Learning disorder assessment in Sydney.
Dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia.
Comprehensive specific learning disorder (SLD) assessment for children, teens and adults using the WISC-V and WIAT-III. Covers dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia in a single workup. Reports in 7 working days. No referral required.
One assessment, the full picture.
Specific learning disorders (SLDs) are persistent difficulties with reading (dyslexia), writing and spelling (dysgraphia), or mathematics (dyscalculia) that aren't explained by intelligence, schooling, or effort. They are neurologically based, often run in families, and benefit hugely from targeted intervention. Provided someone can identify what is actually going on.
An educational assessment at Spectrum looks across all three domains in a single workup. Using the WISC-V (or WAIS-5 for adults) and the WIAT-III, we map cognitive strengths and weaknesses against current academic skills. The pattern between them tells us where the difficulties sit and what kind of support is most likely to help.
We assess at our St Leonards rooms or via secure telehealth Australia-wide. Reports are written for parents and teachers, with classroom-ready recommendations.
Who this is for
Common signs of a specific learning disorder.
Reading slowly or inaccurately, with persistent decoding errors (dyslexia).
Spelling well below age expectations, even with familiar words.
Handwriting that is slow, illegible, or physically uncomfortable to produce (dysgraphia).
Written expression that doesn't match verbal ability. Ideas get lost between brain and page.
Persistent difficulty with basic number facts, even after years of practice (dyscalculia).
Trouble with mathematical reasoning, word problems, or understanding place value.
Achievement that is consistently lower than verbal ability suggests it should be.
Family history of learning difficulties.
Increasing avoidance of school work, homework battles, and anxiety around academic tasks.
What the assessment involves.
An educational assessment identifies strengths and difficulties in learning areas such as reading, writing, spelling, and mathematics. It helps diagnose specific learning disorders (SLDs) such as dyslexia (reading), dysgraphia (writing, spelling and written expression), and dyscalculia (mathematics and number concepts).
Our assessment includes cognitive testing (WISC-V or WAIS-5 depending on age) to understand learning capacity and processing style, achievement testing (WIAT-III) to measure current academic skills, and a full report outlining diagnosis, learning profile, and evidence-based recommendations.
Why assessment helps
A clear diagnosis allows families and schools to access learning accommodations, intervention programs, and individualised education plans (IEPs). The report gives you practical, plain-language strategies to help your child build confidence and feel less alone with their challenges.
What the process looks like.
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01
Initial enquiry
Reach out to discuss what is prompting the assessment. We will talk through what is involved, what it costs, and what to expect. No referral required.
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02
Background & school information
We collect school reports, NAPLAN results, prior assessments, and any tutoring records. With permission, we liaise with the school’s learning support team.
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03
Cognitive testing
WISC-V (children and teens) or WAIS-5 (adults). Maps cognitive strengths and weaknesses across reasoning, working memory, processing speed, and verbal and visual abilities. The foundation for understanding learning.
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04
Achievement testing (WIAT-III)
WIAT-III measures current academic skills across reading, spelling, written expression, and mathematics. This is what shows the gap between cognitive ability and academic performance.
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05
Analysis & report
Comprehensive integration of cognitive, achievement, school and observational data. Formal diagnosis where DSM-5 criteria are met across each domain assessed. Detailed practical recommendations. Delivered within 7 working days.
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06
Feedback session
Walk through findings together. We explain what the cognitive and academic profiles mean, what the school should be doing, and what helps at home.
What you receive.
Comprehensive diagnostic report
Full report including formal diagnosis (where criteria are met), WISC-V and WIAT-III results, and tailored recommendations across each domain assessed.
School-friendly summary
A shorter document written for teachers, with practical, classroom-ready strategies.
NESA documentation
Documentation supporting special exam provisions for HSC, school-based assessments, and NAPLAN where applicable.
Tertiary education documentation
Documentation for university disability support, GAMSAT, UCAT, and professional exam accommodations.
Feedback session
An unhurried conversation walking through the findings, with plenty of time for questions.
School liaison
On request, we communicate directly with your child’s school to make sure recommendations are implemented.
Why families across Sydney choose Spectrum.
No waitlists
Most practices have months-long queues. We don’t. If you enquire today, we’ll typically be able to schedule within weeks.
No referral required
You’re welcome to come to us directly. Many do come via GPs, paediatricians or schools - but it’s not a prerequisite.
7 working-day reports
We don’t make you wait three months for a report. After your final session, you’ll typically have a comprehensive written report within a week.
In-person or telehealth
Visit us at our St Leonards rooms, or - for select assessments - complete the whole process from home, anywhere in Australia.
Gold-standard tools
WPPSI-IV, WISC-V, WAIS-5, WIAT-III, ADOS-2, ADI-R, Conners 4. The instruments leading clinicians and researchers actually use.
AHPRA-registered, AAPi members
Every psychologist on our team is registered with AHPRA and a member of the Australian Association of Psychologists.
Frequently asked.
Other assessments we offer.
Ready to make sense of how your child learns?
If you have been wondering why school feels so much harder for your child than it should, an assessment gives you a real answer. Reach out. No referral required, no waitlist.
