Professional Dyslexia Testing for Children and Adults.
Trusted Dyslexia Assessments in Melbourne
Seeking a dyslexia assessment can feel daunting – it’s important to go with a reputable, experienced practice. At Dyslexia & SLD Assessments Victoria, all assessments are conducted by highly qualified specialists, led by our principal psychologist, using comprehensive standardised testing. We assess children, adolescents, and adults, providing clarity about the nature and degree of any learning difficulty – along with practical recommendations for support and intervention.
The assessment identifies any Specific Learning Disorder/dyslexia and provides a baseline for monitoring and reviewing progress over time. It’s generally the best place to begin: it tells you what the issues are, and what support is required.
What Our Dyslexia Assessment Includes
Our assessment combines comprehensive cognitive ability testing (Wechsler Intelligence Scale; WISC-V or WAIS-5) with educational achievement testing (including selected subtests from the WIAT-III and other educational achievement tests), covering:
- Foundation literacy skills
- Reading accuracy and fluency
- Phonological processing
- Working memory
- Spelling and writing skills
- Processing speed
- Sequencing abilities
- Eye movement required for reading
- Reading comprehension
- Verbal comprehension abilities
Who Should Consider a Dyslexia Assessment
An assessment may be worthwhile if you or your child experience:
- Difficulty with reading or spelling despite genuine effort
- Slow or laboured reading
- Trouble with phonics and sounding out words
- Challenges following written instructions
- A noticeable gap between verbal ability and written performance
For adults, the signs are often longstanding – difficulty throughout school and work that was never formally explained. These difficulties are common, well understood, and identifiable through proper assessment. Understanding what’s behind them is the first step towards effective support.
The Assessment Process
- Initial enquiry and booking – call, email, or contact us online to arrange your assessment
- Pre-assessment information gathering – background information is provided beforehand (for children, by a parent) so we understand the full picture
- Assessment session – conducted by a qualified specialist; cognitive assessment takes about 90 minutes, educational achievement testing a further 90 minutes; feedback consultation takes about 30 minutes (allow 3 to 4 hours face-to-face in total); all provided on the one day.
- Scoring and analysis – results are scored and analysed against standardised norms
- Written report – all results and recommendations are provided in a comprehensive written report, normally available within two weeks
- Feedback and next steps – verbal feedback is provided on the day of the assessment, and we can discuss remediation and support options
Dyslexia Testing for Adults
Dyslexia frequently goes undiagnosed into adulthood – many adults have spent years working around difficulties with reading, spelling, and written work without ever knowing why. A formal dyslexia test for adults can explain those longstanding challenges, and a documented diagnosis can open access to workplace adjustments and study accommodations at university or TAFE.
Adult assessments at our practice follow the same rigorous standard applied at every age, using adult-normed instruments (WAIS-5) and comprehensive written reporting.
Why Choose Dyslexia & SLD Assessments Victoria
- Qualified and experienced specialists – psychologist-led assessments with years of experience in SLD
- Comprehensive standardised tools – Wechsler cognitive and achievement instruments, plus additional educational tests
- Clear written reports – findings and actionable recommendations, normally within two weeks
- Reports accepted for accommodations – used to support applications to schools, universities, and employers
- Supportive, professional approach – each story is different, and we treat it that way
- Melbourne-based practice – located in East Melbourne, also with the capacity to provide assessments for NDIS.
Book Your Dyslexia Assessment Today
If you’re ready to take the first step – for yourself or your child – Dyslexia & SLD Assessments Victoria is here to help. Book an assessment, or contact us to discuss whether an assessment is the right next step for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The assessment involves background information gathering, a comprehensive cognitive ability assessment (WISC-V for children or WAIS-5 for adults), and educational achievement testing covering spelling, reading, reading comprehension, handwriting, and numeracy. Verbal feedback is provided on the day.
Allow 3 to 4 hours of face-to-face assessment time – approximately 90 minutes for the cognitive assessment and 90 minutes for the educational achievement tests.
Yes. We regularly assess adults, using the same rigorous, standardised process applied to all ages. An adult diagnosis can explain longstanding difficulties and support access to workplace and study accommodations.
Yes. All test results and recommendations are provided in a comprehensive written report, normally available within two weeks of the assessment.
Yes. Our reports are used to support applications for modifications and accommodations at schools, universities, and workplaces. See our modifications and accommodations page for more.
Dyslexia is a Specific Learning Disorder with a characteristic profile – typically involving phonological processing difficulties – whereas reading difficulties can also arise from other causes. A comprehensive SLD assessment distinguishes between these, which is exactly why formal assessment matters: the right support depends on the right identification.