At a Glance

Assessment Type: Comprehensive Learning & Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) Assessment

Completed By: Registered Psychologist

Suitable For: Children and adolescents (approximately 7-17 years)

Assessment Focus: Learning profile, cognitive abilities and academic achievement

May Identify: Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in Reading (Dyslexia), Written Expression (Dysgraphia) and/or Mathematics (Dyscalculia), where diagnostic criteria are met

Includes: Parent intake, cognitive assessment (where appropriate), academic achievement assessment, comprehensive report and feedback session

Location: Community-based throughout Perth

Appointments: Immediate Capacity Available

First Step: Complimentary 20-minute Telehealth Meet & Greet

Comprehensive Learning & Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) Assessments  Fees

Our Comprehensive Learning & Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) Assessment Options

Every child's learning profile is unique.
Some children experience difficulties primarily with reading, writing and spelling, while others have broader challenges that also affect mathematics.

To ensure your child receives the most appropriate assessment, Belong Health offers two Comprehensive Learning & Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) Assessment options. During your Complimentary 20-Minute Meet & Greet, our Registered Psychologist will discuss your concerns and help determine which assessment is best suited to your child's individual needs.

If your concerns relate more to attention, autism, cognitive ability or broader developmental differences, you may also wish to explore our ADHD Assessments, Autism Assessments, Combined Autism & ADHD Assessments, or Intellectual Assessments before deciding on the most appropriate pathway.

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Comprehensive Learning Assessment & Specific Learning Disorder Assessment ​
Reading, Writing & Spelling $2,290

This assessment is designed for children and adolescents who are experiencing ongoing literacy difficulties.
It investigates challenges affecting reading, writing and spelling while developing a detailed understanding of your child's overall learning profile.

​Where clinically appropriate, the assessment may determine whether your child meets the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for:

• Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in Reading (Dyslexia)
• Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in Written Expression (Dysgraphia)

​This assessment may be appropriate if your child is:

• Struggling to learn to read.
• Reading significantly below expected levels.
• Having ongoing spelling difficulties.
• Finding written work much harder than verbal tasks.
• Becoming frustrated during literacy activities.
• Receiving literacy intervention with limited progress.
• Falling behind in English despite working hard.

Assessment Includes
✔ Complimentary 20-minute Meet & Greet
✔ Parent intake appointment
✔ Comprehensive developmental and educational history
✔ Evidence-based assessment
✔ Cognitive assessment (where clinically appropriate)
✔ Reading assessment
✔ Writing assessment
✔ Spelling assessment
✔ Academic achievement assessment
✔ Clinical interpretation
✔ Comprehensive psychology report
✔ Parent feedback session
✔ Individualised recommendations

If your primary concerns relate to literacy, you can also learn more about our dedicated Reading, Writing & Spelling Assessment page, which explains this assessment pathway in greater detail.

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Comprehensive Learning Assessment & Specific Learning Disorder Assessment
Reading, Writing, Spelling & Mathematics $2,590

This assessment is recommended for children whose learning difficulties extend beyond literacy and include mathematics.
It provides a broader investigation of your child's academic profile while exploring strengths and challenges across multiple learning areas.

Where clinically appropriate, this assessment may investigate whether your child meets the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for:

• Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in Reading (Dyslexia)
• Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in Written Expression (Dysgraphia)
• Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in Mathematics (Dyscalculia)

​This assessment may be suitable if your child is:

• Experiencing literacy and mathematics difficulties.
• Falling behind across several school subjects.
• Finding both English and mathematics challenging.
• Receiving multiple educational supports.
• Requiring a broader understanding of their learning profile.

Assessment Includes
✔ Complimentary 20-minute Meet & Greet
✔ Parent intake appointment
✔ Comprehensive developmental and educational history
✔ Evidence-based assessment
✔ Cognitive assessment (where clinically appropriate)
✔ Reading assessment
✔ Writing assessment
✔ Spelling assessment
✔ Mathematics assessment
✔ Academic achievement assessment
✔ Clinical interpretation
✔ Comprehensive psychology report
✔ Parent feedback session
✔ Individualised recommendations

Families wanting more detailed information about this assessment can also visit our Reading, Writing, Spelling & Mathematics Assessment page.

free 20min connect Session
with our Registered psychologist

If you're unsure which Comprehensive Learning Assessment is most appropriate for your child, we're here to help.

​Book a free 20-minute Telehealth Meet & Greet with our Registered Psychologist to discuss your concerns, ask questions and determine the most suitable assessment pathway based on your child's individual needs.

Book Now

Is Your Child Finding School More Difficult Than Expected?

Every child develops academically at their own pace, and it's completely normal for children to need extra support from time to time.

​However, when learning difficulties become persistent, begin affecting confidence or continue despite quality teaching and targeted intervention, many families start looking for answers.
Parents often contact us because their child is:

• Falling behind in reading, writing, spelling or mathematics.
• Working much harder than their classmates to achieve similar results.
• Reading accurately but struggling to understand what they've read.
• Finding writing significantly more difficult than speaking.
• Having ongoing spelling difficulties despite regular practice.
• Becoming frustrated or anxious during homework.
• Taking much longer than expected to complete schoolwork.
• Receiving tutoring or additional learning support with limited improvement.
• Appearing highly capable but consistently underperforming at school.
• Being identified by teachers as requiring further investigation into their learning.
• Showing signs that may be consistent with Dyslexia, Dysgraphia or Dyscalculia.
• Losing confidence in their ability to learn.

Learning difficulties can affect far more than academic performance.
They may also influence confidence, self-esteem, motivation, emotional wellbeing and participation in everyday school life.

A Comprehensive Learning & Specific Learning Disorder Assessment helps investigate why these challenges are occurring, allowing families to move beyond uncertainty and towards a clearer understanding of how their child learns.

If you're still unsure whether this is the right assessment, you may find our Does My Child Need a Psychological Assessment? guide helpful, as it explains when different types of psychology assessments may be appropriate and what each assessment is designed to investigate.

