Learning difficulties assessments
Why assess children with learning difficulties?
There are many kinds of specific learning difficulties, but perhaps one of the best known is dyslexia. Children with dyslexia have difficulty with reading (decoding and fluency), spelling and written tasks, primarily due to problems with phonological awareness, short-term sequential memory and processing speed. It is not uncommon for children with dyslexia to also have difficulty with receptive and expressive language, mental calculation, attention and concentration, motor coordination and/or organisation.
Dyslexia can affect children across all levels of intellectual ability, including those classified as gifted. Parents and teachers are often puzzled by a child's failure to progress in literacy, especially when the child comes across as otherwise bright. Children with dyslexia can become very frustrated by their difficulties and suffer low self esteem.
It is important to identify children with learning difficulties so that appropriate intervention can be provided. A detailed cognitive and educational achievement assessment can provide valuable information for teachers when devising appropriate strategies. It can also help parents better understand their child's difficulties and support their learning needs.
Sandi Hepenstall, BA (Social Sciences), Grad.Dip.Ed.Psych, MPsych (Child & Education), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia, MAPS.
Sandi Hepenstall is a registered psychologist with many years experience working with children with dyslexia, conducting intellectual and educational testing through a variety of well known and respected organisations in both Melbourne and Sydney. She also has experience working with children presenting with a range of other difficulties including Visual Processing Disorder, Auditory Processing Disorder, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, ADD/ADHD and Asperger Syndrome.
The assessment process
Assessments are generally conducted over two sessions lasting approximately two hours each. During the first session, background information/history is first discussed with the child's parents. The child's cognitive ability is then measured using the WISC-IV. During the second session, other aspects of the child's development, including their educational achievement, are assessed using a variety of tests selected according to the child's needs. A detailed report containing a summary of the results and recommendations is sent out approximately two weeks later. Parents are also given the opportunity to discuss findings in person.
The cost of the full assessment, written report and feedback session is $700 ($350 at the first session and $350 at the second session). Payment of the full fee is required before the report will be made available.
There are many kinds of specific learning difficulties, but perhaps one of the best known is dyslexia. Children with dyslexia have difficulty with reading (decoding and fluency), spelling and written tasks, primarily due to problems with phonological awareness, short-term sequential memory and processing speed. It is not uncommon for children with dyslexia to also have difficulty with receptive and expressive language, mental calculation, attention and concentration, motor coordination and/or organisation.
Dyslexia can affect children across all levels of intellectual ability, including those classified as gifted. Parents and teachers are often puzzled by a child's failure to progress in literacy, especially when the child comes across as otherwise bright. Children with dyslexia can become very frustrated by their difficulties and suffer low self esteem.
It is important to identify children with learning difficulties so that appropriate intervention can be provided. A detailed cognitive and educational achievement assessment can provide valuable information for teachers when devising appropriate strategies. It can also help parents better understand their child's difficulties and support their learning needs.
Sandi Hepenstall, BA (Social Sciences), Grad.Dip.Ed.Psych, MPsych (Child & Education), Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia, MAPS.
Sandi Hepenstall is a registered psychologist with many years experience working with children with dyslexia, conducting intellectual and educational testing through a variety of well known and respected organisations in both Melbourne and Sydney. She also has experience working with children presenting with a range of other difficulties including Visual Processing Disorder, Auditory Processing Disorder, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia, ADD/ADHD and Asperger Syndrome.
The assessment process
Assessments are generally conducted over two sessions lasting approximately two hours each. During the first session, background information/history is first discussed with the child's parents. The child's cognitive ability is then measured using the WISC-IV. During the second session, other aspects of the child's development, including their educational achievement, are assessed using a variety of tests selected according to the child's needs. A detailed report containing a summary of the results and recommendations is sent out approximately two weeks later. Parents are also given the opportunity to discuss findings in person.
The cost of the full assessment, written report and feedback session is $700 ($350 at the first session and $350 at the second session). Payment of the full fee is required before the report will be made available.