For parents who suspect their children may have learning disabilities, and adults with LDs themselves, a diagnosis is the first step to getting the support they need to succeed in school and at work. But the process of getting a diagnosis is often incredibly challenging, filled with obstacles like high costs, long wait times, and lack of access to resources.

An evaluation can mean the difference between success and failure for students with learning disabilities, and can qualify students for accommodations including extra time on tests and personalized instruction. Students with LDs who are diagnosed are much more likely to graduate and avoid a lifetime of struggling with learning.

Marker Learning is seeking to modernize the process and make evaluations accessible to everyone. Keep reading to find out how they stack up against traditional LD evaluations, and which option is best for you or your child.

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Affordability and Cost: Marker Wins

Cost is one of the primary factors keeping a diagnosis out of reach for many students. Traditional in-person evaluations typically cost anywhere from $2,500 - $4,000 or more depending on the state and testing availability. Factor in costs of the initial doctor appointment to get a referral plus transportation costs to travel to the testing location 3+ times, and the price becomes even steeper.

Marker Learning charges a flat fee as low as $1,500 for evaluations, and they offer flexible payment plans for those who prefer to pay over time. Marker evaluations are also completely virtual with no referral is needed, and are conducted by licensed psychologists. With transparent, affordable pricing, it’s a no-brainer.

Winner: Marker Learning

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Accessibility and Convenience: Marker Wins

Accessibility is another factor preventing many students from receiving an in-person evaluation. After receiving a referral, students often have to wait 6 months or more to actually get evaluated. The evaluation itself is an arduous process, usually involving 3 or 4 visits to the office and a total of 8 hours or more of testing. For a student with a learning disability, it can be impossible to focus for that long!

Marker Learning simplifies the process. With a free initial consultation over the phone and a completely virtual evaluation, students get to work from the comfort of their own home throughout the process. The evaluation is broken into two sessions and a personalized diagnostic report is provided afterward. The best part – Marker evaluations take place in a month or less; no more long wait times! 

Winner: Marker Learning

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Test-Taking Environment: It Depends

Marker evaluations take place from the comfort of the student’s own home, making them more accessible than in-person evaluations. However, a virtual environment might not be an appropriate option for some students.

It’s important that each student takes their evaluation in an environment that is best for them. For many students, the comfort of home is likely conducive to better focus and outcomes, but for some students such as those who are non-verbal, an in-person environment might be preferred. 

Winner: It Depends

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Ongoing Support: Marker Wins

Students who receive a diagnosis from an in-person evaluation are often left on their own to advocate for themselves. The report may not qualify students for accommodations and parents are left feeling alone to figure out an action plan.

After the evaluation, Marker Learning provides each student with an action plan to get accommodations. Marker also offers tutoring, coaching and learning support services to make each evaluation immediately actionable, so students can have the peace of mind that their evaluation will give them the results they need. For these reasons, it’s a clear decision. 

Winner: Marker Learning

The Ultimate Winner: Marker Learning!

While in-person evaluations will offer students a diagnosis, Marker Learning’s affordability, convenience, and ongoing support options make it the clear winner. For students who are struggling in school, Marker Learning can be the first step on the path to success. 

To see if Marker is right for you or your child, take their free quiz now: