- IQ testing
- Dyslexia & dyscalculia
- Giftedness
- Children, teens & adults
What we assess
We match the assessment to your questions, so you only do the testing you need.
Cognitive (IQ) assessment
Explores reasoning, verbal and visual skills, working memory and processing speed. Shows strengths as well as what takes more effort.
WPPSI, WISC, WAIS
Dyslexia assessment
Looks at reading accuracy, fluency, comprehension and spelling, alongside cognitive testing.
Cognitive testing + WIAT
Dyscalculia assessment
Looks at number sense, maths facts, calculation and maths reasoning, alongside cognitive testing.
Cognitive testing + WIAT
Giftedness and twice-exceptional
For bright children and adults who also find some things hard, such as ADHD, autism or a learning difference.
Cognitive testing
With an ADHD assessment
Learning and attention often overlap. A combined assessment helps tell them apart and shows how they interact.
ADHD + cognitive + academic
Writing difficulties
Looks at spelling, sentence building and organising ideas in writing, alongside cognitive testing.
Cognitive testing + WIAT
Dyslexia and dyscalculia, explained
Dyslexia and dyscalculia are learning differences. They aren’t about intelligence or effort. Many people with dyslexia or dyscalculia are creative, curious and strong thinkers. School and work just weren’t designed with their brains in mind.
The formal diagnosis is a specific learning disorder, with impairment in reading (dyslexia), written expression, or mathematics (dyscalculia). An estimated 5 to 15% of school-age children have a learning disorder.[1] SPELD NSW estimates up to 10% of children have persistent difficulties with literacy or numeracy.[2]
Dyslexia
Specific learning disorder with impairment in reading
- Slow or effortful reading, or guessing words
- Trouble linking letters with their sounds
- Spelling that stays hard, even with practice
- Understanding well when listening, but not when reading
- Avoiding reading aloud, or feeling tired after reading
Dyscalculia
Specific learning disorder with impairment in mathematics
- Difficulty understanding numbers and quantities
- Still counting on fingers for simple sums
- Trouble remembering maths facts, like times tables
- Getting lost in the steps of a calculation
- Finding money, time or measurement confusing
A diagnosis looks for difficulties that have lasted at least six months, even with targeted help.[1] Learning differences are often noticed in primary school, but many people aren’t recognised until high school, university or adulthood. It’s never too late to understand how you learn.
How the assessment works
We explain each step before it happens. Breaks, movement and sensory adjustments are always welcome.
- QuestionnairesForms about history, development and learning. We’ll ask for school reports and any past assessments or tutoring.
- InterviewA conversation about strengths, challenges and goals, with parents for children. This can be in person or by telehealth.
- TestingPuzzle-like and school-style tasks, done in person at our Wahroonga clinic. Most people find parts of it enjoyable.
- Feedback and reportWe talk through the results, then send a written report with practical recommendations.
How a report can help
- At school. Recommendations for teaching, adjustments and support, shared with your school if you choose.
- In exams. In NSW, schools apply for HSC exam provisions on behalf of students. Much of the evidence comes from school-based tests, so check with your school about what’s needed before booking a specialist report.[3]
- At university or work. Evidence to support access to disability services and reasonable adjustments.
- At home. A shared language for how you or your child learns, which can ease frustration and self-blame.
Fees
| Assessment | Direct client time | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Cognitive (IQ) assessmentChildren, teens or adults | 1–1.5 hrs | $995 |
| Cognitive + academic assessmentChildren and teens. Explores dyslexia, dyscalculia and other learning differences | 1–1.5 hrs | $1,395 |
| ADHD + cognitive + academic assessmentChildren and teens | 2 hrs | $2,695 |
Fees include scoring, your feedback session and a written report. A $295 deposit secures your booking and comes off your total fee. Adults wondering about dyslexia or dyscalculia, please call us to talk about the right assessment. See all options on our fees page.
Frequently asked questions
Can a psychologist diagnose dyslexia or dyscalculia?
Yes. Psychologists can assess and diagnose a specific learning disorder, including with impairment in reading (dyslexia) or mathematics (dyscalculia). We combine cognitive testing, academic testing and your history to understand the whole picture.
What age can my child be assessed?
Cognitive testing is available from preschool age. For dyslexia or dyscalculia, children usually need some formal teaching and targeted help first, so assessment is often from the early primary years onwards. If you’re unsure about timing, book a free 15-minute call.
Can adults be assessed for dyslexia or dyscalculia?
Yes. Many adults are first recognised at university, at work or after a child’s assessment. Understanding how you learn can bring real relief at any age.
Do I need a referral?
No, you don’t need a referral. Medicare rebates for assessments are limited. See our fees page for details.
Can testing be done by telehealth?
Questionnaires, interviews and feedback can be done online. The testing itself is done in person at our Wahroonga clinic, so results are accurate.
What if it’s not dyslexia or dyscalculia?
Your report will still explain what we found, including strengths and anything else that might be getting in the way, such as attention, language or anxiety, with clear next steps.
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Ready to understand how you learn?
Book an assessment online, call us, or start with a free 15-minute call to talk about which assessment fits.
(02) 9037 3509Suite 4 & 5, 5 Redleaf Avenue, Wahroonga NSW 2076. Serving Wahroonga, Turramurra, Pymble, Hornsby and Sydney’s North Shore. Psychcare is not an emergency service. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000 or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Sources
- American Psychiatric Association (2024). What is specific learning disorder?
- SPELD NSW. Specific learning disorders: a guide for GPs.
- NSW Education Standards Authority. Applying for HSC disability provisions.