A psychoeducational (learning) assessment combines standardised cognitive testing with academic achievement testing in reading, spelling, written expression and maths, plus developmental and school history. It identifies specific learning disorders such as dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia, explains the student’s learning profile, and gives practical recommendations for school adjustments, learning plans and special provisions.
Common reasons for a learning assessment
- Specific learning disorders — dyslexia (reading), dysgraphia (written expression) and dyscalculia (maths)
- Academic strengths and weaknesses — understanding why results don’t match effort or ability
- Transition planning — for example, primary to high school, or school to TAFE or university
- Learning plans — informing individual learning plans and classroom adjustments
- Special provisions and accommodations — evidence to support applications for adjustments
- Giftedness or twice-exceptionality — understanding high ability alongside learning difficulties
Signs of dyslexia and other learning difficulties
- Slow, effortful or inaccurate reading
- Difficulty sounding out unfamiliar words
- Persistent spelling difficulties
- Avoiding reading or writing tasks
- Written work that doesn’t reflect verbal ability
- Difficulty with number facts, calculation or maths reasoning
- Messy or laboured handwriting; trouble organising written ideas
- Frustration, low confidence or anxiety about school
What the assessment involves
- Background information — developmental, medical and educational history, school reports and NAPLAN results, and any previous intervention or assessments.
- Interviews with parents and, where helpful, teachers.
- Cognitive testing — verbal and visual reasoning, working memory and processing speed.
- Academic achievement testing — reading, spelling, written expression and maths.
- Report and feedback — we aim to complete your report within 1–2 weeks of testing and talk you through the findings.
Learning assessments and South Australian schools
The SA Department for Education recommends that dyslexia be diagnosed by a psychologist with educational expertise, after a student has had appropriate reading instruction or intervention for at least 6 months — and that support shouldn’t wait for a diagnosis.
A diagnosis isn’t required for SACE special provisions, NAPLAN adjustments or school support: schools document the functional impact and apply on the student’s behalf, and a psychological report is considered if available. A good assessment still helps by clarifying exactly how a student learns and which adjustments will help most. Read our guide to SACE special provisions.
What you receive
A clear written report that explains the student’s cognitive and academic profile, whether criteria for a specific learning disorder are met, and practical recommendations for home and school — written to be useful to teachers and learning support staff. With your consent, we can share it with the school.
Cost and funding
Learning assessments are quoted as one all-inclusive fee before you commit, based on our $240 hourly rate (below the APS recommended $330). Medicare doesn’t cover psychoeducational assessments and the NDIS doesn’t fund diagnostic assessments; some private health “extras” policies contribute. Questions about attention too? We can combine a learning assessment with an ADHD assessment.
