It is through nationally standardized cognitive skills testing that we show the strengths and weaknesses of how we process information and learn. Only qualified specialists/professionals can give them, face-to-face in a personal assessment session. Sometimes parents can be present during the testing session, but often they are not.

The five senses are the most dominant learning pathways; visual (seeing), auditory (listening-sound), touch, kinesthetic (movement), and smell. There are multitudes of other pathways that include intuition and feelings. But, we learn primarily through seeing, hearing, touching and moving. Personality and common sense also come into play.

Then, there are Howard Gardner’s “Nine Intelligences” or innate talents. They interface, or are in parallel, with information processing through the senses. They include:

1. Naturalist (Nature Smart)
2. Musical
3. Logical-Mathematical (Number Reasoning)
4. Existential (Sensitivity to inquire about human existence)
5. Interpersonal (People-Smart)
6. Bodily-Kinesthetic (Movement)
7. Linguistic (Word Smart)
8. Intra-personal (Self-Smart)
9. Spatial (Art and Design, AeroDynamics-Flight, and Athletic Plays-Movements)

Some primary visual and listening pathway inputs to the brain may be sluggish or even blocked. Visual and listening pathways must operate equally together in tandem. Most learners have a preferred, stronger pathway. However, weaker pathways can be trained to work with the stronger one.

If we do not process information correctly, learning is slow and laborious. Reading Comprehension, Written Language, Math Concepts, and Science require good auditory and visual sequencing.

Excelling in higher level courses will be demanding and frustrating. Majors may have to be switched, resulting in lost time, money, and effort.

You will need to find the right credentialed, affordable professional to assess your child in your own geographical area. They, or an additional professional can offer final evaluations and recommendations.

Let’s become acquainted with our child through observation checklists.