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What Parents Are Usually Asking

When families first contact us, they often tell us they've spent months - or even years - trying to understand why learning seems so much harder for their child than for other children.
Some of the questions we hear most often include:

• Why is my child struggling at school?
• Does my child have dyslexia?
• Could it be dysgraphia or dyscalculia?
• Why is reading so difficult when they seem so intelligent?
• Why does my child understand things verbally but struggle to write them down?
• Does my child need a learning assessment?
• What is a Specific Learning Disorder?
• What is the difference between a learning difficulty and a Specific Learning Disorder?
• Can a Registered Psychologist diagnose dyslexia?
• Will an assessment help my child's school better understand their learning needs?
• What happens if my child doesn't receive a diagnosis?

A Comprehensive Learning & Specific Learning Disorder Assessment is designed to answer these questions by building a detailed picture of your child's cognitive abilities, academic skills and individual learning profile.

Rather than relying on one assessment tool or one test score, our Registered Psychologist carefully integrates developmental history, educational history, evidence-based assessment findings and professional clinical judgement to understand not only what your child is finding difficult, but why those challenges may be occurring.

The assessment also helps identify your child's strengths, because understanding what your child does well is just as important as identifying the areas where additional support may be helpful.

Depending on the assessment findings, recommendations may include practical strategies for home, suggestions that families may choose to discuss with their child's school, and, where appropriate, consideration of other supports.

For example, some children may also benefit from our Speech Pathology services if language difficulties are affecting literacy development, or Occupational Therapy if fine motor skills, handwriting or classroom participation are contributing to learning challenges. Where emotional wellbeing or school-related anxiety has become a concern, our Children & Teens Counselling service may also provide valuable support.

Because Belong Health is a multidisciplinary practice, recommendations can be coordinated across services where appropriate, while always remaining focused on your child's individual needs.

​What Is a Comprehensive Learning & Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) Assessment?

A Comprehensive Learning & Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) Assessment is a detailed assessment completed by a Registered Psychologist to understand how your child learns, identify their individual strengths and challenges, and investigate the factors contributing to learning difficulties.

While classroom assessments and school reports provide valuable information about your child's academic performance, they don't always explain why learning is difficult.

Our assessments look beyond school grades and test scores to build a complete picture of your child's learning profile.

Rather than focusing on one subject or one skill, a Comprehensive Learning & Specific Learning Disorder Assessment considers many aspects of learning, including cognitive abilities, academic achievement, educational history, developmental history and clinical observations.

By bringing this information together, we can better understand why your child may be experiencing difficulties and provide practical recommendations tailored to their individual needs.

Where clinically appropriate, the assessment may also determine whether your child meets the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) affecting reading, written expression and/or mathematics.

Whether your child ultimately receives a diagnosis or not, the assessment is designed to provide families with a clearer understanding of how their child learns best and what supports may help them reach their potential.

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What Does the Assessment Explore?

Every child is different, which means no two assessments are exactly the same.

Our Registered Psychologist selects evidence-based assessment tools based on your child's age, presentation, referral concerns and educational history.
Depending on your child's individual circumstances, the assessment may explore:

• Cognitive abilities and overall learning profile
• Reading accuracy, fluency and comprehension
• Written expression and written language skills
• Spelling abilities
• Mathematical reasoning and calculation skills
• Processing speed
• Working memory
• Phonological processing
• Academic achievement
• Learning strengths
• Areas requiring additional support
• Behavioural observations during assessment
• Developmental and educational history

Rather than viewing these results in isolation, they are carefully interpreted together to develop a comprehensive understanding of your child's learning profile.

This individualised approach allows recommendations to be tailored specifically to your child's strengths, challenges and educational goals.

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Understanding Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs)

One of the most common reasons families contact us is because they are wondering whether their child may have a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD).

A Specific Learning Disorder is a recognised neurodevelopmental condition described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR).

It affects the way a person learns and uses specific academic skills despite receiving appropriate teaching, targeted intervention and learning opportunities.

Specific Learning Disorders are lifelong conditions, but with early identification and appropriate educational supports, many children develop effective strategies that allow them to thrive both academically and personally.

Our role is to carefully investigate whether your child's learning profile is consistent with the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria while also identifying the many strengths they bring to their learning.

If you're new to this area, you may also like to read our Specific Learning Disorders Explained guide, which provides a family-friendly overview of what Specific Learning Disorders are, how they are identified and how they may affect learning.

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The Three Types of Specific Learning Disorder

The DSM-5-TR recognises three areas in which a Specific Learning Disorder may occur.
Although these are often referred to by their more familiar names, understanding the clinical terminology helps explain what the assessment is investigating.

Specific Learning Disorder with Impairment in Reading (Dyslexia)

Reading is one of the most complex skills children develop.
It relies on multiple abilities working together, including recognising sounds within words, decoding unfamiliar words, reading fluently and understanding written language.
Children experiencing reading difficulties may:

• Read much more slowly than expected.
• Frequently guess unfamiliar words.
• Have difficulty sounding out words.
• Avoid reading aloud.
• Need to reread information several times.
• Become frustrated during reading activities.
• Understand stories when someone else reads to them but struggle to read independently.

Where clinically appropriate, our assessment investigates whether these difficulties are consistent with Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in Reading (Dyslexia).

Families wanting to learn more about reading difficulties may also find our Why Is My Child Struggling to Read?, Signs of Dyslexia by Age, Dyslexia Checklist, and Dyslexia Support resources helpful.

Specific Learning Disorder with Impairment in Written Expression (Dysgraphia)

Writing is far more than putting words on paper.
It requires children to organise ideas, construct sentences, apply grammar and punctuation, remember spelling patterns and communicate their thoughts clearly.
Children experiencing written expression difficulties may:

• Produce very little written work.
• Find organising ideas difficult.
• Have ongoing spelling difficulties.
• Know the answer verbally but struggle to write it down.
• Become overwhelmed by writing tasks.
• Take much longer than classmates to complete written work.

Where clinically appropriate, our assessment investigates whether these difficulties are consistent with Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in Written Expression (Dysgraphia).

To learn more, visit our Why Is My Child Struggling With Writing?, Signs of Dysgraphia by Age, Dysgraphia Checklist, and Dysgraphia Support pages.

