Learning Disorder Assessments

"Out in the real world, my dyslexia became my massive advantage: it helped me to think creatively and laterally, and see solutions where others saw problems.” ~ Richard Branson

WHAT IS A SPECIFIC LEARNING DISORDER (SLD)?

SLDs are neurodevelopmental conditions that impedes the ability to learn or use specific academic skills in at least one of three major areas: reading (i.e. dyslexia), written expression (i.e. dysgraphia), and/or math (i.e. dyscalculia). The learning difficulties must have persisted for at least 6 months despite the provision of extra help or targeted instruction; and affected academic skills are substantially and quantifiably below those expected for age (DSM-5).

A neuropsychological learning assessment is very useful for not only diagnosing SLD, but also providing a cognitive profile of specific personal strengths and weaknesses to tailor intervention and strategies. Individuals with SLDs can also have difficulties in other aspects of cognition independent of reading/maths such as weak working memory, new learning/retention of information, and processing speed. Identifying these can help to further target strategies.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN AN LEARNING DISORDER ASSESSMENT?

Cara offers learning assessments for adults and children over 6 years old. Please obtain a referral from your GP, school, or other health professional prior to booking in your appointments.

A comprehensive SLD assessment consists of multiple appointments and components including:

Initial consult (1 hour) - here we will take a detailed history, discuss your current concerns and book in your assessment appointment(s).
A comprehensive cognitive assessment including evaluation of IQ, attention, processing speed, executive function, learning, memory and academic functioning (including reading, spelling, maths). The assessment takes 3-4 hours and can be split into multiple sessions if needed (recommended for children).
We also gather collateral information from parents, teachers, and other health professionals.
The comprehensive report will be written following your assessment (minimum 4 hours work depending on referral question and complexity) and provided to the referrer and client approximately 4 weeks post-assessment.
We also recommend clients attend a feedback session (1 hour) to discuss the results and recommendations detailed in the report.

Please contact us if you have any questions. Please see FAQs for pricing structure.