When should you consider a learning assessment for your child?
February 13, 2025
Parents and caregivers should consider seeking a learning assessment for their child when they notice signs that suggest the child may be struggling or have unmet needs academically, socially, or developmentally.
Below are some common indicators and scenarios where a learning assessment might be beneficial:
Academic Challenges
Ongoing difficulty in reading, writing, mathematics, or other core subjects despite targeted help and support.
Falling behind peers in academic performance.
Inconsistent performance, such as excelling in some areas but struggling significantly in others.
Child is disengaged with learning.
Frequent frustration, avoidance, or meltdowns related to schoolwork.
Behavioural and Emotional Indicators
Resistance or anxiety around going to school or doing homework.
Sudden changes in mood or behaviour, especially related to learning or school activities.
Poor self-esteem or frequent negative comments like "I'm not smart enough."
Developmental Delays
Delays in language development, such as difficulty forming sentences or understanding instructions.
Teacher or School Recommendations
Teachers or school staff express concerns about the child’s learning, attention, or behaviour.
Teachers or school staff suggest child may have other learning needs (e.g., they may use terms such as ‘dyslexia’, ‘dyscalculia’, ‘dysgraphia’, ‘learning difficulties’, ‘processing difficulties’, ‘giftedness’, ‘twice exceptional’.
The child has received classroom interventions but continues to struggle.
Signs of Specific Learning Disorders or Attention Issues
Difficulty following multi-step instructions.
Trouble retaining information, like numbers, letters, or facts.
Easily distracted or unable to stay focused for age-appropriate periods.
Difficulty knowing how to get started on academic tasks or assignments.
Difficulty organising tasks or materials.
Transitions or Life Changes
Struggles to adapt to changes in schooling, such as moving to a new grade level, a new school, or a different learning environment.
Parental Instincts
If parents feel their child isn’t thriving as expected, it’s worth exploring further.
Start with the School: Speak with teachers, guidance officers, learning support, or the school psychologist and find out what help your child has received, and what support is available at school. Speld’s Advisory Line (3391 7900) can help with information and resources to support you in talking to the school.
Consult a Paediatrician: A paediatrician can rule out medical causes for learning concerns.
Audiologist and optometrist checks: Rule out hearing and vision problems.
If you are still concerned about your child’s learning:
1. Consider a learning assessment to identify specific areas of strength and difficulty and the most appropriate interventions. The assessment report will also recommend other professionals who may be able to support your child (e.g., tutor, speech pathologist, occupational therapist, paediatrician).
2. If your child’s academic difficulties persist for at least six months despite targeted intervention (at school or with a tutor):
a. Complete a psychoeducational assessment with a psychologist to identify whether your child may have a specific learning disorder. Specific learning disorder can be in reading, written expression, and/or mathematics. Some specific learning disorders may be referred to as dyslexia or dyscalculia. Speak to Speld or go to our website to find out more information about this type of assessment and complete the assessment form.
b. Continue to monitor your child's progress.
c. Speak to Speld for information regarding next steps and supports, including access to specialist teachers, the Speld library, and the Speld Advisory Line.
Remember - early intervention is key to addressing learning challenges, building confidence, and ensuring your child has all the tools and support needed to learn.
(adapted from Emma Derbyshire’s blog: https://www.bera.ac.uk/blog/dyslexia-and-artificial-intelligence) Most readers are likely familiar with ChatGPT by now. For some, this term evokes hope and excitement, while others may feel apprehensive. Before discussing ChatGPT's potential applications for dyslexia, let's first define and clarify what ‘artificial intelligence’ (AI) means. According to Britannica (2023), AI is defined as ‘the ability […]
Parents and caregivers should consider seeking a learning assessment for their child when they notice signs that suggest the child may be struggling or have unmet needs academically, socially, or developmentally.
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