Understanding Dyslexia: How a Psychological Assessment Can Help
If your child is struggling with reading, spelling, or writing despite trying their best, you may be wondering if a dyslexia assessment could help provide answers.
Dyslexia is one of the most common learning differences, affecting how individuals process written language. The good news? With the right support, children with dyslexia can thrive in school and beyond.
At our clinic, we offer comprehensive dyslexia assessments to help identify reading-related challenges early, provide clear answers, and guide tailored support. In this blog, we’ll cover:
✔ What dyslexia is
✔ Common signs to look out for
✔ How a formal dyslexia assessment works
✔ Why early identification makes a difference
✔ What happens after the assessment
What Is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty (SLD) that affects a person’s ability to recognise, decode, and spell words accurately and fluently. It’s not linked to intelligence—many children with dyslexia are bright and creative—but it does affect how the brain processes written language.
Dyslexia is lifelong but highly manageable with the right teaching strategies, accommodations, and support. A formal psychological assessment is the first step to understanding your child’s unique learning profile.
Signs of Dyslexia in Children
Some children show signs of dyslexia as early as kindergarten, while others struggle for years without a clear explanation. Common signs include:
🚩 Difficulty sounding out words or matching sounds to letters
🚩 Slow or effortful reading
🚩 Spelling difficulties, especially with common words
🚩 Reversing letters or confusing similar-looking words
🚩 Avoiding reading aloud or written tasks
🚩 Trouble remembering sequences (days of the week, alphabet)
🚩 Strong verbal skills but weak written expression
If your child is falling behind in reading despite tutoring or extra help, a dyslexia assessment can provide the clarity you need.
How a Dyslexia Assessment Works
Our clinic offers comprehensive, evidence-based assessments for dyslexia and related learning difficulties. Here’s what the process looks like:
🧠 Step 1: Cognitive Testing
We assess areas such as:
- Working memory
- Processing speed
- Verbal reasoning
- Phonological processing (core to reading ability)
📚 Step 2: Academic Achievement Testing
We evaluate:
- Word reading and decoding
- Reading fluency and comprehension
- Spelling and written expression
- Oral language skills
👂 Step 3: History and Observations
We take into account:
- Parent and teacher observations
- School reports and academic history
- Any interventions already tried
The goal is to understand how your child learns best and where they need support—not just to label a difficulty.
Next Steps After Testing
After your child’s dyslexia assessment, you’ll receive:
📄 A comprehensive report outlining your child’s strengths, challenges, and formal diagnosis (if applicable)
🎯 Tailored recommendations for teachers, tutors, and parents
👥 A feedback session to walk you through the results and next steps
🛠 Referrals to trusted tutors, speech pathologists, or intervention programs if needed
Our team is here to support your family beyond the assessment—with ongoing guidance and evidence-based strategies.
The earlier dyslexia is identified, the sooner we can provide the right teaching methods and tools to build confidence and prevent frustration or school avoidance.
A formal diagnosis can help your child:
✅ Access reading intervention and specialist tutoring
✅ Receive classroom accommodations (e.g. extra time, assistive tech)
✅ Qualify for learning support or funding
✅ Build emotional resilience and reduce feelings of “failure”
✅ Understand that they are not “lazy”—just learning differently
Early support leads to better long-term outcomes in school and in life.
Book a Dyslexia Assessment Today
If your child is struggling with reading or spelling and you suspect dyslexia, don’t wait. Early identification and support can make a huge difference in their confidence, progress, and long-term success.
📞 Contact us today to book a comprehensive dyslexia assessment with one of our experienced educational and developmental psychologists.
📚 Learn More About Dyslexia
For more information on dyslexia and how to support your child, visit these trusted Australian resources:
- SPELD Victoria – support services, assessments, and evidence-based intervention programs
- Learning Difficulties Australia (LDA) – professional guidance on learning difficulties and evidence-informed literacy instruction
- Australian Dyslexia Association – for advocacy, facts, and support tools
- Raising Children Network – Dyslexia – for family-friendly advice on signs and strategies