Dyslexia Assessments

Dyslexia and learning assessments for children, adolescents and adults.

At The Social Domain, we provide comprehensive assessments for people experiencing persistent difficulties with reading, writing, spelling or other areas of learning.

A dyslexia assessment can help identify the reasons behind these difficulties and provide a clearer understanding of an individual's learning profile, strengths and support needs.

For children and adolescents, an assessment can also provide parents and schools with practical recommendations to support learning at home and in the classroom.

What is a Dyslexia Assessment?

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that primarily affects the development of reading and spelling skills.

A comprehensive assessment looks beyond academic performance alone. It explores literacy and learning skills alongside the underlying processes that may be contributing to a person's difficulties.

Depending on the individual's needs, a learning assessment may be paired with a cognitive assessment to provide a more complete understanding of their learning profile.

A dyslexia or learning assessment may be helpful if you or your child:

  • Has persistent difficulty with reading or spelling

  • Reads slowly or has difficulty reading fluently

  • Struggles to translate ideas into written work

  • Is falling behind academically despite putting in significant effort

  • Avoids reading or writing tasks

  • Has a family history of dyslexia or learning difficulties

  • Shows a noticeable difference between their abilities in different areas of learning

What does the assessment process look like?

For Children & Adolescents

A thorough learning assessment can provide clarity when a teacher or parent has concerns about a child’s reading, writing or spelling.

Where appropriate, the learning assessment may be paired with a cognitive assessment, with the findings from both assessments discussed together during the feedback appointment.Step 1: Intake Appointment

Step 1: Cognitive Assessment Session

Participants: Parent, or with a child 15 years or older

We gather information about your child’s developmental and learning history, including the difficulties they are currently experiencing at school and at home.

This helps us understand their individual circumstances and determine the most appropriate assessment approach.

Step 2: Cognitive Assessment Session

Participants: Child only

Where a cognitive assessment forms part of the evaluation, our psychologist conducts a one-on-one session using structured tasks designed to understand how your child thinks, reasons and processes information.

This may include areas such as working memory, processing speed, reasoning and general intellectual ability.

Step 3: Learning Assessment Session

Participants: Child only

This session focuses specifically on your child’s literacy and learning skills.

The assessment may explore reading accuracy and fluency, spelling, writing and the underlying processing skills that support learning.

The aim is not for your child to pass or fail. Instead, we are building a detailed understanding of how they learn and where they may benefit from additional support.

Step 4: Feedback Session

Participants: Parent, or with a child 15 years or older

After reviewing the results, your psychologist will discuss the findings with you and explain what they mean for your child.

You will also receive a clear written report outlining the assessment findings and recommended next steps. Recommendations may include adjustments or support at school, targeted intervention, therapy or other strategies appropriate to your child’s needs.

Dyslexia Assessments for Adults

Adults may seek an assessment because of longstanding difficulties with reading, writing or spelling, or because learning challenges have become more noticeable during further study or in the workplace.

The assessment process is similar to that used for children and adolescents but is tailored to your individual history, circumstances and reason for seeking assessment.

You are welcome to contact our team to discuss your needs and determine the most appropriate assessment approach.

FEES:

Assessments Fees depend on the assessment type and the time required to administer, score, and report.

Medicare rebates may be available with a referral from your GP under a Mental Health Treatment Plan or under the CNDD- M10 (from those aged 25 or under) through Paediatricians or Psychiatrists. Please ask our team about your options.

Interested in our Assessments?

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