Specific Learning Disorder with Impairment in Mathematics (Dyscalculia)

Mathematics involves much more than learning times tables.
Children develop a wide range of mathematical skills including number sense, calculation, reasoning and problem solving.
Some children experience ongoing mathematics difficulties despite putting in significant effort.
You may notice your child:

• Finds basic number concepts confusing.
• Has difficulty remembering arithmetic facts.
• Struggles with mathematical reasoning.
• Becomes anxious during maths lessons.
• Finds worded maths problems particularly challenging.
• Takes much longer than expected to complete mathematics tasks.

Where clinically appropriate, our assessment investigates whether these difficulties are consistent with Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in Mathematics (Dyscalculia).

Families may also wish to explore our Why Is My Child Struggling With Maths?, Signs of Dyscalculia by Age, Dyscalculia Checklist, and Dyscalculia Support resources.

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Learning Difficulties vs Specific Learning Disorders

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they do not mean the same thing.
​
Understanding the difference helps families better understand what a Comprehensive Learning & Specific Learning Disorder Assessment is designed to investigate.

Learning Difficulties

A broad term describing challenges with learning.

May have many different causes.

Is not a diagnosis on its own.

May relate to language, attention, emotional wellbeing, interrupted schooling, hearing, vision or other developmental factors.

May improve once the underlying cause is identified and addressed.

Specific Learning Disorder (SLD)

A formal diagnosis recognised in the DSM-5-TR.

Has specific diagnostic criteria that must be met.

Can only be diagnosed following a comprehensive assessment completed by an appropriately qualified clinician.

Specifically affects reading, written expression and/or mathematics despite appropriate learning opportunities.

Represents a neurodevelopmental condition that typically requires ongoing educational supports and strategies.

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Not every child experiencing learning difficulties will meet the criteria for a Specific Learning Disorder.

Likewise, children with a Specific Learning Disorder often have many strengths that can be built upon.

Our role is to understand the whole child - not simply determine whether a diagnosis is present.

As part of this process, we may also recommend further assessment where appropriate. For example, if concerns extend beyond learning, families may benefit from learning more about our Autism Assessments, ADHD Assessments, Combined Autism & ADHD Assessments, or Intellectual Assessments, depending on their child's individual presentation and referral questions.

Who Should Consider a Comprehensive Learning & Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) Assessment?

A Comprehensive Learning & Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) Assessment is designed for children and adolescents who are experiencing ongoing learning challenges that cannot be fully explained through everyday classroom assessments alone.

Many families contact us after trying additional tutoring, classroom supports or extra practice at home without seeing the progress they were hoping for. Others are referred by teachers, paediatricians, GPs or allied health professionals who believe a more detailed understanding of the child's learning profile may be beneficial.

You don't need to wait until your child is significantly behind before seeking an assessment.
Early identification of learning strengths and challenges can help families make informed decisions about educational planning, classroom supports and future intervention.

If you're unsure whether this is the right assessment, our Complimentary 20-Minute Meet & Greet provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns with our Registered Psychologist before deciding on the most appropriate assessment pathway.

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Your Child May Benefit from an Assessment If They...

Are Struggling with Reading

Reading difficulties can affect far more than English lessons.
Children who find reading difficult often begin avoiding books, lose confidence in the classroom and become increasingly frustrated with school.
You may notice your child:

• Reads much more slowly than classmates.
• Frequently guesses unfamiliar words.
• Needs to reread the same sentence several times.
• Avoids reading aloud.
• Has difficulty remembering common words.
• Understands stories when someone else reads to them but struggles when reading independently.
• Becomes tired or upset during reading activities.

These concerns may indicate the need for further assessment.

Families wanting to better understand reading difficulties may also find our Why Is My Child Struggling to Read?, Signs of Dyslexia by Age, Dyslexia Checklist, and Dyslexia Support resources helpful.

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Are Struggling with Writing or Spelling

Writing requires children to combine language, memory, organisation and literacy skills all at the same time.
Children experiencing writing difficulties may:

• Know the answer but struggle to write it down.
• Produce very little written work.
• Take significantly longer than classmates to complete written tasks.
• Continue making spelling mistakes despite regular practice.
• Become frustrated whenever writing is required.
• Have difficulty organising ideas into sentences or paragraphs.

These challenges may affect classroom participation, homework completion and confidence.

To learn more, explore our Why Is My Child Struggling With Writing?, Signs of Dysgraphia by Age, Dysgraphia Checklist, and Dysgraphia Support guides.

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Are Finding Mathematics Increasingly Difficult

Mathematics difficulties are not always about intelligence.
Some children understand mathematical concepts but struggle to apply them consistently, while others have difficulty developing basic number knowledge from an early age.
Your child may:

• Find number concepts confusing.
• Forget mathematical procedures from one lesson to the next.
• Struggle with multiplication tables.
• Become overwhelmed by multi-step problems.
• Find worded maths questions particularly challenging.
• Avoid mathematics homework.

Families concerned about mathematics may also like to read our Why Is My Child Struggling With Maths?, Signs of Dyscalculia by Age, Dyscalculia Checklist, and Dyscalculia Support resources.

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Work Extremely Hard but Continue to Fall Behind

Some children put enormous effort into learning yet continue to struggle academically.
Teachers often describe these children as:

• Hard working.
• Highly motivated.
• Well behaved.
• Attentive.
• Keen to learn.

Despite this, they may continue experiencing persistent academic difficulties.

This can be particularly frustrating because the child often recognises they are working just as hard as everyone else.

A Comprehensive Learning & Specific Learning Disorder Assessment helps explore why this mismatch may be occurring.

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Appear Bright but Are Underachieving at School

One of the biggest misconceptions about learning difficulties is that they only affect children with lower intellectual ability.

In reality, many children with average, above-average or exceptionally high cognitive abilities experience significant learning challenges.
Parents often tell us:
"We know they're intelligent, but something just isn't clicking."
These children may:

• Ask thoughtful questions.
• Have excellent verbal skills.
• Show strong problem-solving abilities.
• Display impressive creativity.
• Have advanced interests outside school.

