Dyslexia · High School
Dyslexia in High School
In high school, reading volume, timed tests, and college prep raise the demands. Undiagnosed dyslexia can quietly cap a capable student — and an evaluation opens the door to answers and accommodations.
Serving Long Island & Queens, NY
WHEN TO LOOK MORE CLOSELY
Signs to watch for in high school
- •The reading load takes far longer than it should
- •Struggles with timed tests and standardized exams
- •Persistent spelling and writing difficulties
- •Difficulty with foreign-language classes
- •Avoids reading-heavy courses; confidence and motivation drop
- •Needs — but may not yet have — accommodations like extended time
It’s not too late. Answers in high school can change a student’s trajectory into college and beyond.
Why this stage matters
The stakes get higher — and so does the payoff
In high school, reading volume, timed testing, and college prep raise the demands significantly. Undiagnosed dyslexia can quietly limit a capable student's performance and confidence. An evaluation provides answers — and the documentation often needed for accommodations like extended time on tests and standardized exams.
More than a reading test
What a dyslexia evaluation looks at
The evaluation clarifies the profile behind the struggle and provides documentation to support school and testing accommodations.
Every evaluation is individualized based on your child’s history, concerns, and profile — never a one-size-fits-all package.
The process
How the evaluation works
Consultation
We discuss concerns, history, and the questions you want answered.
Records review
We review school reports, records, and previous testing.
Testing
Two to three in-person testing sessions, about two hours each.
Interpretation
Dr. Duhning integrates and synthesizes the data.
Report
We meet virtually to review the findings, recommendations, and written report.
Roadmap
You leave knowing what your child needs and what to do next.
Questions, Answered
FAQs
Is it too late to evaluate for dyslexia in high school?
No. Answers in high school can still change a student’s trajectory into college and beyond. Documentation from a comprehensive evaluation is often needed for accommodations like extended time on tests and standardized exams.
What are signs of dyslexia in high school?
Common signs include reading that takes far longer than it should, struggles with timed tests, persistent spelling and writing difficulties, trouble with foreign-language classes, avoiding reading-heavy courses, and needing — but not yet having — accommodations like extended time.
My teen is capable but underperforming — could dyslexia be involved?
Yes. Undiagnosed dyslexia can quietly limit performance and confidence even in bright students. An evaluation clarifies whether a learning difference is contributing and what supports will help.
Will this evaluation help with SAT, ACT, or college accommodations?
A comprehensive evaluation provides the clinical documentation often required when requesting extended time and other testing accommodations. Recommendations are written to support those processes.
How is this different from a school evaluation?
School evaluations focus on educational eligibility. A private neuropsychological evaluation examines the full learning profile to explain why reading and schoolwork are hard and what will actually help — including recommendations for high school and college planning.
What does the process look like for a high school student?
Testing is tailored to age and referral questions and typically includes reading, writing, cognitive abilities, attention, executive functioning, and related areas. Feedback and a written report provide clear findings and next steps.
What will we walk away with?
Clarity about whether dyslexia or another factor is holding your student back, documentation useful for school and testing accommodations, and a practical plan for support through high school and into college.
Is dyslexia holding back a capable student?
An evaluation provides clarity and the documentation needed for accommodations.
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