Child Reading Difficulties? Support for your child.
Dyslexia assessments in Bella Vista
Specific Learning Disorder with Impairment in Reading (formerly known as Dyslexia)
Get clear answers about reading difficulties. Comprehensive DSM-5-TR assessments for children, teens and adults, with practical next steps for school and home.
- No waitlistStart your assessment sooner
- Diagnostic report for schoolDSM-5-TR findings & recommendations
- Evenings & SaturdaysNo need to miss school or work
If reading, spelling or writing has always been harder than it should be, for your child or for you, you’re not alone, and it’s not a matter of effort or intelligence. At Creating Change, our psychologists provide comprehensive dyslexia assessments that explain what’s happening and what will help. You’ll get clear answers, a detailed report and practical next steps for school, work and home.
What is Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in reading?
Specific Learning Disorder with impairment in reading is the formal diagnosis for what most people call dyslexia. It’s described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), the manual psychologists use to diagnose learning and mental health conditions.
Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental difference in how the brain processes written language. It has nothing to do with intelligence, effort or motivation. Many people with dyslexia are bright, creative and capable, but reading and spelling take far more effort than they should.
What areas of reading can be affected?
A diagnosis identifies which reading skills are affected:
- Word reading accuracy: difficulty sounding out and recognising words correctly
- Reading rate or fluency: reading slowly, haltingly or with a lot of effort
- Reading comprehension: difficulty understanding or remembering what was read
Spelling difficulties are also very common, and some people have challenges with writing or maths too.
How common is it?
Specific learning disorders are among the most common learning differences. The DSM-5-TR estimates they affect around 5–15% of school-age children across different languages and cultures. Dyslexia often runs in families.
How is it diagnosed?
A diagnosis is made through a comprehensive psychological assessment, which looks for four things:
- Ongoing difficulties. Reading difficulties have continued for at least 6 months, even with extra help targeted at those skills.
- Skills below expected levels. Reading skills are well below what’s expected for the person’s age on standardised tests, and this affects school, work or daily life.
- Starting in the school years. Difficulties began during school, although some people aren’t identified until later, when reading demands increase.
- No better explanation. Other causes have been ruled out, such as vision or hearing problems, intellectual disability, limited English, or not having had adequate teaching.
The assessment also rates severity as mild, moderate or severe. This helps decide what support and school adjustments will help most.
Why does a diagnosis matter?
A clear diagnosis can:
- help your child, and you, understand why reading has been so hard, and that it isn’t their fault
- open the door to school adjustments, extra support and exam provisions
- guide the right next steps, such as specialist literacy tutoring or speech pathology
- identify related challenges, such as ADHD, anxiety or difficulties with writing or maths
With the right understanding and support, people with dyslexia can build on their strengths and reach their goals.
Wondering if your child might have dyslexia? Our psychologists provide comprehensive learning assessments for children, teens and adults in Bella Vista. There’s no waitlist, and you’ll receive a detailed written report with practical recommendations.
Book an Assessment or call 02 8883 3185
What are the signs of dyslexia?
Dyslexia looks different at different ages. Every child develops at their own pace, so one or two signs on their own don’t mean a child has dyslexia. If several of these sound familiar and are continuing despite extra help, an assessment can give you answers.
Early childhood (3–5 years)
- Late talking, or mixing up the sounds in words (such as “aminal” for “animal”)
- Difficulty learning nursery rhymes or recognising rhyming words
- Trouble learning the names and sounds of letters, even with practice
- Difficulty remembering sequences, such as the days of the week
- A family history of reading or spelling difficulties
Primary school (5–12 years)
- Slow, effortful reading that lags behind classmates
- Difficulty sounding out unfamiliar words, or guessing from the first letter or pictures
- Spelling the same word differently on the same page
- Ongoing confusion between similar letters and words (such as b/d or was/saw) beyond the early years
- Avoiding reading aloud, or becoming upset or tired at homework time
- Understanding much more when a story is read aloud than when reading alone
Teenagers (12–18 years)
- Reading slowly and needing to re-read to understand
- Poor spelling and difficulty organising written work
- Running out of time in tests and exams
- Difficulty learning a second language
- Avoiding reading, losing confidence or saying they’re “dumb” at school
- Strong verbal skills that don’t match their written work
Adults
- Reading slowly, and finding long documents or emails tiring
- Persistent spelling errors and relying heavily on spell-check
- Difficulty with forms, note-taking or writing reports at work
- Avoiding reading aloud or written tasks
- Struggles at school that were never explained
- Strengths in problem-solving, creativity or verbal communication
How is dyslexia diagnosed?
Dyslexia is diagnosed by a psychologist through a comprehensive psychological assessment. At Creating Change, it includes:
- Background interview (1 hour). We talk with you (and your child) about development, schooling, family history, and the help already tried. We may also ask for school reports and teacher questionnaires.
- Cognitive assessment (about 2 hours). A standardised test of thinking and learning skills, such as the WISC-V for children or the WAIS for those aged 16 and over. This shows strengths as well as areas of difficulty.
- Academic achievement testing (about 2 hours). Standardised testing of reading, spelling, writing and maths, such as the WIAT-III, compared with others of the same age.
- Further testing if needed. We may test skills such as attention, memory and processing, and screen for related conditions like ADHD or anxiety.