Yet still experience significant difficulties with reading, writing or mathematics.

Understanding both strengths and challenges allows recommendations to build on your child's existing abilities while supporting areas that require additional assistance.

If broader cognitive abilities are also a concern, our Intellectual Assessments page explains how cognitive assessments differ from learning assessments and when each may be appropriate.

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Have Been Referred by Their School, GP or Paediatrician

Many children are referred for assessment after concerns have been raised by:

• Teachers
• Learning support staff
• School psychologists
• General Practitioners (GPs)
• Paediatricians
• Speech Pathologists
• Occupational Therapists

These professionals may notice patterns suggesting a child would benefit from a more comprehensive understanding of their learning profile.

Our Registered Psychologist works collaboratively with families and, where appropriate and with consent, recommendations can be shared with relevant members of your child's support team to promote a consistent approach across home and school.

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Learning Difficulties Can Affect More Than Academic Results

When people think about learning difficulties, they often think about school grades.
However, the impact frequently extends much further.
Persistent learning challenges can influence:

• Confidence and self-esteem.
• Motivation to learn.
• Participation in the classroom.
• Friendships and social confidence.
• Emotional wellbeing.
• School attendance.
• Anxiety around homework and tests.
• Family relationships during homework time.

Over time, children may begin comparing themselves with classmates and believing they are "not smart" or "not good at school," even when this is far from the truth.

Understanding why learning feels difficult is often the first step towards rebuilding confidence.

If learning difficulties are beginning to affect your child's emotional wellbeing, confidence or enjoyment of school, families may also find our Children & Teens Counselling service helpful alongside educational supports.

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Every Child Has Strengths

One of the most rewarding parts of a Comprehensive Learning & Specific Learning Disorder Assessment is helping families recognise their child's strengths - not just their challenges.
Many children referred for assessment are:

• Curious.
• Creative.
• Compassionate.
• Excellent problem solvers.
• Strong visual thinkers.
• Fantastic communicators.
• Highly determined.
• Innovative learners.

Our assessments are designed to identify these strengths and use them to inform practical recommendations that support future learning.
Because understanding what your child does well is just as important as understanding what they find difficult.

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Not Sure Which Psychology Assessment Is Right?

Belong Health provides a range of psychology assessments, and sometimes families aren't sure which assessment best matches their concerns.
Depending on your child's presentation, you may also wish to explore our:

• Psychology Assessments 
• Autism Assessments
• ADHD Assessments
• Combined Autism & ADHD Assessments
• Intellectual Assessments
• Comprehensive Learning Assessments for Reading, Writing & Spelling
• Comprehensive Learning Assessments for Reading, Writing, Spelling & Mathematics
  

​If you're still unsure, we're here to help.

A Complimentary 20-Minute Meet & Greet with our Registered Psychologist allows you to discuss your concerns, ask questions and receive guidance about the most appropriate assessment pathway for your child before booking.

Our Comprehensive Learning & Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) Assessment Process

Choosing to have your child assessed is an important decision, and it's completely natural to have questions about what the process involves.

At Belong Health, we've designed our assessment process to be clear, supportive and family-centred from your first enquiry through to your feedback appointment.

Our goal isn't simply to complete an assessment - it's to help you better understand how your child learns, provide practical recommendations and ensure you feel informed and supported throughout the entire journey.

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Step 1 - Complimentary 20-Minute Meet & Greet

Your journey begins with a complimentary 20-minute Telehealth Meet & Greet with our Registered Psychologist.
This obligation-free appointment gives you the opportunity to:

• Discuss your concerns.
• Explain the learning difficulties you've noticed.
• Ask questions about the assessment process.
• Learn about the different assessment options available.
• Determine whether a Comprehensive Learning & Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) Assessment is the most appropriate assessment for your child.

If another assessment may better address your concerns - for example, an Autism Assessment, ADHD Assessment, Combined Autism & ADHD Assessment, or Intellectual Assessment - our psychologist will explain these options so you can make an informed decision before proceeding.

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Step 2 - Parent Intake Appointment

Once you've decided to proceed, we'll arrange a parent intake appointment.

This is one of the most important parts of the assessment process because it provides valuable background information that helps our psychologist interpret your child's assessment results accurately.

During this appointment we'll discuss topics such as:

• Pregnancy, birth and early development.
• Developmental milestones.
• Medical history.
• Family history.
• Educational history.
• Previous assessments.
• Previous intervention or tutoring.
• Current school supports.
• Your child's strengths.
• Your child's interests.
• Current concerns at home and school.
• Your goals for the assessment.

Every child has a unique story, and understanding this context helps ensure the assessment findings are interpreted within the bigger picture of your child's development.

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Step 3 - Comprehensive Assessment Session

Your child will then attend their assessment appointment with our Registered Psychologist.
Assessment sessions are designed to be engaging, supportive and age appropriate.

Many children are understandably a little nervous beforehand, but quickly become comfortable once they realise the assessment involves a variety of activities rather than traditional "school tests."
​
Depending on your child's age, referral questions and individual presentation, the assessment may include evidence-based measures exploring:

• Cognitive abilities (where clinically appropriate).
• Reading skills.
• Writing skills.
• Spelling.
• Mathematics.
• Academic achievement.
• Processing speed.
• Working memory.
• Phonological processing.
• Learning strengths.
• Problem-solving abilities.

Rather than relying on a single assessment tool, multiple evidence-based measures are used to develop a comprehensive understanding of your child's learning profile.

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Step 4 - Clinical Analysis & Report Writing

Once the assessment has been completed, the work behind the scenes begins.
This stage involves much more than simply calculating scores.

Our Registered Psychologist carefully reviews and integrates information from:

• Parent interview.
• Developmental history.
• Educational history.
• Assessment findings.
• Behavioural observations.
• Clinical judgement.
• Current diagnostic criteria.
• Evidence-based practice.

This detailed clinical interpretation allows us to understand not only what your child is experiencing, but why those learning patterns may be occurring.

