Learning Disorders and Educational Assessments in Adelaide
At Adelaide Clinical Psychology, we’re here to help. We specialise in comprehensive learning and educational assessments in Adelaide. These include specific learning challenges like Dyslexia assessments (reading difficulty), Dysgraphia assessments (writing difficulty), and Dyscalculia assessments (math difficulty). We take a holistic approach and can also identify other underlying conditions such as attention difficulties and ADHD.
Identifying specific learning disorders helps children build the skills they need to thrive academically and emotionally. Our thorough assessment process includes a detailed clinical interview, input from teachers, and thorough testing to evaluate cognitive and academic functioning. We provide a comprehensive written report with tailored recommendations and targeted interventions to support your child’s success.
With a caring and expert approach, we ensure every child feels supported throughout the assessment journey. Understanding your child’s needs can feel overwhelming, but we are here to guide you every step of the way.
What Are Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs)?
Specific learning disorders (SLDs) are neurodevelopmental conditions that affect a child’s ability to develop academic skills in areas like reading, writing, or math. Children with SLDs may experience:
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Reading challenges (Dyslexia): Difficulty decoding words, reading fluently, or understanding text.
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Writing challenges (Dysgraphia): Struggles with handwriting, spelling, or organising written thoughts.
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Math challenges (Dyscalculia): Trouble understanding numbers, performing calculations, or solving math problems.
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It's important to understand that SLDs are not related to a child’s intelligence. They can also occur alongside other conditions, such as attention challenges or ADHD. A thorough assessment is essential for identifying these challenges and understanding the child’s unique learning profile. Our caring and understanding team is here to provide the guidance and support needed so children with SLDs can thrive academically and reach their full potential.
Common Signs of SLDs That May Require an Assessment
It can be challenging for parents and teachers to identify signs of an SLD, as they may vary from child to child. Some common signs that a child may have an SLD include:
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Difficulty with reading, writing, or maths that is unexpected compared to peers
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Trouble following multi-step instructions
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Persistent struggles with spelling or forming letters
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Challenges with understanding maths equations or sequences
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Avoidance of activities that involve reading, writing, or calculations
If you notice these signs, an assessment can help to provide the support your child needs to succeed. Our goal is to ensure every child receives the right accommodations and interventions to thrive in their academic journey. Our team is kind, patient, and experienced in working with children with SLDs in a positive and empowering way. We believe that every child has unique strengths and abilities, and our supportive approach helps them build confidence and reach their full potential.
Why Is An Educational Assessment Important?
Consulting a psychologist can help identify specific learning disorders, like dyslexia (reading difficulties) or dysgraphia(writing difficulties) or dyscalculia (math difficulties). An educational assessment is the first step towards understanding a child's unique needs and providing them with the right support to succeed. Support can include:
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Understanding Your Child’s Needs: Educational assessments offer key insights into your child’s cognitive and academic abilities, helping identify challenges like dyslexia or ADHD.
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Creating the Right Support: A clear diagnosis ensures schools can provide tailored learning interventions and accommodations, like extra exam time or specialised tools, to support your child’s learning.
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Boosting Confidence: Early intervention builds self-awareness, helping your child recognise their strengths and develop self-esteem.
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Preparing for the Future: With the right interventions, children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, paving the way for long-term success.
Understanding Our Comprehensive Assessment Process
At Adelaide Clinical Psychology, we pride ourselves on offering thorough and supportive learning and educational assessments. Understanding the unique challenges faced by children, we have created a step-by-step approach to offer actionable insights that support children’s growth and development.
STEP 1: INTAKE CALL
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Your first step is a friendly phone call with our Client Concierge, Candy Elliot. Candy’s background in Psychotherapy ensures she can provide valuable insight about the assessment process and address any concerns. This call helps us determine whether a full educational or learning assessment is appropriate, offering a welcoming start to your child’s diagnostic process. ​
INTAKE CALL
STEP 2: ONLINE CLINICAL INTERVIEW WITH PARENTS
A one-on-one interview with the psychologist helps gather information about the academic challenges, developmental history and behavioural patterns. This interview aims to:
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Gain an in-depth understanding of a child's current challenges, presenting issues, and psychological well being.
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Identify academic challenges or learning difficulties the child may be experiencing.
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Examine any existing medical, psychological, or school reports.
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Review the child's developmental history, including the mother’s pregnancy, newborn temperament, milestones, family background, social skills, hobbies, interests, and overall physical and mental health.​​​
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Answer any questions or concerns the parents may have about the assessment process.
CLINICAL INTERVIEW
STEP 3: PSYCHOMETRIC AND CHILD TESTING
The core of our educational assessments in Adelaide, will focus on gaining a detailed understanding of your child’s abilities through various structured tests, including:
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Cognitive ability tests to evaluate verbal reasoning, working memory, and processing speed.
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Academic performance tests assessing strengths and weaknesses in reading, writing, and math.
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Executive function assessments measuring focus, planning, and cognitive flexibility.
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Social and emotional questionnaires to gauge symptoms and impairments associated with ADHD and common co-occurring problems and disorders in children.
This multi-faceted approach ensures that no aspect of your child’s learning ability is overlooked.
CHILD TESTING
STEP 4: ANALYSIS & COMPREHENSIVE REPORT
Our psychologists will thoroughly review and analyse the gathered data to uncover patterns or traits consistent with SLDs such as dyslexia (reading), dysgraphia (writing) and dyscalculia (maths) or any attention issues such as ADHD. These findings are then compiled into a detailed, accessible report. The report includes:
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A clear diagnosis (if applicable). It is important to note in order for your child to receive diagnosis for a specific learning disorder, they will require a minimum of six months of interventions.
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Personalised recommendations for educational accommodations, and targeted interventions.
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Strategies that parents and schools can implement to support your child’s academic and emotional growth.
This report serves as a compass for navigating your child’s educational and developmental needs, helping families to move forward with confidence.
ANAlYSIS & REPORT
STEP 5: FEEDBACK SESSION
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A feedback session is conducted online with the parent and psychologist to present and discuss the assessment results. Our psychologists deliver the results with clarity and sensitivity and offer lots of opportunities for parents to ask questions. An electronic copy of the assessment report is emailed to the parent.
FEEDBACK SESSION
Beyond Learning Disorders – Holistic Support for Your Child
We understand that learning challenges can be multifaceted. For this reason, our assessments don’t stop at identifying a potential learning disorder. We look for overlapping conditions, such as ADHD or emotional challenges, that may also impact your child’s academic and social success.
Whether it’s identifying support strategies for school, recommending therapies for behaviour management or providing materials to enhance your child’s learning environment, we’re here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Understanding Your Child’s Unique Learning Needs
Empowering your child begins with understanding their individual learning style and challenges. At Adelaide Clinical Psychology, we specialise in providing thorough and complete assessments to help children reach their full potential.
Children with learning differences, such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia or other educational challenges, will benefit from specific support that addresses their unique needs. These differences can sometimes lead to frustration or struggles in traditional learning environments, but with the right guidance, they can also uncover incredible strengths such as resilience, creative thinking, and problem-solving.
Our team is dedicated to helping children and their families confidently navigate these challenges. A comprehensive learning assessment can provide valuable insights into your child’s needs and open the door to personalised strategies that foster academic, emotional, and social growth.
If you suspect your child may have a specific learning disorder or could benefit from an educational assessment in Adelaide. We are here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to book an initial intake call and take the first step towards creating a brighter and more successful future for your child.