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.
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.
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
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
Who This Assessment May Help
This assessment may be helpful for:
• 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.
This assessment may be helpful for:
• 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.
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.
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.
Assessment Process
Additional information from school (where applicable) may be requested to support assessment.
- Referral or enquiry received
- Reviewed by Clinical Psychologist
- Parent and/or individual questionnaire completed
- Assessment session scheduled
- WIAT-III assessment completed
- Scoring, interpretation, and report writing
- Feedback session provided
Additional information from school (where applicable) may be requested to support assessment.
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.
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.
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.
• 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.
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
• 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
Fees & Funding
We aim to provide clear and transparent information so families can plan assessments with confidence.
Specific Learning Disorder Assessment
Approx. 6 hours total
$232.99 per hour
Total: $1,397.94
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.
We aim to provide clear and transparent information so families can plan assessments with confidence.
Specific Learning Disorder Assessment
Approx. 6 hours total
$232.99 per hour
Total: $1,397.94
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.
Signs You May Benefit From a Learning Assessment
• 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
• 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
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:
Understanding the underlying reason can help guide the right support.
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.
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:
Speak with our team about your concerns
Our team is here to help call us on 08 9586 3634 or send us an email here
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 3634 or send us an email here
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)
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)
SLD (Learning) Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Specific Learning Disorder?
It refers to difficulties in reading, writing, or mathematics that are not explained by overall cognitive ability.
What is dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia?
How is a learning disorder diagnosed?
Through assessment of academic skills (e.g. WIAT-III), alongside cognitive ability and background information.
Can adults have a learning assessment?
Yes. Assessments are available for adolescents and adults.
What happens after diagnosis?
A report with recommendations is provided to support learning at school, study, or work.
What is a Specific Learning Disorder?
It refers to difficulties in reading, writing, or mathematics that are not explained by overall cognitive ability.
What is dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia?
- Dyslexia: difficulty with reading
- Dysgraphia: difficulty with writing
- Dyscalculia: difficulty with mathematics
How is a learning disorder diagnosed?
Through assessment of academic skills (e.g. WIAT-III), alongside cognitive ability and background information.
Can adults have a learning assessment?
Yes. Assessments are available for adolescents and adults.
What happens after diagnosis?
A report with recommendations is provided to support learning at school, study, or work.
Have a question? or need more information
Our friendly team are happy to help call us on 08 9586 3634 or send us an email here
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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.
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 |
To secure your spot, please fill out the our enquiry form or phone us
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
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
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.
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.