​A comprehensive psychology report is then prepared.
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Your report may include:

• A summary of the assessment process.
• Developmental and educational history.
• Assessment findings.
• Interpretation of results.
• Learning strengths.
• Areas requiring additional support.
• Diagnostic conclusions (where clinically appropriate).
• Practical recommendations for home.
• Recommendations that families may choose to share with their child's school.
• Suggestions for future intervention where appropriate.

Our reports are written in clear, easy-to-understand language while maintaining the professional detail required by schools, medical practitioners and other health professionals.

​What Will You Receive?

Every Comprehensive Learning & Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) Assessment includes much more than testing.

Our goal is to provide families with meaningful answers and practical guidance that can support their child's learning well beyond the assessment itself.

Following the assessment, you will receive:

A Comprehensive Psychology Report
Your report explains:

• Your child's cognitive profile.
• Academic strengths.
• Areas of learning difficulty.
• Assessment findings.
• Clinical interpretation.
• Diagnostic conclusions (where appropriate).
• Practical recommendations for home.
• Recommendations that families may choose to share with their child's school.
• Suggested next steps and intervention options.

Reports are written in clear, professional language that is suitable for families while also being useful for schools, paediatricians, GPs and other allied health professionals involved in your child's care.

Individualised Recommendations

No two children learn in exactly the same way.
Rather than providing generic advice, every report includes recommendations based on your child's individual learning profile.
Recommendations may include:

• Classroom strategies.
• Home learning strategies.
• Literacy supports.
• Numeracy supports.
• Educational accommodations.
• Recommendations for further intervention where appropriate.

Where clinically indicated, recommendations may also include support through other Belong Health services such as Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, or Children & Teens Counselling.

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Step 5 - Feedback Appointment

Once your report has been completed, you'll meet with your Registered Psychologist for a feedback session.
This appointment provides an opportunity to:

• Discuss the assessment findings in detail.
• Better understand your child's learning profile.
• Review any diagnosis where applicable.
• Ask questions about the results.
• Discuss recommendations.
• Understand practical next steps.

Our goal is that every family leaves this appointment with a much clearer understanding of their child's strengths, learning differences and the supports that may help them thrive.

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After the Assessment - Understanding the Next Steps

Every child's journey is different.

Following the assessment, recommendations will depend on your child's individual strengths, challenges and goals.
Recommendations may include:

• Classroom adjustments or educational strategies to discuss with your child's school.
• Targeted literacy or numeracy intervention.
• Ongoing tutoring or educational support.
• Home-based learning strategies.
• Review by another healthcare professional if appropriate.

Where clinically indicated, your psychologist may also recommend additional support through other Belong Health services.
For example:

• Our Speech Pathology team may assist children whose language development is affecting literacy, reading comprehension or written language skills.
• Our Occupational Therapy team may support children experiencing handwriting difficulties, fine motor challenges, classroom participation concerns or sensory processing differences that may impact learning.
• Our Children & Teens Counselling service may benefit children whose confidence, anxiety or emotional wellbeing has been affected by ongoing learning challenges.

Because Belong Health is a multidisciplinary practice, families have access to a collaborative team of allied health professionals who can work together where appropriate to support their child's learning, participation and overall wellbeing.

You can also explore our Learning Difficulties Hub for practical articles, guides and resources covering Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, reading difficulties, writing challenges, mathematics difficulties and strategies that families can begin implementing at home.

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Frequently Asked Question

Will my child definitely receive a diagnosis?
Not necessarily.

A Comprehensive Learning & Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) Assessment is designed to understand your child's learning profile—not simply determine whether they meet the criteria for a diagnosis.

Some children meet the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for a Specific Learning Disorder, while others may have learning difficulties related to different factors or demonstrate learning differences that do not meet the threshold for diagnosis.

Regardless of the outcome, every family receives a comprehensive understanding of their child's strengths, areas of challenge and practical recommendations to support future learning.

For many families, this understanding is just as valuable as receiving a formal diagnosis.

Ready to Better Understand How Your Child Learns?

Finding the right support starts with understanding the reason behind the difficulties.

Book a Complimentary 20-Minute Meet & Greet with our Registered Psychologist to discuss your concerns, ask questions and determine the most appropriate assessment pathway for your child.

✔ No Waitlist
✔ Immediate Appointments Available
✔ Children & Adolescents
✔ Community-Based Throughout Perth

Book Your Free Meet & Greet

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Why Choose Belong Health for a Comprehensive Learning & Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) Assessment?

Choosing the right psychologist is about more than simply booking an assessment.

Families want to feel confident that their concerns are being heard, their child is being understood and the recommendations they receive will be practical, meaningful and individualised.

At Belong Health, our assessments are designed to do much more than determine whether your child meets the criteria for a diagnosis.

Our goal is to help families understand how their child learns, identify their strengths, investigate the factors contributing to learning difficulties and provide practical recommendations that support long-term educational success.

Every assessment is completed by a Registered Psychologist using evidence-based assessment tools, current clinical guidelines and professional judgement to ensure your child receives a comprehensive, individualised assessment.

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A Child-Centred, Family-Focused Approach

Every child brings their own strengths, interests, personality and way of learning.
We believe assessments should reflect this.
Rather than focusing only on areas of difficulty, we aim to understand the whole child by recognising:

• Their strengths.
• Their interests.
• Their learning style.
• Their motivation.
• Their academic profile.
• Their confidence.
• Their educational experiences.
• Their future goals.

This strengths-based approach helps ensure recommendations are realistic, practical and tailored to your child's individual needs.

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A Multidisciplinary Team Working Together

Sometimes learning difficulties occur on their own.

In other situations, they may exist alongside communication differences, sensory processing challenges, emotional wellbeing concerns or other neurodevelopmental conditions.

Because Belong Health provides a range of allied health services, recommendations can be supported by a multidisciplinary team where appropriate.

Depending on your child's individual needs, your psychologist may recommend exploring services such as:

• Occupational Therapy to support handwriting, fine motor skills, sensory processing or participation in everyday school activities.
• Speech Pathology to assist with language development, literacy foundations, reading comprehension or written language.
• Children & Teens Counselling if learning difficulties are affecting confidence, emotional wellbeing, school engagement or anxiety.
• Positive Behaviour Support where behaviours of concern are impacting participation at home, school or in the community for eligible participants.

