Dyslexia Assessment and Diagnosis Pathway
We offer comprehensive dyslexia assessments in collaboration with a registered psychologist to provide families with a thorough understanding of their child's learning profile.
Our assessment process draws on a range of standardised tests that examine the skills known to underpin successful reading, spelling, and written language development. These may include measures of phonological awareness, rapid naming, working memory, reading accuracy, reading fluency, spelling, language skills, and cognitive abilities. By comparing your child's performance to that of same-age peers, we can identify areas of strength and difficulty and determine whether their profile is consistent with dyslexia.
A multidisciplinary approach allows us to gain a more complete picture of your child's abilities. While the speech pathologist evaluates language and literacy-related skills, the psychologist assesses cognitive functioning and learning processes. Together, these findings help differentiate dyslexia from other factors that may impact learning and provide greater diagnostic confidence.
To ensure that assessment findings accurately reflect a child's learning profile, formal diagnostic assessments are typically recommended after a minimum of six months of targeted intervention. This allows time for evidence-based instruction to address any gaps in learning and helps distinguish between a lack of exposure to literacy instruction and an underlying learning difficulty.
Targeted intervention can be provided by one of our trained literacy tutors under the guidance of our clinical team. Throughout this period, progress is closely monitored to determine how the child responds to intervention. If significant difficulties persist despite appropriate support, a comprehensive assessment may then be recommended to investigate the presence of conditions such as dyslexia or dysgraphia.
This approach helps ensure that assessment outcomes are meaningful, accurate, and supported by a thorough understanding of the child's response to intervention.
Assessment process
Literacy assessments are typically completed over 3–4 sessions, depending on the child's age, attention, and the type of assessment required. This approach allows sufficient time to gather comprehensive information while ensuring children remain comfortable and engaged throughout the process.
Assessments can explore a range of literacy skills, including reading, spelling, written expression, and handwriting. We also assess for dysgraphia where appropriate. Standardised assessment tools are used to compare a child's performance to that of same-age peers, helping to identify both strengths and areas of difficulty.
Following the assessment, families receive a detailed report outlining the results, recommendations, and practical strategies to support learning at home and school.
Vision
We aim to provide a holistic and seamless experience for children and families by offering both assessment and therapy services under one roof. We believe that effective support begins with a thorough understanding of each child's unique strengths and challenges, followed by evidence-based intervention tailored to their individual needs.
By combining diagnostic assessment with targeted therapy, we can provide families with a clear understanding of their child's learning profile and a practical pathway forward. Our goal is to empower children to build confidence, develop essential communication and literacy skills, and reach their full potential both at school and in everyday life.
