• if a learning disability is suspected and after an informal assessment is conducted both the practitioner and the learner have no clear understanding of the learners challenges and;
• if financial supports may be impacted.

When formal diagnoses are pursued, it is important that both learners and practitioners understand what is involved in the process. This knowledge helps to increase the benefits gained from the experience. Learners can prepare questions and both practitioners and learners will be in better positions to understand the results.

The Adult Learning Disability Screening Tool (ALDS)

Background

Development of the ALDS started in 1996 and was completed in 1999. The ALDS was developed by the University of Kansas, Center for research on Learning, Division of Adult Studies. The lack of an agreed upon definition, differences of assessment strategies and tests, and the misuse of tests are three difficulties associated with determining learning disabilities. In developing the ALDS tool, these difficulties were confronted and addressed. In addition, the ALDS test was developed to address the multiple manifestations of learning disabilities and the multiple characteristics as revealed across adults from ages 16 to 60.

Although there is cost associated with this tool, we have listed it under the noncommercial section since the cost is so minor and is required to cover the printing costs. The technical report = $7.00 US funds; the ALDS directions for administration, scoring and interpretation = $5.00 US funds; and each individual ALDS record booklet = $3.00 US funds.

Purpose:

The ALDS was designed to aid in decisions about which persons should be referred as possibly having a learning disability. If the criterion is met, a referral for further evaluation and/or more in-depth assessment with the practitioner may be considered and discussed with the learner. The ALDS consists of three parts:

1. Self-Rating Scale
2. Self-Administered Inventory
3. Interview