Having these services available within the one organisation allows families to access coordinated, person-centred support when appropriate.

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Assessment Reports Designed to Support Families and Schools

One of the most valuable outcomes of a Comprehensive Learning & Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) Assessment is the detailed psychology report.

Our reports are designed to provide meaningful information that families can use to better understand their child's learning profile and support future educational planning.

Reports may be useful when discussing your child's needs with:

• Teachers.
• Learning support coordinators.
• School psychologists.
• General Practitioners (GPs).
• Paediatricians.
• Speech Pathologists.
• Occupational Therapists.
• Other professionals involved in your child's care.

Where appropriate, recommendations may also support conversations around educational adjustments and intervention planning.

Evidence-Based Assessment Tools

At Belong Health, our Registered Psychologist uses a range of standardised, evidence-based assessment tools to develop a comprehensive understanding of your child's learning profile.

There is no single test that can determine whether a child has a Specific Learning Disorder.

Instead, the assessment combines information from multiple sources, including standardised assessments, developmental history, educational history, behavioural observations and professional clinical judgement.

Every assessment is individualised.

The specific assessment tools used will depend on your child's age, referral concerns, educational history and the questions the assessment is aiming to answer.

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Cognitive Assessment

Understanding how a child thinks, reasons and processes information is an important part of understanding how they learn.
Where clinically appropriate, cognitive assessment helps identify your child's cognitive strengths and areas that may influence learning.
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Cognitive assessment may explore areas such as:

• Verbal comprehension
• Visual-spatial reasoning
• Fluid reasoning
• Working memory
• Processing speed

Rather than measuring intelligence alone, cognitive assessment helps explain how your child approaches learning, solves problems and processes information.

Where a more comprehensive understanding of cognitive abilities is required, families may also wish to learn about our Intellectual Assessments, which focus specifically on a child's overall cognitive profile.

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Academic Achievement Assessment

Academic achievement assessment explores how your child is performing across key learning areas compared with children of the same age.
Depending on the assessment pathway, this may include:

• Reading accuracy
• Reading fluency
• Reading comprehension
• Written expression
• Spelling
• Mathematics
• Mathematical reasoning
• Numerical operations

These results help identify academic strengths while also highlighting areas where additional educational support may be beneficial.

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Reading Assessment

Reading is much more than recognising words on a page.
Successful reading relies on many different skills working together, including decoding, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.
Assessment may investigate:

• Reading accuracy
• Reading fluency
• Reading rate
• Word recognition
• Decoding unfamiliar words
• Reading comprehension

This information helps determine whether reading difficulties are consistent with a Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in Reading (Dyslexia) or whether other factors may be contributing.

Families wanting to learn more about reading difficulties may also find our Reading, Writing & Spelling Assessment, Why Is My Child Struggling to Read?, Signs of Dyslexia by Age, Dyslexia Checklist, and Dyslexia Support resources helpful.

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Written Expression & Spelling Assessment

Writing is one of the most complex academic skills children develop.
It requires language, memory, planning, organisation and literacy skills to work together efficiently.
Assessment may explore:

• Written expression
• Sentence construction
• Grammar
• Punctuation
• Organisation of ideas
• Spelling accuracy
• Written language skills

These findings help determine whether written expression difficulties are consistent with a Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in Written Expression (Dysgraphia) or whether other factors may be contributing to your child's learning profile.

Families may also like to explore our Reading, Writing & Spelling Assessment, Why Is My Child Struggling With Writing?, Signs of Dysgraphia by Age, Dysgraphia Checklist, and Dysgraphia Support resources.

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Mathematics Assessment

For children experiencing mathematics difficulties, assessment explores much more than whether they can answer sums correctly.
It investigates the underlying skills that support mathematical learning.
Depending on your child's presentation, assessment may include:

• Number concepts
• Arithmetic facts
• Mathematical reasoning
• Calculation
• Numerical operations
• Problem solving
• Mathematical fluency

These findings help determine whether mathematics difficulties are consistent with a Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in Mathematics (Dyscalculia) or whether additional factors may be influencing learning.

Families may also wish to read our Reading, Writing, Spelling & Mathematics Assessment, Why Is My Child Struggling With Maths?, Signs of Dyscalculia by Age, Dyscalculia Checklist, and Dyscalculia Support guides.

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Developmental & Educational History

Assessment is about much more than completing standardised tests.
Understanding your child's developmental journey provides important context for interpreting assessment findings.
As part of the assessment process, your Registered Psychologist carefully considers:

• Early developmental milestones
• Educational history
• Medical history
• Previous assessments
• Previous intervention
• Family history
• Teacher concerns
• Parent observations
• Current educational supports

This information helps ensure assessment findings are interpreted within the broader context of your child's development rather than relying solely on assessment scores.

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Clinical Observation & Professional Judgement

One of the most valuable parts of a Comprehensive Learning & Specific Learning Disorder Assessment is something that cannot be measured by a test score alone.

Throughout the assessment, our Registered Psychologist observes how your child approaches learning tasks, solves problems, manages challenges, responds to feedback and applies different learning strategies.

These observations are considered alongside assessment results, developmental history and educational information to develop a meaningful understanding of your child's learning profile.

Professional clinical judgement plays an essential role in ensuring assessment findings are interpreted accurately and recommendations are tailored to your child's individual needs.

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Why We Use Multiple Assessment Tools

Parents sometimes ask:
"Why does my child need so many different assessments?"
The simple answer is that learning is complex.

Two children may both be struggling with reading, yet the reasons behind those difficulties can be completely different.
For example:

• One child may have strong reasoning abilities but difficulty with phonological processing.
• Another may decode words accurately but struggle with reading comprehension.
• Another may have broader language difficulties affecting literacy development.
• Another may have mathematics difficulties alongside strong literacy skills.

Although these children may appear similar in the classroom, the supports likely to benefit them can be very different.

Using multiple evidence-based assessment tools allows our Registered Psychologist to develop a much more accurate understanding of your child's unique learning profile and provide recommendations that are individualised rather than based on assumptions.

