Specific Learning Disorder Assessments: Identifying Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia

A Specific Learning Disorder assessment can help identify difficulties in reading, writing, or mathematics. These assessments are essential for children and adults to receive personalised academic support and interventions. Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs) are neurodevelopmental conditions that cause persistent difficulties in one or more key academic areas: reading, writing, or mathematics. These challenges typically emerge during formal schooling years. While most individuals are diagnosed in childhood, some are not identified until adolescence or adulthood.

For people with SLD, academic skills are significantly below expectations for their age, leading to difficulties at school, work, or in daily life. Importantly, these difficulties are not explained by low intelligence, lack of education, sensory impairments, or other disorders.

In Australia, approximately 1 in 10 individuals experience Specific Learning Disorder. Without early recognition and intervention, these difficulties can lead to ongoing challenges, including psychological distress, lower mental health, school dropout, and unemployment. SLD often co-occurs with conditions such as ADHD, anxiety, or depression.

Early assessment and support are crucial, although it’s never too late to get help. Treatment options may include professional learning support, Individualised Education Programs (IEPs), classroom or workplace accommodations, and behavioural strategies. Collaboration with a Speech Therapist or Occupational Therapist may also be beneficial.

1. Reading Disorder (Dyslexia)

Dyslexia is the most common Specific Learning Disorder. It is characterised by:

• Slow or inaccurate word reading: Difficulty sounding out words, frequent guessing, or hesitant reading.

• Poor reading comprehension: Trouble understanding relationships, inferences, or deeper meanings in text.

• Spelling difficulties: Struggles with phonetic decoding affect written expression.

2. Disorder of Written Expression (Dysgraphia)

Dysgraphia affects writing abilities, including:

• Spelling difficulties: Omitting, adding, or substituting letters.

• Written expression challenges: Frequent grammatical or punctuation errors, poor sentence structure, and unclear organisation of ideas.

3. Mathematics Disorder (Dyscalculia)

Dyscalculia is marked by difficulties in mathematical reasoning and calculation:

• Number sense challenges: Trouble understanding numbers, magnitudes, or relationships; reliance on counting fingers rather than memorised facts.

• Problem-solving difficulties: Struggles to apply mathematical concepts to practical problems.

A psychologist trained in assessing and diagnosis learning disorders can provide a comprehensive assessment that will:

• Determine whether an individual meets diagnostic criteria for an SLD

• Identify cognitive strengths and weaknesses

• Provide personalised recommendations for treatment and academic support

• Offer guidance for accommodations at school, university, or the workplace

• Address co-occurring challenges such as anxiety, low self-esteem, or executive functioning difficulties

I use a thorough approach to assess SLDs for both children and adults. The assessment typically takes around 3 hours and involves several steps:

1. Clinical Interview

The psychologist gathers detailed information on:

• Developmental, behavioural, medical, educational, and employment history

• Social and psychiatric history

• Possible contributing factors to learning difficulties, to rule out other causes

2. Formal Cognitive Testing

Standardised tests evaluate:

• Intellectual abilities, including verbal comprehension, visual-spatial skills, fluid reasoning, working memory, and processing speed

• Academic functioning in reading, writing, and mathematics

3. Academic Assessments

I use the most up-to-date tools:

• Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – 5th Edition (WISC-V)

• Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – 4th Edition (WAIS-IV)

• Wechsler Individual Achievement Test – 3rd Edition (WIAT-III)

These tests measure:

• Reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension

• Spelling, grammar, punctuation, and organisation of written expression

• Number sense, calculation, and mathematical reasoning

4. Interpretation and Reporting

After testing, results are scored, interpreted, and presented in a detailed 10–12 page report. Reports usually take 2–3 weeks to complete and include:

• Assessment results

• Recommendations for interventions

• Academic and workplace accommodations

Early identification and support are key to improving academic and life outcomes for individuals with Specific Learning Disorders. If you suspect that you or your child may have dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia, a psychologist for learning disorders can provide a thorough assessment and personalised recommendations.

Please contact me today to discuss whether a Specific Learning Disorder assessment is right for you or your child.