Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) (dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia)

Dr Harvey is an educational psychologist who specialises in the assessment and diagnosis of Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) (such as dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia) 

Assessments are provided to children, adolescents and adults (from 6 years of age onward). An SLD assessment provides information about a person’s thinking abilities (strengths and barriers) as well as their academic skills. The purpose of an SLD assessment is to confirm a diagnosis of a Specific Learning Disorder such as dyslexia.

 
If a student is experiencing learning problems, an assessment also helps in identifying the weaknesses that are contributing to their learning problems as well as their learning strengths. The assessment results offer a starting point for future educational planning. For example, they can be used to inform the development of individual learning plans.

The assessment process varies depending on the reasons for needing an assessment but may include: consultation, classroom observation, cognitive assessment and an educational assessment.

If there are also concerns regarding symptoms of ADHD and/or ASD, additional screening to understand the pervasiveness of the presenting symptoms could be considered (additional costs apply). 

After testing is administered a report is provided 2 to 4 weeks later. Depending on the results, the report may include recommendations for further assessment by other professionals such as specialist tutors, behavioural optometrists, educational audiologists, paediatricians, occupational therapists and speech therapists.

Whilst the primary purpose of an assessment is to confirm a diagnosis, intervention recommendations are included in the report however, it is up to the discretion of a student's teacher/school to determine the appropriateness of their implementation on a day-to-day basis in the classroom.

Tests used during this assessment process may include:

• Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Fifth Edition (WISC-V)
• Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Adults  - Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV)
• Wechsler Individual Achievement Test - Third Edition (WIAT-III)
• Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities - Fourth Edition (WJ IV COG)
• Woodcock Johnson Tests of Achievement - Fourth Edition (WJ IV ACH)
• Woodcock Johnson Tests of Oral Language - Fourth Edition (WJ-IV OL)
• The Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing - 2nd Edition (CTOPP-2)
• Detailed Assessment of Speed of Handwriting, Second Edition (DASH2)

Saturday's available on request.

School assessments

Schools are welcome to request on-site assessments, please contact Jacqui to discuss (minimum travel costs may apply depending on distance).

Also offered - Assessments to Support Special Examination Arrangements/SEAS Applications for secondary and tertiary students.