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A Comprehensive Assessment Looks at the Whole Child

At Belong Health, we believe children are far more than assessment scores.
Our assessments are designed to understand the whole child by considering:

• How they think.
• How they learn.
• Their academic strengths.
• Areas of challenge.
• Their interests.
• Their personality.
• Their motivation.
• Their educational experiences.
• Their family context.
• Their future goals.

This holistic approach allows recommendations to focus not only on areas of difficulty but also on building upon your child's existing strengths to support long-term learning and confidence.

If assessment findings suggest that additional support may be beneficial, recommendations may include services such as Speech Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Children & Teens Counselling, or, where appropriate, further psychology assessments including Autism Assessments, ADHD Assessments, or Combined Autism & ADHD Assessments.

Areas Our Perth Based Registered Psychologist Services​

Our Bayswater-based Registered Psychologist provides mobile and community-based services across Bayswater and surrounding Perth suburbs, generally within approximately 20 km of Bayswater.

​This includes nearby suburbs across the inner north, eastern suburbs, Perth CBD, western suburbs, inner south and selected south-east areas.
Availability may depend on travel time, clinician availability, funding type and the support required.
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Bayswater and Surrounding Suburbs
Bayswater, Bedford, Dianella, Embleton, Inglewood, Maylands, Morley, Mount Lawley and Noranda.

Bassendean, Guildford and Swan Area
Ashfield, Bassendean, Beechboro, Bennett Springs, Brabham, Bushmead, Caversham, Dayton, Eden Hill, Guildford, Hazelmere, Henley Brook, Kiara, Lockridge, South Guildford, Viveash, West Swan and Whiteman.

Belmont and Perth Airport Area
Ascot, Belmont, Cloverdale, Kewdale, Perth Airport, Redcliffe, Rivervale and Welshpool.

Midland and Foothills Area
Bellevue, Forrestfield, Greenmount, Helena Valley, High Wycombe, Maida Vale, Midland, Midvale, Stratton, Swan View, Wattle Grove and Woodbridge.

Perth CBD and Inner-City Suburbs
Burswood, Carlisle, East Perth, East Victoria Park, Highgate, Lathlain, Leederville, Mount Hawthorn, North Perth, Northbridge, Perth, Victoria Park and West Perth.

Stirling and Inner Northern Suburbs
Balcatta, Balga, Coolbinia, Duncraig, Glendalough, Gwelup, Hamersley, Herdsman, Joondanna, Menora, Mirrabooka, Nollamara, Osborne Park, Stirling, Tuart Hill, Westminster, Woodlands and Yokine.

Western Suburbs
Churchlands, City Beach, Daglish, Floreat, Jolimont, Karrakatta, Mount Claremont, Nedlands, Shenton Park, Subiaco, Wembley, Wembley Downs and West Leederville.

South Perth and Canning Area
Bentley, Cannington, Como, East Cannington, Ferndale, Karawara, Kensington, Lynwood, Manning, Parkwood, Queens Park, Riverton, Rossmoyne, Salter Point, Shelley, South Perth, St James, Waterford, Willetton and Wilson.

Gosnells and South Eastern Area
Beckenham, Kenwick, Langford, Maddington, Orange Grove and Thornlie.

Melville, Cockburn and Nearby Southern Suburbs
Applecross, Ardross, Attadale, Bateman, Bicton, Bibra Lake, Booragoon, Brentwood, Bull Creek, Coolbellup, Kardinya, Melville, Mount Pleasant, Murdoch, Myaree, North Lake, Palmyra, Willagee and Winthrop.

Fremantle and Surrounding Suburbs
Beaconsfield, East Fremantle, Fremantle, Hamilton Hill, Hilton, North Fremantle, O'Connor, Samson, South Fremantle, Spearwood and White Gum Valley.

​Don't See Your Suburb?

If your suburb isn't listed above, please contact Belong Health. We may still be able to provide services depending on clinician availability, travel distance and whether support can be provided in your home, in the community, at our clinic or via telehealth.

Comprehensive Learning & Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) Assessments
​Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Comprehensive Learning & Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) Assessment?
​A Comprehensive Learning & Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) Assessment is a detailed assessment completed by a Registered Psychologist to understand how a child learns, identify their learning strengths and challenges, and investigate the factors contributing to ongoing difficulties with reading, writing, spelling and/or mathematics.
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The assessment combines developmental history, educational history, evidence-based assessment tools and professional clinical judgement to develop a comprehensive understanding of your child's learning profile.
Where clinically appropriate, the assessment may determine whether your child meets the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria for a Specific Learning Disorder affecting reading (Dyslexia), written expression (Dysgraphia) or mathematics (Dyscalculia).

Is a Comprehensive Learning Assessment the same as a Psychoeducational Assessment?
Yes. The terms are often used interchangeably. A Comprehensive Learning Assessment, also known as a Psychoeducational Assessment, evaluates cognitive and academic functioning to better understand a child's learning profile.

What is the difference between a learning assessment and school testing?
School assessments generally measure academic progress against the curriculum. A Comprehensive Learning Assessment explores why a child may be experiencing learning difficulties by examining cognitive abilities, academic skills and other factors influencing learning.

What age is suitable for a Comprehensive Learning Assessment?
Our Registered Psychologist provides Comprehensive Learning Assessments for children and adolescents aged 7 to 17 years.

Who should consider a Comprehensive Learning Assessment?
Children who are experiencing persistent difficulties with reading, writing, spelling, mathematics or broader academic learning may benefit from a Comprehensive Learning Assessment.

My child is struggling at school. Should they have a learning assessment?
If learning difficulties continue despite appropriate teaching and support, a Comprehensive Learning Assessment may help identify the factors contributing to those challenges and guide future recommendations.

What can a Comprehensive Learning Assessment identify?
Depending on the individual's presentation and assessment findings, the assessment may identify learning difficulties, cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and where clinically appropriate, whether DSM-5 criteria for a Specific Learning Disorder are met.

