Specific Learning Disorder Assessments
Learning Assessments for Reading, Writing & Mathematics

Belong Health offers Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) assessments conducted by a Clinical Psychologist using structured, evidence-based assessment tools.

These assessments are designed to explore a person’s academic skills and learning profile, and to determine whether criteria for a Specific Learning Disorder are met.

Our Clinical Psychologist services the Peel region (including Mandurah and surrounding areas) and Rockingham and nearby suburbs (within approximately 35 km), with both clinic-based and community assessment options available.

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What a Specific Learning Disorder Assessment Is For

​A Specific Learning Disorder assessment helps to understand how an individual learns in areas such as reading, writing, and mathematics.

​It may be recommended when there are concerns about:
• Reading (dyslexia)
• Written expression (dysgraphia)
• Mathematics (dyscalculia)
• Ongoing academic difficulties despite effort and support
• Differences between cognitive ability and academic performance

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Who This Assessment May Help

This assessment may be helpful for:
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• Children who are struggling with reading, spelling, or writing
• Individuals who find mathematics difficult to understand or apply
• Students who are falling behind at school despite effort
• Adolescents or adults who have ongoing learning difficulties
• Individuals who require a clearer understanding of their learning profile

​Assessments explore both strengths and areas of difficulty, not just challenges.

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Assessment Tools Used
WIAT-III (Wechsler Individual Achievement Test)

​The WIAT-III is a standardised assessment used to evaluate academic skills across:
• Reading accuracy and comprehension
• Spelling and written expression
• Mathematics reasoning and calculation

​This assessment is suitable for children (6+), adolescents, and adults.

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Assessment Process
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1. Referral or enquiry received
2. Reviewed by Clinical Psychologist
3. Parent and/or individual questionnaire completed
4. Assessment session scheduled
5. WIAT-III assessment completed
6. Scoring, interpretation, and report writing
7. Feedback session provided

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Additional information from school (where applicable) may be requested to support assessment.

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Timeframes

Timeframes may vary depending on complexity and availability of information.

Typical timeframe:
• SLD Assessment: approximately 1-2 weeks from assessment to feedback

More complex presentations may take longer.

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What the Report Includes

• Summary of concerns and background
• WIAT-III assessment results
• Academic skill profile
• Clinical interpretation
• Consideration of DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for Specific Learning Disorder
• Strengths and areas of difficulty
• Practical recommendations for school, study, or work

A feedback session is provided to explain results and answer questions.

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Important Information

• This assessment focuses on academic skills and learning
• Diagnosis is made only where criteria are met
• Results are considered alongside cognitive ability and background information
• Reports support understanding and planning but do not guarantee outcomes

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Fees & Funding
We aim to provide clear and transparent information so families can plan assessments with confidence.

Specific Learning Disorder Assessment
6 hours total
Total: $1,690.00
Includes assessment, scoring, interpretation, report writing, and feedback session.


Medicare (Mental Health Treatment Plan)
If you have a referral from your GP under a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates for up to 10 individual psychology sessions per calendar year.

Clinical Psychologist rebate: approximately $136.35 per session

How Medicare applies to assessments
Medicare rebates apply to eligible face-to-face sessions that involve:
• Assessment sessions
• Clinical interviews
• Feedback and recommendations

​Medicare does not fund assessments as a packaged service. Rebates are applied per session attended.
Time spent on scoring, interpretation, and report writing is included in the overall fee but is not claimable through Medicare.

​Autism-Specific Medicare Pathway (Under 13)
For children under 13, a paediatrician or psychiatrist may refer for assessment of a complex neurodevelopmental condition (including autism).
This may allow access to:
• Up to 4 allied health assessment sessions
• Rebates of approximately $84–$150 per session
Eligibility depends on specialist referral.

Centrelink (Disability Support Pension - DSP)

A psychology assessment may be used as supporting medical evidence for Centrelink Disability Support Pension (DSP) applications.
Centrelink requires documentation from qualified health professionals, which can include a Clinical Psychologist. Our assessment reports include detailed information about:
• Assessment results
• Clinical interpretation
• Functional impact in daily life
• Recommendations

This information may assist in supporting a DSP application.

