Faqs
What is a developmental assessment?
A developmental assessment looks at how your child is progressing in areas such as language, learning, attention, social skills, behaviour, and early academic skills compared to expected age levels.
How do I know if my child needs an assessment?
Parents often seek assessments if they notice difficulties with reading, writing, speech, attention, learning, school readiness, or if teachers/ educators have raised concerns.
What age groups do you assess?
Assessments are available for children in the final years of preschool through to school-aged children and adolescents, depending on the assessment type.
What is the difference between a screener and a full assessment?
A screener is a shorter tool used to identify possible areas of concern or risk. A full assessment provides a more in-depth evaluation of the child’s strengths and areas needing support, and detailed recommendations for school and home.
What is a dyslexia screener?
A dyslexia screener identifies indicators commonly associated with dyslexia, including difficulties with phonological awareness, decoding, spelling, reading fluency, and working memory.
Can you diagnose dyslexia or learning difficulties?
Assessments may identify learning profiles and indicators consistent with dyslexia or other learning difficulties, however, referral for multidisciplinary input for formal diagnoses may be required. The educational specialist will provide guidance around next steps.
How long does an assessment take?
Assessment times vary depending on the child’s age and the type of assessment required. Some screenings take 45–90 minutes, while comprehensive assessments may occur over multiple sessions. Please refer to our services for further information.
What happens during the assessment?
Assessments are designed to be child-friendly and engaging. Activities may include games, puzzles, language tasks, reading activities, memory exercises, and school-based tasks.
Will my child know they are being tested?
Children are reassured throughout the process, and assessments are presented in a supportive, low-pressure way to help them feel comfortable and confident.
Can assessments be done online?
Assessments are best conducted face-to-face for accuracy and observation purposes.
Will I receive a report?
Yes. Parents receive a detailed written report outlining findings, strengths, areas of difficulty, and practical recommendations for home and school support.
How can the report help my child at school?
Reports can support discussions with teachers, learning support teams, tutors, and allied health professionals to better understand and support your child’s learning needs.
Do you communicate with schools?
With parent consent, collaboration with teachers and schools can be included to gather information and support recommendations.
Are assessments covered by insurance or funding programs?
No, unfortunately they are not.
What should I bring to the assessment?
Parents may be asked to provide school reports, previous assessments, teacher feedback, work samples, and relevant medical or developmental history.
What types of assessments do you provide?
Services may include developmental screeners completed at ECEC and preschool centres by appointment, dyslexia screeners, academic achievement testing, language assessments, and learning support recommendations.
Which students benefit from screening or assessment?
Students experiencing academic difficulties, literacy concerns, attention challenges, delayed language development, or inconsistent classroom performance may benefit from assessment.
How does the referral process work?
Schools can refer families directly or recommend that parents contact the consultant to discuss concerns and assessment options.
Can assessments be conducted at school?
Depending on availability and school arrangements, assessments may be conducted onsite or at the consultant’s clinic/practice.
How do assessments support teachers?
Assessments provide insight into a student’s learning profile, strengths, and support needs, helping teachers tailor classroom strategies and interventions.
Do you provide recommendations for classroom accommodations?
Yes. Reports may include practical classroom strategies, accommodations, intervention suggestions, and support planning recommendations.
Can you assist with identifying students at risk for dyslexia?
Yes. Dyslexia screening can help identify students who may require further evaluation or targeted literacy intervention.
Are parents involved in the assessment process?
Parent involvement is an important part of the process and typically includes consultations, background information gathering, and feedback sessions.
How long does the assessment process take?
Timeframes vary depending on assessment type, school schedules, and report preparation requirements.
Are assessments aligned with educational standards?
Assessments use recognised educational and developmental tools appropriate for the child’s age and presenting concerns.
How is confidentiality managed?
All assessment information is handled confidentially and shared only with parent/guardian consent and relevant professionals involved in the child’s support plan.