An assessment is generally requested to identify a person’s learning strengths and weaknesses, and to ascertain whether an identifiable learning disability exists.

Individuals attending the DSF Clinic for an assessment have usually struggled with one or more of the core academic skill areas (e.g. reading, writing, spelling, mathematics) for an extended period of time. The degree to which they struggle is often unexpected given their apparent capabilities in other areas and the educational opportunities they have been provided with. It is also generally the case that attempts to remediate the difficulty have not been successful (or at least have been less successful than would have been expected).

All assessments are conducted by a fully registered psychologist, with clinical experience in the field of educational psychology. All information gathered remains confidential and only appropriate and approved professional assessment tools and methods are used. Most people (including children) find the various assessment tasks quite interesting and generally quite enjoyable.

The questions asked change according to age so that people will not be asked questions that are too challenging. There are usually opportunities to do practice items before each test so that people know what to expect. There is always time, both before and after the assessment, to ask questions of the psychologist.

DSF Clinical Services offers two types of assessments for the purpose of investigating learning strengths and difficulties.

Functional Assessment of Literacy

The Functional Assessment of Literacy examines an individual’s reading, spelling and writing skills, in addition to their phonological processing skills and working memory ability. A short measure of intellectual ability is also undertaken.

It may determine whether or not a learning disability (such as dyslexia or dysgraphia) is evident or if further assessment for a diagnosis is required.

The Functional Literacy Assessment is completed in one 1 ½ to 2 hour-long session. A 3 to 5 page report is provided approximately 2 weeks after the assessment which details evidence-based strategies for remediation and suggestions for accommodations (if warranted).

The Functional Assessment of Literacy is useful for children and adults who have previously been diagnosed with a Learning Disability and seek a review of their skills and abilities. It is also ideal for individuals who need details about their functional literacy skills for school or workplace planning.

Full Psycho-Educational Assessment

The Full Psycho-Educational Assessment includes a comprehensive measure of intellectual and cognitive functioning, in addition to a number of standardised achievement tests. These are completed under a range of conditions and include a combination of reading, spelling, written expression, handwriting and mathematics tasks. The full assessment also examines: an individual’s phonological processing skills; their working memory; and, additional competencies dependent on individual need. These competencies may include aspects of visual processing, attentional skills, executive functioning, language skills and specific motor skills.

A full psycho-educational assessment will determine whether or not a learning disability (such as dyslexia, dysgraphia or dyscalculia) is evident. A formal diagnosis will be provided in these cases.

The assessment is conducted over two sessions with each session running for 1 ½ to 2 hours. A comprehensive report (10 or more pages) is provided two to three weeks after the second assessment session has taken place. Detailed and specific recommendations are provided with the report. These are designed to target individual learning strengths and difficulties and include suggestions for both remediation and accommodation.

The Full Psycho-Educational Assessment is useful for children and adults who have not been previously assessed or for individuals who have struggled with literacy for some time. Many people seeking an assessment have failed to make progress despite intervention. The assessment is also designed for individuals who require a detailed clinical investigation of the factors affecting their performance at school or in the workplace.

For more information regarding fees and charges please contact DSF or review the Fees and Charges schedule.