​Important to know:
• A psychology assessment is one part of the overall evidence required
• Centrelink assesses applications based on specific criteria, including diagnosis, functional impact, and ability to work
• Additional documentation (e.g. GP or specialist reports) is usually required
• DSP approval is not guaranteed based on one report alone

​DSP is available for individuals aged 16 years and over. For children under 16, families may instead access supports through the NDIS or carer payments.

​Private Health Insurance
Depending on your extras cover, you may be eligible for psychology rebates.

Typical rebates range from:
• $50–$120 per session

Please note:
• Medicare and private health rebates cannot be claimed for the same session
• Some families choose to use Medicare rebates first, then private health for additional sessions

​We recommend checking directly with your insurer for details of your cover.

NDIS
The NDIS does not fund diagnostic assessments.
However, funding may be used for:
• Functional assessments
• Therapy supports
Diagnosis is typically completed outside of NDIS funding.

Payment Information
To support a smooth assessment process:
• Payment is required on the day of each session
• Progression to the next stage occurs once previous sessions are finalised

​We will outline the assessment schedule in advance so you know what to expect.

Planning Your Costs
Families often use a combination of:
• Medicare rebates
• Private health rebates
• Private payment

We are happy to talk this through with you so you can choose an approach that suits your family.

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Signs You May Benefit From a Learning Assessment
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• Difficulty learning to read or recognise words
• Ongoing spelling or writing difficulties
• Challenges understanding or applying maths concepts
• Falling behind at school despite effort
• Teacher concerns about academic progress

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free 20min connect Session
with our clinical psychologist

If you’re unsure whether an assessment is the right next step, we offer a Free 20-minute Meet & Greet call with our Clinical Psychologist.

Book Now

Not Sure if this is a Learning Difficulty?

If your child is struggling with reading, writing, or maths, it can be difficult to know whether this is part of normal development or something that may need further support.

Some children may:

• Need more time or repetition
• Be experiencing attention or focus challenges
• Feel overwhelmed or lose confidence with schoolwork

​Understanding the underlying reason can help guide the right support.

Learn more about learning difficulties and support options

Use our learning difficulties checklist

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We Can Help You Work This Out

​If you’re unsure what type of assessment your child may need, you don’t need to figure it out alone.
Our team can:

• Talk through your concerns
• Help identify patterns
• Recommend the most appropriate assessment pathway

Speak with our team about your concerns
Our team is here to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us an email here

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When to Consider Occupational Therapy Instead

​You may wish to consider an Occupational Therapy Cognitive Assessment if your focus is on:
• Everyday functioning and independence
• Memory or attention in daily tasks
• Functional Capacity Assessments (NDIS)

Learn More

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Frequently Asked Questions - Specific Learning Disorder Assessments

What is a Specific Learning Disorder assessment?
A Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) assessment is a comprehensive psychology assessment that explores difficulties related to reading, writing, spelling, mathematics, comprehension, or academic learning.

What is a Specific Learning Disorder?
A Specific Learning Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition involving ongoing difficulties in academic skills such as reading, written expression, spelling, or mathematics despite appropriate learning opportunities.

What are signs a child may have a learning disorder?
Signs may include difficulties with reading, spelling, writing, comprehension, maths, memory, organisation, following instructions, or keeping up with schoolwork compared to peers.

What is the difference between dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia?

• Dyslexia relates to reading and language-based learning difficulties
• Dysgraphia relates to writing and written expression difficulties
• Dyscalculia relates to mathematics and number-based difficulties

A comprehensive assessment helps identify which learning areas may be affected.

What age can a child be assessed for a learning disorder?
Assessments are commonly completed during primary school years, although some children may benefit from assessment earlier or later depending on their presentation and educational needs.

What assessments are used for Specific Learning Disorder evaluations?
Assessments may include cognitive testing, academic achievement testing, questionnaires, developmental history review, interviews, behavioural observations, and clinical interpretation.

What is cognitive testing?
Cognitive testing explores areas such as reasoning, memory, processing speed, verbal comprehension, attention, and problem-solving abilities.

What is academic achievement testing?
Academic achievement testing assesses skills related to reading, spelling, writing, comprehension, mathematics, and academic performance.

