Signs a Learning Assessment May Be Helpful

A learning assessment may be recommended if your child is experiencing:

• Ongoing difficulty learning to read or spell

• Slow or effortful reading

• Difficulty understanding what they read

• Poor handwriting or difficulty expressing ideas in writing

• Frequent spelling errors

• Difficulty learning number facts or maths concepts

• Trouble solving maths problems

• Falling behind academically despite effort

• Avoidance of reading, writing, or maths tasks

• Frustration or low confidence related to schoolwork

Learning difficulties often occur alongside other concerns such as ADHD, anxiety, or emotional stress. A thorough assessment helps identify the full picture.

What the Assessment Process Involves

A comprehensive Specific Learning Disorder assessment includes multiple components designed to understand both how your child learns and their current academic skills.

Parent Interview and Developmental History

The assessment begins with a parent interview covering:

• Early development and learning history

• School experiences

• Academic concerns

• Emotional and behavioural factors

• Family history of learning difficulties

• Previous supports or interventions

This information helps guide the assessment and ensures results are interpreted in context.

Cognitive Assessment

Cognitive testing examines the thinking and learning processes that support academic skills. This helps determine whether a child’s academic performance is consistent with their overall learning ability.

Cognitive assessment may measure areas such as:

• Verbal reasoning and understanding

• Visual-spatial skills

• Working memory

• Processing speed

• Attention and concentration

• Problem-solving abilities

Understanding a child’s cognitive strengths and challenges helps explain why learning difficulties may be occurring and informs appropriate support strategies.

Academic Assessment

Academic testing measures a child’s current skills in key learning areas and compares performance to age-based expectations.

Academic assessment typically includes:

• Reading accuracy and fluency

• Reading comprehension

• Spelling skills

• Written expression

• Mathematics calculation

• Mathematical reasoning

These assessments identify areas of strength and areas where additional support may be needed.

Specialised Learning Assessments

If initial testing indicates significant academic difficulties, more specialised assessments may be conducted to determine whether your child meets criteria for a Specific Learning Disorder.

These assessments help identify whether difficulties are consistent with:

Specific Learning Disorder in Reading

(Previously referred to as Dyslexia)

Children with reading disorder may experience:

• Difficulty recognising words accurately

• Slow or effortful reading

• Poor decoding skills

• Difficulty learning letter–sound relationships

• Problems with spelling

• Reduced reading comprehension due to effortful reading

Specialised testing may assess phonological processing, decoding skills, and reading fluency.

Specific Learning Disorder in Written Expression

(Previously referred to as Dysgraphia)

Children with written expression disorder may experience:

• Poor handwriting or letter formation

• Slow writing speed

• Difficulty organising ideas in writing

• Limited sentence structure or grammar skills

• Frequent spelling and punctuation errors

• Difficulty translating ideas into written form

Assessment may include detailed analysis of handwriting, spelling, and written language skills.

Specific Learning Disorder in Mathematics

(Dyscalculia)

Children with mathematics disorder may experience:

• Difficulty learning number facts

• Confusion with mathematical symbols

• Difficulty understanding number concepts

• Problems with calculation accuracy

• Difficulty solving word problems

• Slow mathematical processing

Assessment may include detailed evaluation of number understanding and mathematical reasoning.

Feedback and Written Report

Following the assessment, parents attend a feedback session to discuss:

• Assessment results

• Cognitive and academic profile

• Whether criteria for a Specific Learning Disorder are met

• Strengths and areas of difficulty

• Recommendations for support

You will receive a comprehensive written report that can be shared with your child’s school and other professionals.

Recommendations May Include

Assessment reports include individualised recommendations such as:

• Targeted learning interventions

• Evidence-based reading or maths programs

• Classroom accommodations

• Exam adjustments where appropriate

• Assistive technology recommendations

• Home learning strategies

Recommendations are designed to support both academic progress and emotional wellbeing.

Possible School Accommodations

Depending on your child’s needs, recommendations may include:

• Extra time for tests and assignments

• Reduced written workload

• Use of assistive technology

• Access to a computer for written tasks

• Alternative ways of demonstrating learning

• Explicit instruction in reading, writing, or mathematics

• Small-group or individual support

• Access to teacher notes or structured templates

Our Approach

A learning assessment is not about labelling a child — it is about understanding how they learn best.

With the right supports, children with Specific Learning Disorders can build confidence, develop effective skills, and succeed academically.

Enquiries

If you would like to learn more about Specific Learning Disorder assessments or discuss whether an assessment may be appropriate for your child, please contact our practice.