Can a Comprehensive Learning Assessment diagnose dyslexia?
Where clinically appropriate, the assessment may assist in determining whether a child meets the DSM-5 criteria for a Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in reading, commonly referred to as dyslexia. Diagnosis depends on the overall assessment findings and clinical judgement.

Can a Comprehensive Learning Assessment diagnose dysgraphia?
Yes, where clinically appropriate, the assessment may determine whether a child meets the DSM-5 criteria for a Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in written expression, commonly referred to as dysgraphia.

Can a Comprehensive Learning Assessment diagnose dyscalculia?
Where appropriate, the assessment may assist in determining whether a child meets the DSM-5 criteria for a Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in mathematics, commonly referred to as dyscalculia.

Does every child receive a diagnosis?
No. Some children experience learning difficulties without meeting the diagnostic criteria for a Specific Learning Disorder. Regardless of whether a diagnosis is made, the assessment provides valuable information about a child's learning profile and recommendations.

Can my child have learning difficulties without ADHD or autism?
Yes. Learning difficulties can occur independently or alongside ADHD, autism or other developmental conditions.

Can children have both ADHD and a Specific Learning Disorder?
Yes. Some children experience both conditions. If ADHD or another neurodevelopmental condition is suspected, a separate assessment pathway may be recommended.

What if my child has already had an ADHD assessment?
Previous assessment reports can often provide valuable information. During the Meet & Greet or parent intake appointment, we can discuss whether further learning assessment would still be beneficial.

What if my child has already had an autism assessment?
Autism assessments and Comprehensive Learning Assessments answer different clinical questions. Existing reports may contribute useful background information, but additional assessment may still be appropriate depending on your concerns.

Why are cognitive tests included?
Cognitive assessment helps understand how a child thinks, reasons and processes information. It is one part of developing a comprehensive understanding of a child's learning profile.

Does the assessment include an IQ test?
Where clinically appropriate, cognitive assessment using the WISC-V may form one component of the assessment. However, the assessment extends well beyond cognitive testing alone.

Is this a standalone cognitive assessment?
No. Cognitive testing is included as part of a Comprehensive Learning Assessment where clinically appropriate rather than being provided as a standalone service.

What assessment tools may be used?
Depending on the referral questions and clinical needs, assessments may include tools such as the WISC-V, WIAT-III, YARC, TOWRE-2, TILLS and, where clinically indicated, the CELF Screener.

Does one test diagnose a learning disorder?
No. Diagnosis depends on the integration of assessment findings, developmental history, educational history, behavioural observations and clinical judgement.

How long does a Comprehensive Learning Assessment take?
The assessment process includes a Meet & Greet, parent intake, face-to-face assessment session, scoring and report preparation, followed by a feedback appointment. The direct assessment typically takes approximately 2-3 hours, with additional clinician time dedicated to scoring, interpretation and report writing.

What happens during the parent intake appointment?
The psychologist gathers information about your child's developmental history, educational experiences, previous interventions, strengths, challenges and family goals to provide context for the assessment findings.

What happens during the assessment session?
Your child completes a range of structured assessment activities while the psychologist observes how they approach different learning tasks.

Will my child need breaks?
Yes, where appropriate. Breaks are incorporated to help children remain comfortable and engaged throughout the assessment.

What happens after the assessment?
The psychologist analyses the assessment findings, prepares a comprehensive report and meets with you to explain the results and recommendations.

What will my report include?
Reports typically include background information, assessment findings, clinical interpretation, diagnostic considerations where appropriate and individualised recommendations.

Will the report include recommendations?
Yes. Recommendations are tailored to your child's strengths, learning profile, educational needs and assessment findings.

Can the report be shared with my child's school?
Yes. Many families choose to share the report with their child's school to assist discussions about educational planning and classroom supports.

Will the assessment guarantee school supports?
No. Schools determine educational adjustments and supports according to their own policies and eligibility criteria.

Will the assessment guarantee NDIS funding?
No. NDIS funding decisions are made independently by the National Disability Insurance Agency based on its own eligibility criteria.

Is the assessment covered by Medicare?
Eligibility for Medicare rebates depends on the referral pathway and current Medicare requirements. We recommend discussing your individual circumstances with our team before booking.

Can my child receive intervention through Belong Health after the assessment?
Depending on the assessment findings, recommendations may include Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Counselling or other supports available through Belong Health where appropriate.

Does Belong Health provide tutoring?
No. We do not provide tutoring services. Where appropriate, recommendations may include discussing tutoring or educational support with external providers.

Can a Comprehensive Learning Assessment identify giftedness?
The primary purpose of the assessment is to understand a child's learning profile. Assessment findings may identify areas of cognitive strength where relevant, although the assessment is not specifically a giftedness assessment.

What if English is my child's second language?
Please discuss this during your Meet & Greet appointment so the psychologist can determine whether the assessment is likely to provide valid and meaningful information.

What should my child wear?
Comfortable clothing is recommended. Children should attend as they normally would for school or other appointments.

Should my child take their usual medication?
Unless advised otherwise by their treating medical practitioner, children should generally attend as they normally would, including taking prescribed medication.

Should I tell my child about the assessment?
Yes. Explaining the assessment in simple, reassuring language usually helps children feel more comfortable about attending.

How do I prepare for the assessment?
Bring any relevant school reports, previous assessment reports or information requested by your psychologist before the appointment.

Can I stay during the assessment?
This depends on your child's age, the assessment activities and the psychologist's clinical judgement. This can be discussed before the assessment.

Will my child find the assessment stressful?
Most children find the activities engaging. The assessment is completed in a supportive environment with opportunities for breaks where appropriate.

How accurate are Comprehensive Learning Assessments?
When completed using appropriate assessment measures and interpreted alongside developmental history, educational information and clinical judgement, Comprehensive Learning Assessments provide valuable information about a child's learning profile.

What happens if another assessment is more appropriate?
If the psychologist believes another assessment pathway would better address your concerns, this will be discussed with you before proceeding.

Why choose Belong Health?
Belong Health provides evidence-based Comprehensive Learning Assessments delivered by a Registered Psychologist with a particular interest in understanding children's learning profiles and developing practical, individualised recommendations for families and schools.