Specific Learning Disorder & Learning Difficulties Assessments

What is Specific Learning Disorder?

Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting the acquisition and use of academic skills, despite adequate instruction and average intellectual ability.

It may involve persistent difficulties in:

• Reading (accuracy, fluency, comprehension)

• Written expression (spelling, grammar, organisation, written output)

• Mathematics (calculation, number sense, reasoning)

Learning differences can present differently across development and may become more noticeable during transitions (e.g., starting high school, university, or workplace demands).

Children (Primary School)

Assessment may be helpful if your child:

• Is behind in reading, spelling or maths

• Avoids homework or becomes distressed about school

• Appears bright but underperforms academically

• Has inconsistent academic skills

• Requires clarification for school-based support

Early identification can significantly improve educational outcomes and confidence.

Adolescents (High School)

Assessment may be appropriate if your adolescent:

• Struggles with written expression or exam performance

• Has increasing academic demands that highlight learning gaps

• Experiences anxiety related to schoolwork

• Requires documentation for learning adjustments or exam provisions

Clarifying a learning profile during adolescence can guide appropriate accommodations and subject planning.

Adults

Many adults seek assessment later in life, particularly when:

• Beginning university or postgraduate study

• Experiencing workplace challenges related to reading, writing or organisation

• Seeking documentation for academic or workplace adjustments

• Reflecting on lifelong academic struggles

• A child has recently been diagnosed with a learning disorder

Adult assessment can provide clarity, validation, and direction for supports.

1. Clinical & Developmental Interview

Exploration of:

• Educational history

• Developmental background

• Previous supports or interventions

• Emotional wellbeing

• Functional impact across settings

For children and adolescents, caregiver input is included.

2. Cognitive Assessment

Standardised assessment of intellectual functioning, which may include:

• Verbal comprehension

• Visual-spatial reasoning

• Working memory

• Processing speed

• Fluid reasoning

This helps identify cognitive strengths and vulnerabilities.

3. Academic Achievement Testing

Assessment of academic skills in relevant areas such as:

• Reading accuracy and fluency

• Reading comprehension

• Spelling

• Written expression

• Mathematics calculation

• Mathematical reasoning

For adults, testing is adapted to reflect age-appropriate academic demands.

4. Consideration of Co-Occurring Factors

Where relevant, assessment may also explore:

• Attention and executive functioning

• ADHD

• Anxiety

• Emotional factors impacting performance

Learning difficulties often overlap with other neurodevelopmental conditions, and careful differentiation is important.

5. Feedback Session

A dedicated session to:

• Explain results clearly

• Discuss strengths and challenges

• Provide practical recommendations

• Answer questions

Our aim is to ensure findings are understandable and useful.

6. Comprehensive Written Report

Your report will include:

• Background history

• Cognitive profile

• Academic results

• Diagnostic conclusions (if applicable)

• Strengths-based formulation

• Practical recommendations

Reports may support:

• School planning and Individual Education Plans (IEPs)

• Exam provisions and academic accommodations

• University disability services documentation

• Workplace adjustments (where relevant)

• Funding or support applications

A thorough learning assessment can:

• Provide clarity after years of frustration

• Reduce self-blame or uncertainty

• Identify strengths alongside challenges

• Guide targeted interventions

• Support access to reasonable adjustments

• Improve confidence and self-understanding

Understanding how someone learns is often transformative.

I aim to provide more than a diagnosis — I provide a clear roadmap for support.

My learning difficulties assessments are:

• Evidence-based and standardised

• Developmentally informed

• Individualised and thoughtful

• Strengths-focused

• Designed to produce practical, actionable recommendations

Can this assessment diagnose dyslexia, dysgraphia or dyscalculia?
If DSM-5 criteria for Specific Learning Disorder are met, this will be clearly outlined in the report.

Is adult assessment different from child assessment?
Yes. While the structure is similar, adult assessments are adapted to reflect age-appropriate academic and occupational demands.

Will schools, universities or workplaces accept this report?
Reports are structured to provide clear diagnostic reasoning and practical recommendations. I am happy to discuss specific documentation requirements.

If you would like to explore whether a learning assessment is appropriate for you or your child, please contact me to discuss.