Can a Clinical Psychologist diagnose a Specific Learning Disorder?
Yes. Clinical Psychologists are qualified to assess and diagnose Specific Learning Disorders using evidence-based assessment processes.

How long does a Specific Learning Disorder assessment take?
Timeframes vary depending on the individual and complexity of presentation. Assessments are completed across multiple sessions and may include interviews, testing sessions, scoring, interpretation, report writing, and feedback appointments.

How many sessions are involved?
Assessments commonly involve questionnaires, interviews, cognitive testing, academic testing, scoring, report writing, and feedback sessions completed across multiple appointments.

What happens after the assessment?
Following the assessment, families usually receive a comprehensive report, feedback session, and recommendations that may assist with school supports, accommodations, learning strategies, and intervention planning.

Can learning disorder assessments help with school supports?
Yes. Assessment reports may assist schools in understanding the student’s learning profile and identifying accommodations, supports, adjustments, or intervention recommendations.

Are learning disorder assessments covered by Medicare?
Medicare rebates may be available for eligible sessions depending on referral pathways and individual circumstances. Medicare generally does not cover report writing or scoring time.

Can my child have both ADHD and a learning disorder?
Yes. ADHD and Specific Learning Disorders can co-occur, and some children experience both attention-related and academic learning difficulties.

Can Autism and learning disorders occur together?
Yes. Some autistic individuals may also experience Specific Learning Disorders affecting reading, writing, spelling, or mathematics.

Can adults be assessed for learning disorders?
Yes. Specific Learning Disorder assessments can also be completed for adolescents and adults where learning difficulties continue to impact education, work, or daily functioning.

Can assessments be completed through telehealth?
Some parts of the assessment process may be completed via telehealth where clinically appropriate. However, some testing components may require in-person assessment.

Do I need a referral for a learning disorder assessment?
No referral is required to book an assessment. However, some families may access Medicare rebates through eligible referral pathways.

What if my child feels anxious about testing?
This is very common. Assessments are completed in a supportive and flexible way, and the psychologist adapts sessions to suit the child’s pace, comfort, and support needs.

Have a question? or need more information

Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3934 or send us an email here

Areas We Service ​
​Our Clinical Psychologist based in Rockingham, Western Australia, provides Psychology Assessments to clients across the South of Perth to Mandurah suburbs and surrounding areas.

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Anketell
Atwell
Baldivis
Banjup
Barragup
Bertram
Bibra Lake
Bouvard
Calista
Casuarina
Clifton
Cockburn Central
Coogee

Coolbellup
Cooloongup
Dawesville
Dudley Park
East Rockingham
Erskine
Falcon
Furnissdale
Garden Island
Golden Bay
Greenfields
Halls Head
Hamel

Hamilton Hill
Hammond Park
Herron
Hope Valley
Hopeland
Jandakot
Karnup
Keralup
Kwinana Beach
Kwinana Town Centre
Lakelands
Leda

Madora Bay
Mandogalup
Mandurah
Meadow Springs
Medina
Nambeelup
Naval Base
North Coogee
North Dandalup
Oakford
Orelia
Parklands
Parmelia

Peron
Pinjarra
Port Kennedy
Postans
Ravenswood
Rockingham
Safety Bay
San Remo
Secret Harbour
Serpentine
Shoalwater
Silver Sands
Singleton

South Lake
South Yunderup
Spearwood
Stake Hill
Success
The Spectacles
Wandi
Wannanup
Warnbro
Wattleup
Wellard
West Pinjarra
Yangebup

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 To secure your spot, please fill out the our enquiry form or phone us ​

Enquire Now

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Belong Health's Resource Hub
To further support your child's development, visit our Resource Hub for additional activities, tips, and tools tailored for various needs and diagnoses.
Below are our Child Psychology Free Resources

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Home Therapy Packs
At Belong Health, we are dedicated to providing tailored support that meets the unique needs of each child. Developed by our Paediatric Occupational Therapists, our Home Therapy Packs are specifically designed to align with NDIS goals, offering flexible, practical, and engaging activities for children at home.
To further enhance your approach, consider our Home Therapy Packs, specifically designed to support communication development at home.

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