Learning Assessment
At Psychology Centre Newcastle, we provide comprehensive learning assessments to help children, adolescents, and adults understand their unique learning profile. Our goal is to identify both strengths and challenges in academic and cognitive functioning, supporting tailored strategies that foster confidence, engagement, and success in learning.
Why Consider a Learning Assessment
A learning assessment can be valuable when someone experiences ongoing academic difficulties despite effort and support. Signs that may prompt an assessment include:
Persistent challenges with reading, writing, or mathematics
Inconsistent academic performance across subjects
Difficulty retaining information, following instructions, or staying organised
Frequent frustration, avoidance, or low confidence in learning tasks
Concerns from teachers or caregivers about attention or progress at school
Understanding the underlying reasons for learning difficulties helps ensure that the right supports and adjustments are in place, both at school and at home.
What a Learning Assessment Involves
Our learning assessments use a combination of standardised tests, clinical observation, and background information to build a complete picture of how an individual learns. Each assessment is tailored to age, developmental level, and presenting concerns, and may include:
Cognitive/IQ testing to explore abilities such as memory, processing speed, attention, and reasoning
Academic/achievement testing in areas like reading, writing, and mathematics
Assessment of learning efficiency and problem-solving approaches
Input from parents, teachers, or other professionals to understand functioning across settings
Feedback and recommendations that guide educational planning and targeted intervention
Learning assessments can help identify specific learning disorders such as dyslexia (reading), dyscalculia (mathematics), or dysgraphia (writing), as well as other factors impacting learning, including attention or emotional wellbeing.
Our Approach
Our clinicians take a collaborative, strengths-based, and neuroaffirming approach. We recognise that learning differences are part of the natural diversity in how people process information. We work to highlight an individual’s strengths and provide strategies that make learning more accessible and effective.
After the Assessment
Following the assessment, we provide a clear feedback session and detailed written report outlining findings, insights, and practical recommendations. These may support:
Individualised learning plans and classroom adjustments
NDIS or school-based funding applications
Collaboration with teachers and allied health professionals
Emotional and self-esteem support for learners experiencing frustration or low confidence
At Psychology Centre Newcastle, our aim is to empower individuals and families with knowledge, understanding, and practical strategies that support lifelong learning and wellbeing.
Costs and Referrals: No referral is required for assessments. Assessment fees vary depending on age and complexity. Please contact our clinic for a detailed quote and rebate information. Book Now
Learning assessments are evaluations designed to understand an individual's learning strengths, weaknesses, and academic performance across various areas. Signs that may prompt consideration for a learning assessment include persistent academic challenges despite efforts, difficulties with reading, writing, or math skills that are not improving over time, inconsistent performance in different subjects, struggles with attention, concentration, or memory during learning tasks, and frequent frustration or avoidance of academic activities. Additionally, observations of behaviors such as difficulty following instructions, poor organisation, or challenges with understanding and retaining information may also signal the need for a learning assessment.
Utilising a suite of standardised tests and observational strategies, these assessments delve into cognitive functions like memory, processing speed, attention, and analytical abilities, alongside academic competencies in areas such as reading, writing, and math. They are instrumental in diagnosing a range of learning disorders, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia, which can significantly impact a person’s educational journey.
By pinpointing these difficulties, assessments inform the development of personalised educational strategies and interventions tailored to the individual's needs, ultimately enabling them to navigate challenges and reach their academic potential effectively.
