are often employed. Organizational skills, coping with ADHD, and other education-related issues are also addressed. 
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Private Tutoring
Depending on the needs of the child, most students meet once or twice a week for a one-hour session. Each session is designed for that child’s particular needs. Sessions usually are scheduled after the school day.
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Parent - School Facilitation
Helping your child succeed requires a productive partnership between the school,  teachers, parents and of course your child.  Throughout the course of remediation or testing, it is important to ensure that the school is doing all it can to support your child's progress.  

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Placement & Educational Methods Recommendations
In some situations, current teaching methods may not be the most appropriate or effective.  When that is an issue we will work with you and your school to held identify what programs and methods may be most effective, and help you advocate for an alternative placement should that be indicated.
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