A Specific Learning Disability Assessment (or a Psycho-educational Assessment) will look at whether a child has a specific learning issue in either reading (some forms of which can also known as “dyslexia”), writing (previously known as “dysgraphia”) or in mathematics (some forms of which can also known as “dycalculia”). Children with a Specific Learning Disability present as have a learning issue in one or more areas (reading, writing and/or mathematics). Children with an SLD are often mistook for not having a high IQ, while in fact, individuals with an SLD often have average to above average IQ, though struggle academically due to a specific learning issue. SLDs are generally not diagnosed until age 7 and a formal diagnosis of an SLD requires the child to have undergone at least 6 months of targeted intervention (e.g. a small group phonics program through school, maths tutoring, speech therapy etc). 

An assessment for an SLD is highly valuable in providing both parents and teachers with targeted intervention to assist the child to accommodate their learning difficulty so they can reach their potential. A diagnosis of an SLD can be provided to a child’s school to assist in applying for extra time and accomodations.

Often children with a SLD have good learning potential, but without adequate support in the classroom they struggle to keep up with their peers academically and can easily fall further and further behind. SLD assessments are highly valuable in informing educational adjustments and when applying for curriculum adaptions/extra time during ATAR exams or workplace assessments.

Southside Psychology uses gold standard IQ and achievement tests including the Wechsler tests (WPPSI-IV, WISC V and WAIS IV) as well as the Leiter-3 (non verbal IQ assessment as required), WIAT-III, TOWL and CTOPP amongst other evidence based functional and behavioural assessment tools.

An SLD assessment will consist of:

1. Parent/individual interview

2. IQ assessment.

3. Achievement testing

4. Functional/behavioural assessment as required

5. Feedback and report

Our assessments are generally conducted in our Success clinic, however a home or school visit can be arranged if required for an additional travel fee.

The total cost of the SLD assessment is $1550 which includes the two assessment sessions, comprehensive report and feedback session.

If you are also wanting to look at ADHD as well as SLD the SLD + ADHD assessment is $1800.