- Written report. A detailed report explaining the results, whether a diagnosis is met, its severity, and tailored recommendations for school, home or work.
- Feedback session (1 hour). About 4 weeks after testing, we meet with you to explain the results in plain language and talk through next steps.
Testing can be spread over several appointments, including after school, in the evenings and on Saturdays.
How much does a dyslexia assessment cost?
Dyslexia assessment fees at Creating Change range from $1,500 to $4,500. The fee depends on how many tests are needed and which areas need to be ruled in or out, such as ADHD, Autism or difficulties with writing or maths. Every assessment includes the interview, all testing, scoring, a written report and a feedback session.
We’ll talk with you about your concerns first and recommend only the testing needed, so you know the cost before you start.
- Medicare doesn’t usually cover learning assessments, so these are generally fully privately funded.
- Private health insurance: some extras policies contribute towards psychology services. Check with your fund.
Call 02 8883 3185 for a quote based on your child’s needs.
What happens after a diagnosis?
A diagnosis is a starting point. Your report will include practical recommendations, and we’ll help you understand your options:
- School adjustments: share the report with your child’s school so teachers can put supports in place, such as extra time, reading support, assistive technology or modified tasks.
- NCCD: schools record students who receive adjustments for disability through the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability. The report helps the school understand your child’s needs.
- Exam provisions: students may be eligible for provisions in tests and exams, such as extra time, a reader or a writer. In NSW this includes HSC disability provisions through NESA. Your school will apply on your child’s behalf.
- Reading intervention: evidence-based, structured literacy programs are the most effective way to build reading skills. We can recommend specialist literacy tutors or speech pathologists.
- Emotional support: many children and adults with dyslexia have experienced frustration, anxiety or low confidence. Our psychologists can help with self-esteem, worry about school, study strategies and self-advocacy.
- Parent support: we can help you support your child at home and work with their school.
Frequently asked Questions about Dyslexia
Can adults be assessed for dyslexia? Yes. Many adults were never assessed at school, or were told they just needed to try harder. A diagnosis can explain lifelong struggles and support adjustments at university, TAFE or work. We provide comprehensive adult assessments.
At what age can dyslexia be diagnosed? Dyslexia is usually diagnosed once a child has had formal reading instruction and targeted help, often from around Year 1 or Year 2 (about age 6 to 7). Early signs can appear before school, and we can talk with you about whether an assessment is the right next step for your child’s age.
Is dyslexia linked to ADHD? Dyslexia and ADHD often occur together, and the two can be hard to tell apart. Difficulties with attention, memory and processing speed can affect reading too. Our assessment considers both, so you get an accurate picture of what’s going on.
Will the report be accepted by my child’s school? Our reports are written by registered psychologists using standardised tests and DSM-5-TR criteria, and include practical recommendations for teachers. Schools use reports like these to plan adjustments and support. For HSC disability provisions, NESA has its own evidence requirements, so check with your school about what they need.
Does a dyslexia assessment need a GP referral? No. You can book an assessment directly with us.
Can dyslexia be cured? Dyslexia is a lifelong difference in how the brain processes language, not an illness. With the right teaching, support and adjustments, people with dyslexia can build strong reading skills and do well at school, work and life.
To support you on this journey, we offer extensive resources tailored to the needs of individuals with Specific Learning Disorder with Impairment in Reading (Dyslexia). You’ll find downloadable guides on understanding and managing Specific Learning Disorder with Impairment in Reading (Dyslexia), tools, and detailed articles about intervention strategies.
How we can help?
- A comprehensive assessment to understand strengths and areas of difficulty
- A clear diagnosis, if criteria are met, with a written report for school or work
- Practical recommendations for teachers, parents and adult learners
- Referral to specialist literacy tutors or speech pathologists for reading intervention
- Support with confidence, frustration, anxiety about learning and study strategies
- Guidance for parents on supporting their child at home and working with school
We aim to empower individuals with Specific Learning Disorder with Impairment in Reading (Dyslexia) to lead more positive and fulfilling lives.
Helpful Resources
Are you ready to take the first step towards a more positive future? Click “Schedule Your Consultation” below to begin transforming your challenges. If you have any questions or need further information, our team is readily available via phone, email, or our contact form.
Additional references books, detailed articles and webinars about managing Specific Learning Disorder with Impairment in Reading (Dyslexia).
Books
- Understanding Dyslexia: a Guide for Teachers and Parents
- Overcoming Dyslexia: Second Edition, Completely Revised and Updated.
- Essentials of Dyslexia Assessment and Intervention
Webinars
- Dyslexia Decoded
- Dyslexia – Learning Links
- Learn about Dyslexia
- Helping Students to Succeed
- Understanding Dyslexia
Articles
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Ready for clear answers?
Book a comprehensive dyslexia assessment with our Bella Vista psychologists, for children, teens and adults.
- No waitlist
- Diagnostic report for school
- Evenings & Saturdays
- No GP referral needed
Have a question first? Send us an enquiry and our friendly team will be in touch.
Reviewed by Rebecca Deane, MPsych (Clinical), MA (Forensic Psych) BA (Psych), MAPS, CCLIN Clinical Psychologist, Director, Board Approved Supervisor November 2026
