Professional cognitive, educational, and Specific Learning Disorder assessments.
Testing for Dyslexia and SLDs in Victoria
Most people take for granted how much we rely on reading and writing in everyday life. Learning to read or write can be genuinely difficult for many people, and even more so for those with a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD). If you or someone close to you is seeking a dyslexia or SLD assessment, Dyslexia & SLD Assessments Victoria provides cognitive and educational assessment services for children, adolescents, and adults.
We offer two main pathways depending on your needs:
- Option 1: A full cognitive and educational assessment, including a diagnostic assessment and report
- Option 2: An educational assessment and report
Our SLD, Dyslexia, and Educational Assessments
We conduct cognitive, neurological, educational, and perceptual assessments to identify the degree and nature of any learning disorder. This forms the basis for learning support and adjustments.
Types of assessment available include:
- Cognitive ability assessment – evaluating overall thinking and perceptual abilities
- Educational achievement assessment – measuring current academic performance against expected benchmarks
- Combined cognitive and educational assessments – a full diagnostic picture combining both areas
- SLD diagnosis assessments – formal assessment to confirm the presence and nature of a Specific Learning Disorder
- Dyscalculia assessments – assessing SLDs relating to mathematics
- Dysgraphia assessments – assessing SLDs relating to writing
Understanding Dyslexia & Specific Learning Disorder
Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder that primarily affects reading and spelling, though it can also influence other areas of learning. It is not related to intelligence – many people with dyslexia have average or above-average cognitive ability, but face persistent difficulty with the specific skills involved in decoding and processing written language.
Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) is a term covering a range of conditions that affect how a person acquires, processes, or expresses information. This includes dyslexia (reading and spelling), dyscalculia (mathematics), and dysgraphia (writing).
Common signs that may indicate a possible SLD include:
- Difficulty learning to read despite adequate instruction
- Slow or laboured reading, even when comprehension is intact
- Trouble with spelling that seems disproportionate to overall ability
- Difficulty with mathematical concepts or number sense
- Struggles with the physical or organisational aspects of writing
- A noticeable gap between a person’s verbal ability and their academic performance in a specific area
Early identification matters. Recognising an SLD sooner rather than later allows for appropriate support to be put in place, which can make a meaningful difference to a person’s educational experience, confidence, and long-term outcomes.
What Our Assessments Measure
Assessment provides an objective summary of an individual’s cognitive (thinking, information processing, and perceptual) abilities, helping to identify areas of relative cognitive strength as well as relative cognitive weakness. All people have relative strengths and weaknesses – the assessment helps clarify what these look like for each individual.
As well as indicating overall general ability, our assessments measure:
- Verbal and non-verbal (perceptual) ability
- Working memory
- Processing speed
- Reading, writing, and spelling skills
- Mathematical learning abilities
- Eye movement required for reading
The assessment combines formal testing information with informal clinical observation, conducted within a structured framework of required tasks and behaviour. Results from these assessments can also help predict future academic achievement and inform decisions around appropriate support and accommodations.
Assessment Outcomes & Reports
Following the assessment, you will receive a comprehensive diagnostic report outlining the findings and their implications. This typically includes:
- Diagnostic reports – a clear, evidence-based summary of the assessment findings
- Educational recommendations – guidance on how to support learning going forward
- Learning support strategies – practical approaches suited to the individual’s specific needs
- School and workplace accommodations – recommendations that can support applications for reasonable adjustments in educational or work settings
- Review of progress – only for children who are in Primary school
These reports are designed to be genuinely useful – not just a diagnosis on paper, but a practical guide that can be shared with schools, employers, or other professionals involved in a person’s ongoing support.
Why Choose Dyslexia & SLD Assessments Victoria
- Experienced assessment practitioners – assessments are primarily conducted by Dr John Ryan, bringing extensive experience in cognitive and educational assessment. Reports are also written in consultation with a specialist in literacy and learning support.
- Comprehensive testing process – a thorough approach that considers cognitive, educational, and perceptual factors
- Detailed written reports – clear, comprehensive documentation of findings and recommendations
- Evidence-based recommendations – guidance grounded in established assessment frameworks, clinical practice, and extensive experience in teaching and education.
- Supportive and confidential service – we understand that arranging an assessment is a significant step, and we aim to make the process as comfortable as possible
We also provide assessments and reports to NDIS participants.
Get in Touch to Arrange an Assessment Today
If you would like more information or support in arranging an SLD/dyslexia assessment, please call or email to book an appointment today. You can also review our fee structure or check our FAQ page for further information.
Phone: 03 9419 4009
Email: contact@dyslexia-sld.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should have a dyslexia assessment?
A dyslexia assessment may be appropriate for anyone – child, adolescent, or adult – who is experiencing persistent difficulty with reading, spelling, or related skills that does not seem to match their overall ability or the level of instruction they have received. If you have noticed these signs in yourself or someone close to you, an assessment can provide clarity and a path forward.
What is involved in the assessment process?
The assessment process involves a combination of formal cognitive and educational testing, along with clinical observation. This may include a full cognitive and educational diagnostic assessment, or a more focused educational assessment. Sometimes people have already had a cognitive assessment. If so, then the previously administered cognitive assessment results can be integrated with the results from an educational assessment to allow for diagnosis of SLD. Your assessor will explain what to expect before the session begins.
How long does an assessment take?
Assessment length varies depending on the type and scope of testing required. A full cognitive and educational assessment generally takes longer than a standalone educational assessment. Contact us for specific timing information related to your situation.
Will I receive a diagnostic report?
Yes. Following your assessment, you will receive a written report outlining the findings, along with recommendations for learning support, accommodations, and next steps where relevant.