Specific Learning Disorder Assessment
Clarity on a specific learning difficulty — in reading, writing or mathematics — and the support and accommodations that will genuinely help.
What it is
Understanding how you learn changes everything. A specific learning disorder (SLD) assessment gives a clear, evidence-based picture of how a person takes in and works with information, and pinpoints where the real difficulty lies — such as in reading (dyslexia), written expression, or mathematics (dyscalculia).
It turns “why is this so hard?” into answers you can act on — the accommodations at school or university, and the targeted support that will make the biggest difference. A learning assessment pairs a measure of cognitive ability with academic achievement testing, ideally alongside tests of the underlying processing skills.
At a glance
- Suitable for: School-aged children, students and adults seeking to understand a learning difficulty and the accommodations that will support them.
- Ages: From age 6½, through school, university and adulthood
- Format: Standardised testing is generally completed in person; school liaison where appropriate
- You receive: A written report with clear recommendations and accommodations for school, university or work
A clear, considered process
Enquiry & intake
We discuss the difficulties you've noticed and gather relevant school reports and history.
Cognitive testing
A measure of underlying cognitive ability, to set academic results in context.
Achievement & processing
Academic achievement testing (reading, writing, maths) with tests of the relevant processing skills.
Feedback & report
A feedback session, and a written report with clear diagnoses where relevant, recommendations and accommodations.
Tools that may be used
An SLD assessment pairs a cognitive measure (see cognitive assessment) with academic achievement testing, and often targeted processing tests. Measures that may be used include:
Academic achievement
- WIAT-III / WIAT-4 — Wechsler Individual Achievement Test
- WJ IV — Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement
- KTEA-3 — Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement
Reading & dyslexia
- CTOPP-2 — phonological processing
- TOWRE-2 and the GORT-5 — reading efficiency and oral reading
- Neale Analysis of Reading Ability (Australian norms)
Mathematics
- KeyMath-3 and the TOMA-3 — Test of Mathematical Abilities
Written expression
- TOWL-4 — Test of Written Language
Every assessment is individually tailored. The measures used are chosen to fit the person, their age and the questions being asked — not every tool listed is used in every assessment.
Transparent about cost
The Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) Assessment is set out in full on our fees page, including everything it includes.
Good to know
- No referral is needed to enquire or book.
- In person across bayside Melbourne; telehealth Australia-wide.
- A comprehensive written report and feedback session are included.
- Funding through the NDIS or private health may apply in some circumstances.
Frequently asked
Can you diagnose dyslexia?
Yes. A specific learning disorder assessment can identify dyslexia (reading), dysgraphia (written expression) and dyscalculia (mathematics), and describe the support that will help.
Why does a learning assessment include cognitive testing?
A specific learning disorder is identified by comparing academic achievement against underlying cognitive ability. Pairing the two is what makes the diagnosis valid and the recommendations useful.
Will the report help with school accommodations?
Yes. The report sets out clear, practical recommendations and accommodations you can share with a school or university, and we can liaise with the school where appropriate.
Do you assess adults?
Yes. Learning assessments are valuable at any age, including for university students and adults seeking accommodations or clarity.
Other assessments
Ready to take a steady first step?
A place for bright futures.
Send an enquiry and we'll be in touch. No referral is needed to begin a conversation.