Learning Disabilities in NYC
Comprehensive testing for dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and processing disorders. Get answers and a plan for school success.
Your child is smart. Teachers say it. You know it. But somehow school is a constant battle.
​
Reading is slow and exhausting. Math facts won't stick. Writing assignments take hours and end in tears. And everyone keeps saying "just try harder"— but you can see them trying as hard as they can.
​
Something isn't adding up. And you're right to trust your instincts.
​
We specialize in learning disability evaluations that identify exactly what's making school harder than it should be—and create a plan for success in NYC schools.
Signs Your Child Might Need Testing
Three Red Flags Parents Notice:
✓ Smart in some ways, struggling in others Articulate and creative, but reading is inexplicably hard. Understands math concepts but can't remember basic facts. Brilliant ideas but can't get them on paper.
✓ Working twice as hard for half the results Hours of homework every night. Tutoring isn't helping. Falling further behind despite enormous effort.
✓ School says "wait and see" but you know something's wrong Teachers suggest "they'll catch up"—but your gut says this is more than developmental delay.
If this sounds familiar, your child likely has a learning disability—and that's actually good news. Once you know what you're dealing with, there are proven interventions that work.
What We Test For
Common Learning Disabilities We Identify:
Note: Learning disabilities frequently co-occur with ADHD, anxiety, or autism. Our comprehensive evaluation identifies the full picture.
Our Evaluation Process
Comprehensive Psychoeducational Testing in NYC
What We Assess:
​
-
Cognitive abilities (IQ testing)
-
Academic achievement (reading, writing, math)
-
Processing speeds (visual, auditory, processing speed)
-
Memory (working memory, long-term memory)
-
Executive function (organization, planning, attention)
What's Included:
✓ Detailed parent/child interview and developmental history
✓ 4-6 hours of comprehensive testing (can be split across sessions)
✓ Comprehensive written report with diagnosis and recommendations
✓ Feedback session to review results
✓ Specific IEP/504 accommodation recommendations for NYC schools
Learning Disabilities & NYC Schools
IEPs and 504 Plans: What Your Child Qualifies For
IEP (Individualized Education Plan)
Special education services, specialized instruction, related services (speech, OT, counseling)
504 Plan
Accommodations without specialized instruction (extended time, assistive technology, modified assignments)
We Help You:
✓ Understand evaluation results and what they mean for school
✓ Identify appropriate accommodations and services
✓ Prepare for and attend IEP meetings
✓ Advocate for appropriate services in NYC schools
✓ Provide Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE) if you disagree with school's evaluation
Dr. Voulgarakis is approved for NYC DOE Independent Educational Evaluations
Support Beyond Evaluation
After evaluation, many families benefit from ongoing therapy and parent support:
Understanding your child's learning disability is the first step. We also provide therapy and parent coaching to help your child build confidence, develop coping strategies, and manage the anxiety that often comes with learning challenges.
Support services include:
​
-
Executive function coaching and study skills
-
Managing anxiety related to school and learning
-
Building self-advocacy skills
-
Parent coaching to support your child at home
-
Collaboration with schools and educational therapists
Why Choose HMV Psychology
Practical Recommendations
Specific, implementable strategies for home and school—not just diagnostic labels
Comprehensive, Not Just Screening
We pinpoint exactly where the challenges are and what strengths to build on
Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach
Learning disabilities are differences, not deficits. We focus on strengths while addressing challenges.
NYC School System Expertise
We understand NYC DOE processes, IEP requirements, and how to advocate effectively
Upper West Side Manhattan Location
Convenient in-person testing with follow-up via telehealth across New York State
Common Questions
At what age should we test? As early as 5-6, but most families come when academic demands increase (2nd-3rd grade). It's never too late—we test teens and adults too.
Will this help with school accommodations? Yes. Our evaluations meet NYC DOE IEP requirements. We provide specific accommodation recommendations and can attend IEP meetings.
What if it's not a learning disability? Then we figure out what IS causing the struggles (ADHD, anxiety, processing issues, gaps in instruction) and create a plan that helps.
​
Will this help with college accommodations? Yes! Documentation is required for college accommodations and standardized testing (SAT, ACT). Our evaluations meet these requirements.