What is a learning difficulties assessment?

A learning difficulties assessment is a structured evaluation used to understand a child’s learning abilities, academic challenges, cognitive skills, attention, and educational needs.

What happens during the assessment process?

The assessment process may involve parent interviews, developmental and educational history review, behavioural observations, questionnaires, and standardised cognitive and academic tests.

Learning Difficulties Assessment

Learning Difficulties Assessment for Children

Helping parents understand challenges in reading, writing, mathematics, and academic learning through comprehensive psychological assessment.

Some children work hard in school but continue to struggle with reading, writing, spelling, mathematics, or overall academic performance.

A Learning Difficulties Assessment helps identify the underlying factors affecting learning and provides guidance for appropriate support and intervention.

What Are Learning Difficulties

Learning difficulties refer to persistent challenges in acquiring and applying academic skills despite adequate learning opportunities and instruction.

Children with learning difficulties may experience difficulties with reading, writing, spelling, mathematics, organisation, memory, or processing information. These challenges can affect academic achievement, confidence, motivation, and emotional wellbeing.

A Learning Difficulties Assessment helps identify a child’s strengths and areas of difficulty, allowing parents, educators, and professionals to better understand their learning needs and provide appropriate support.

What Can A Learning Diffuculties Assessment Help Identify

A Learning Difficulties Assessment helps evaluate difficulties that may be affecting a child’s academic performance and learning progress.

📖Reading Difficulties (Dyslexia)

Children may experience:

Difficulty recognising words accurately
Slow or effortful reading
Poor spelling skills
Difficulty understanding what they read
Avoidance of reading-related tasks

✍️Writing Difficulties (Dysgraphia)

Children may experience:

Poor handwriting
Difficulty organising ideas in writing
Challenges expressing thoughts clearly on paper
Frequent spelling and grammar errors
Frustration with written assignments

➗Mathematics Difficulties (Dyscalculia)

Children may experience:

Difficulty understanding number concepts
Challenges learning mathematical procedures
Problems solving mathematical problems
Difficulty remembering mathematical facts

🎓General Learning Difficulties

Children may experience:

Slow academic progress
Difficulty retaining information
Problems following multi-step instructions
Difficulty applying learned skills
Ongoing struggles despite effort and support

A comprehensive assessment helps determine whether these challenges may be associated with a Specific Learning Disorder, broader learning difficulties, cognitive factors, or other developmental concerns.

Signs Your Child May Benefit From An Assessment

You may consider an assessment if your child:

📚Reading & Language Concerns

Reads below age expectations
Frequently misreads words
Struggles with spelling
Avoids reading activities
Has difficulty understanding written information

✏️Writing Difficulties

Produces limited written work
Has poor handwriting
Finds writing tasks frustrating
Struggles to organise thoughts in writing
Makes frequent spelling and grammar mistakes

🎓Academic Concerns

Falls behind despite effort
Requires additional support to complete schoolwork
Experiences frustration related to learning
Demonstrates declining confidence in school
Avoids academic tasks

➗Mathematics Challenges

Struggles with basic number concepts
Has difficulty remembering maths facts
Finds mathematical reasoning challenging
Requires significant support during maths activities

Our Learning Difficulties Assessment Process

The assessment process begins with an initial consultation session with our Clinical Psychologist.

The purpose of this session is to:

Understand your child's developmental and educational history
Explore learning, behavioural, and emotional concerns
Review academic performance and school feedback
Identify possible contributing factors
Determine whether assessment is required
Identify the most appropriate assessment pathway

This session helps us determine whether formal assessment, intervention, or additional support may be beneficial for your child.

Based on the information gathered during the intake session, suitable assessment tools will be selected according to your child’s age, presenting concerns, educational history, and learning profile.

Our assessment approach is individualised to ensure that each child receives the most appropriate evaluation.

Assessment sessions may evaluate:

Following the assessment, a feedback session will be arranged to discuss the findings and recommendations.

Parents will receive:

A comprehensive explanation of assessment findings
Identification of learning strengths and challenges
Diagnostic clarification where applicable
Recommendations for home and school support
Guidance regarding intervention and educational planning

Assessment Tools We May Use

Assessment tools are selected based on your child’s age, learning needs, and presenting concerns.

Our Clinical Psychologist may use a combination of standardised assessments to gain a comprehensive understanding of your child’s academic abilities, learning profile, and areas requiring support.

The Wechsler Individual Achievement Test – Fourth Edition (WIAT-4) helps evaluate your child’s academic skills and learning performance.

Areas assessed may include:

Reading skills
Reading comprehension
Spelling
Written expression
Mathematics skills
Overall academic achievement

This assessment helps identify areas where a child may be performing below expectations and provides insight into their academic strengths and challenges.

The Learning Disabilities Diagnostic Inventory (LDDI) is used to screen for patterns of difficulties commonly associated with learning disorders.

The information gathered helps determine whether further assessment, intervention, or educational support may be beneficial.

It helps identify concerns related to:

Reading
Writing
Mathematics
Listening and language-based learning
Organisational and learning-related difficulties

In some cases, cognitive assessments may be recommended to better understand a child’s thinking and learning abilities.

Understanding a child’s cognitive profile can help explain how they learn, identify learning strengths, and support appropriate educational planning.

Assessments may include:

WPPSI-IV (for younger children)
WISC-V (for school-aged children)
WAIS-IV (for adolescents and adults)

These assessments help evaluate areas such as:

Verbal reasoning
Visual-spatial skills
Working memory
Processing speed
Problem-solving abilities

Why Early Assessment Matters

Early Understanding Leads to Better Support

Early identification of learning difficulties can help children receive appropriate support before academic challenges significantly impact confidence, motivation, and emotional wellbeing.

A Learning Difficulties Assessment can help:

Better understand how your child learns
Identify specific areas of academic difficulty
Guide educational planning and intervention
Support communication with schools and educators
Improve confidence and learning outcomes

Early assessment is not about labelling a child. It is about understanding their unique learning needs and helping them reach their full potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this assessment identify dyslexia?

The assessment can evaluate reading-related difficulties and help identify challenges commonly associated with dyslexia.

Can this assessment identify dysgraphia?

The assessment can evaluate written expression and writing-related difficulties that may be affecting academic performance.

Can this assessment identify dyscalculia?

The assessment can evaluate mathematical learning difficulties and identify areas of concern related to number and mathematical skills.

Can a child have both ADHD and learning difficulties?

Yes. Some children experience both attention-related difficulties and learning difficulties. A comprehensive assessment helps determine the factors contributing to a child’s challenges.

Does poor academic performance always mean a learning difficulty?

Not necessarily. Academic difficulties may be influenced by various factors, including learning difficulties, attention concerns, emotional factors, educational experiences, or developmental differences.

Will my child receive a report?

Yes. A detailed psychological report outlining findings, strengths, areas of difficulty, and recommendations will be provided.

Can the report be shared with my child’s school?

Yes. Many parents choose to share the report with schools to support educational planning and accommodations where appropriate.

Book Your First Session

We welcome your feedback and inquiries. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to assist you and provide the information you need.