​

​

Dyslexia Assessments: Understanding and Diagnosing Learning Disabilities.

​

Dyslexia is the most prevalent learning disability, affecting 5-10% of the population. It involves a specific impairment in reading, where children often struggle with reading fluently and accurately decoding words. Such difficulties can significantly impact their reading comprehension, often resulting in slower reading speeds and frequent errors.

​

At Butterfly Psychology for Kids, located in Perth, WA, we specialise in comprehensive dyslexia testing and educational assessments. Our services are designed to identify and address the unique needs of children facing reading difficulties. Here’s what our process involves:

​

• Intellectual assessment: cognitive assessment to examine strengths and weaknesses

• Educational assessment: functional assessment of skills including reading, phonological processing and spelling

• Background information: evaluation of developmental, medical and educational history including previous intervention and agency involvement.

• Psychological report: comprehensive written report with interpreted results, recommendations for support and intervention

• Parent consultation: meeting with the psychologist to discuss the results of the assessment, professional recommendations and the implications of any diagnosis made. 

​

Children with dyslexia often struggle with the phonological component of language, which includes the use of sounds to process spoken and written language effectively. Our Dyslexia Diagnosis in Perth specifically targets these issues, offering tailored support and strategies to improve reading skills.

​

​

​

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

​

1. What is dyslexia?

​

Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder or disability affecting reading and spelling. It involves difficulty in reading fluently and accurately decoding words, difficulty with spelling, often impacting comprehension.

 

2. How can I tell if my child has dyslexia?

​

Signs include difficulty with reading fluently, frequent reading errors, slow reading speed, and challenges with spelling. A formal assessment is recommended for an accurate diagnosis.

 

3. What does the dyslexia assessment involve?

​

The assessment includes:

• Intellectual assessment: Evaluates cognitive strengths and weaknesses.

• Educational assessment: Assesses skills in reading, phonological processing, writing and spelling.

• Background information: Reviews developmental, medical, and educational history in addition to interventions received.

• Psychological report: Provides detailed results and recommendations.

• Parent consultation: Discussion of assessment results and recommendations.

 

4. How long does the dyslexia assessment take?

​

The assessment can take between 3-4 hours and this will vary depending on each individual.

 

5. At what age can a child be assessed for dyslexia?

​

Assessments can be conducted for children from the age of 6 years with a formal diagnosis of Dyslexia able to be made around the age of 7 years and older.

​

6. What happens after the assessment?

​

You will receive a comprehensive report with findings and tailored recommendations for support and intervention strategies.

 

7. How can dyslexia be managed?

​

Management includes specialised teaching approaches, accommodations, assistive technologies, and personalised learning strategies to enhance literacy skills.

​

8. Is there a cure for dyslexia?

​

There is no cure, but with appropriate support, individuals with dyslexia can improve their reading and writing skills significantly.

 

9. Is dyslexia linked to intelligence?

​

Dyslexia is unrelated to intelligence. Individuals with dyslexia can have high intelligence and creativity.

 

10. Can adults be assessed for dyslexia?

​

Yes, we offer assessments for adults needing a diagnosis for educational or workplace accommodations.

 

11. How do I book a dyslexia assessment?

​

Enquiries for an assessment can be made through our website or by contacting us directly by phone or email.

 

12. Are the assessments covered by Medicare or private health insurance?

​

Assessments are not covered by Medicare.  You will need to contact your private health insurer to determine if a rebate is applicable.

​

13. How can schools support a child with dyslexia?

​

Schools can offer a range of supports and accommodations including extra time for assessments and access to assistive technology.

 

Click here for further information on dyslexia assessments in Perth.

​

​