Horizon Academy Offers New Learning Disabilities Testing Center

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"So much of the highest level of frustration for both students and parents is finding out why a student with average to above average intelligence is struggling," said Sharyl Kennedy, executive director of Horizon. "Horizon's testing center addresses and evaluates some common problems, including ADHD, Dyslexia, non-verbal learning disorder, and Asperger's syndrome, for example." The testing center works to assess and diagnose learning problems and provides specific recommendations to improve school success.

Assessments are performed by licensed psychologist, Avner Stern, Ph.D., who has been director of ADHD and Learning Disability Services at Crittenton Behavioral Health, and Director of Doctoral Intern Training and Clinical Services at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Counseling Center. He received his doctorate from the University of Missouri and completed the Postgraduate Diagnosis Program at the Menninger School of Psychiatry and Mental Health Sciences. His specialty areas include the clinical assessment and management of attention deficit and learning disorders, and diagnostic and psycho-educational assessment in children and adolescents.

According to Dr. Stern, the testing program helps identify and understand the cognitive and academic strengths and problems that affect learning, identify helpful teaching and learning strategies and helps determine appropriate accommodations for elementary, middle school, high school and college students.

Targeted assessment of specific problem areas as well as IQ testing is available. Consultation to schools and clinicians along with follow-up services may be offered.

Costs range from hourly fees to packaged fees for multiple testing.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for parents to help their children before the next school term begins," said Kennedy. "When children understand why they are having trouble they are better equipped to advocate for themselves and become life-long learners,' she said. "And, parents finally get some concrete answers and solutions to what seems like an endless maze of confusion."