If your child has been diagnosed with dyslexia, dysgraphia, or another learning disability, you've probably wondered: will the school see it the same way? The answer depends more on your zip code than it should.

Federal special ed law changed in 2004, opening the door to new — and better — ways of identifying students with Specific Learning Disabilities. But not every state, district, or school psychologist is using the same approach. That means some kids are getting identified and supported, while others with the exact same profile are falling through the cracks.

In this post I break down the three methods schools can use, why the old "discrepancy model" was doing kids a disservice, what's changing in Washington state, and — most importantly — what YOU can do when you suspect your child might have a learning disability.

Some learning disabilities are widely recognized. Others, like Nonverbal Learning Disability (NVLD), are far less understood. Even so, they can have a significant impact on a child’s school experience. This is the story of how thoughtful collaboration and intentional planning, guided by a special education advocate, helped an elementary school student with NVLD finally receive the support she needed to thrive.