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Dyslexia assessments

Assessments of reading and literacy difficulties for children, teens, and adults

Dyslexia is one of the most common learning differences, and one of the most frequently misunderstood. When someone is bright and capable in many areas of life, but struggling with reading, spelling, or writing, a comprehensive dyslexia assessment can help identify what’s going on and what support will make a difference.

A formal assessment can provide clarity, open access to meaningful support, and reframe a lifetime of academic difficulty in a new light. Our educational and learning assessments can be targetted to only explore individual areas like possible dyslexia, or they can be more comprehensive to explore multiple areas of learning (mathematics, listening comprehension, etc.). We take a neurodiversity-affirming and practical approach, focused on helping individuals better understand how they learn.

What is dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a learning difference that primarily affects reading accuracy, fluency, spelling, and processing of written language. It is not related to intelligence (cognitive abilities, or a person’s capacity to learn) or effort, and many individuals with dyslexia have strong reasoning, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. With the right support, individuals with dyslexia can thrive academically and beyond.

You might consider an assessment if your child or teen:

  • struggles to learn letter–sound relationships

  • difficulties with phonological processing – the ability to hear and manipulate the individual sounds within words

  • finds reading slow, effortful, or frustrating

  • has ongoing spelling difficulties

  • avoids reading or written tasks

  • has difficulty following written instructions

  • is falling behind at school despite effort

For older teens and adults, signs may include persistent reading fatigue, slow processing of written information, avoidance of subjects or tasks that involve reading aloud, or long-standing academic challenges. Those who have reached adulthood without a formal diagnosis may have developed ‘workarounds’ or strategies to help compensate for these difficulties, such as using speech-to-text tools (e.g., voice memos) or avoiding careers and activities that focus heavily on reading and writing.

A common misconception is that dyslexia means "seeing letters backwards." While some people with dyslexia do experience letter reversals (particularly when young), this is not the defining feature – and is also common in children without dyslexia. Dyslexia is a problem with vision or eye sight.

Dyslexia and other learning and developmental differences

Dyslexia frequently co-occurs with other neurodevelopmental conditions. It is not uncommon for a person presenting with reading difficulties to also meet criteria for ADHD or autism, or to have co-occurring language difficulties, dysgraphia (writing difficulties), or dyscalculia (maths difficulties). An assessment with us can explore multiple queries together, or be targetted to only specific areas if needed.

How can a dyslexia assessment be useful?

A dyslexia assessment can provide:

  • a clear understanding of the nature and profile of reading, spelling, phonological, and language skills

  • identification of cognitive strengths and areas of difficulty to inform targeted support

  • recommendations for evidence-based reading intervention programs and support strategies

  • evidence for VCAA special exam provisions (e.g. extra time, reader, scribe) for VCE students

  • documentation for university access plans and academic adjustments

  • recommendations for workplace adjustments, for teens or adults in employment

Even where a formal dyslexia diagnosis is not the outcome, an assessment provides a clear profile of a person's literacy strengths and challenges – which remains useful for guiding support and planning.

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What does a dyslexia assessment involve?

Our dyslexia assessments are comprehensive and collaborative, and typically include:

  • An intake session to discuss the reasons for seeking assessment, background information, and to develop a plan together

  • Cognitive testing – exploring thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving skills, and their relationship to reading ability

  • Academic testing – detailed assessment of reading (decoding, fluency, comprehension), spelling, writing, phonological processing, oral language, and phonics skills

  • A feedback session and comprehensive written report including outcomes, diagnosis (where applicable), and targeted recommendations and strategies

Assessments are typically spread across 4 to 5 sessions (when exploring all areas of learning) to allow testing to be completed at a manageable pace, with regular breaks. When just assessing for possible dyslexia and literacy difficulties, less sessions may be needed. We assess children (aged 6 and above), teenagers, and adults.

A full list of assessment tools we typically use can be found on our Educational & Learning Assessments page.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is required. You are welcome to contact us directly to discuss whether a dyslexia assessment is the right fit for your situation or your child's.

In some cases, a ‘Complex Neurodevelopmental Disorders’ (CND) referral for clients under 25 years old, issued by a paediatrician or psychiatrist, may be used to receive some Medicare rebates. Please discuss with your paediatrician or psychiatrist, if relevant.

Contact us to find out more.

Our admin team can discuss any further questions with you, or assist you with booking an educational assessment with one of our educational & developmental psychologists.