CANBERRA PSYCHOLOGY CENTRE FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES
“Problems with learning are often due to a range of factors that may include poor attention, behavior problems, problems with executive functioning or learning difficulties.”
Learning
Specific Learning Disorders.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (DSM5) classifies learning disorders under “Specific Learning Disorder” (SLD), a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by difficulties in the attainment of specific academic skills (reading, writing, mathematics).
*Please note: these disorders were previously known as Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia
An SLD diagnosis is applied when a person experiences persistent difficulties with academic skills that are significantly below age expectations.
The DSM-5 also specifies there be no other plausible explanation for the difficulties.
Assessment & Report
A comprehensive assessment report ensures that children receive appropriate intervention and support.
Whether a diagnosis is given or not, reports always include recommendations for support and intervention.
We provide a comprehensive list of relevant strategies and interventions in our reports.
These may include recommendations for the classroom and home environment, and referral to other professionals who specialise in education interventions.
Please note we also assess adults for IQ, Intellectual Disability, Learning Disorders, ADHD and Autism.
Difficulties in the attainment of specific academic skills
Persistent difficulties
The individual experiences ongoing struggles with learning and using academic skills in at least one area (reading, writing, or maths).
Significant performance below expectations
Academic skills are substantially below the expected level for the individual’s age and abilities.
No other explanation
The difficulties are not due to other factors like intellectual disability, visual or auditory impairments, attention deficits, or insufficient educational opportunities.
CANBERRA PSYCHOLOGY CENTRE FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES
“ An IQ test, to assess cognitive functioning, is ‘essential’ in the diagnosis of learning disorders.”
– ESTABLISHED 2014 –
Specific Areas of Difficulty
Reading
This can include difficulties with phonics, word recognition, reading comprehension, reading fluency.
Writing
This can encompass challenges with spelling, written expression, overall written composition.
Mathematics
This may involve difficulties with understanding number concepts, mathematical reasoning, or calculations.
CANBERRA PSYCHOLOGY CENTRE FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES
“ The purpose of an assessment is to determine the cause of the academic problems so that proper services, interventions and treatments can be put in place.”
SERVING CANBERRA & SURROUNDS – EST. 2014
What is Cognitive functioning ?
An IQ test, to assess cognitive functioning, is essential in the diagnosis of learning disorders.
Cognitive functioning refers to the mental processes used to acquire, store, and use information.
It encompasses a range of abilities important for daily life, including learning, thinking, reasoning, remembering, problem-solving, decision-making, and attention.