If you are concerned that your child may have dyslexia, the most appropriate assessment is a learning (educational) assessment completed by a psychologist with specialist training in cognitive and academic assessment.
What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that primarily affects reading, spelling, and written language skills. It is neurodevelopmental in nature, meaning it reflects differences in how the brain processes written language.
Importantly, dyslexia:
- is not related to intelligence
- is not caused by lack of effort or motivation
- can occur in children who are otherwise bright, curious, and capable learners
Children with dyslexia often experience difficulty with:
- reading accuracy and fluency
- spelling
- decoding unfamiliar words
- written expression
A formal assessment is required to determine whether a child’s learning difficulties meet criteria for a diagnosis of dyslexia (Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in reading).
Before seeking an assessment
If you are concerned about your child’s reading or spelling, it is recommended that you first speak with your child’s school Learning and Support Team (or equivalent).
Schools can:
- review your child’s learning progress
- implement evidence-based literacy interventions
- monitor response to intervention over time
In most cases, it is best practice for children to have received at least one school term of targeted, evidence-based intervention before proceeding to a formal learning assessment. This helps ensure that assessment findings accurately reflect an underlying learning difficulty, rather than limited exposure or opportunity to learn.
Why a learning (educational) assessment is recommended
Dyslexia cannot be identified through observation alone or by a single test. A learning assessment looks at the whole learning profile to understand why a child is struggling. A comprehensive learning assessment typically includes:
- a detailed parent interview
- questionnaires completed by parents and teachers
- cognitive assessment (how a child thinks and learns)
- academic achievement assessment (reading, spelling, written skills)
As part of this process, attention, emotional factors, and behaviour are also screened, as these can significantly impact learning.
What a learning assessment provides
A learning assessment can:
- determine whether a child meets criteria for dyslexia
- identify strengths and areas of difficulty
- guide targeted, evidence-based intervention
- support school planning and reasonable adjustments
- provide clear, practical recommendations for home and school
Learn more about educational assessments
You can read more about learning (educational) assessments at The Daisy Clinic here:
https://thedaisyclinic.com.au/assessments/psycho-educational-assessments/
If you think your child may have dyslexia, a learning (educational) assessment is the most appropriate assessment to clarify this. Speaking with your child’s school Learning and Support Team and ensuring appropriate intervention has been trialled is an important first step before assessment.
A learning assessment provides clarity, direction, and a pathway forward to ensure your child receives the support they need to succeed at school.
