4/161 Aumuller St, Bungalow QLD[email protected]
NDIS Registered Provider

Learning Profile

Specific Learning Disorder Assessment

Comprehensive assessment for dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia — clear answers and practical strategies for school and home.

Get in Touch
Two school-age children reading a book together on a sofa
Ages 4½+
Best from Grade 1 onwards
Reports in 2-3 Weeks
Comprehensive written report
School Documentation
Supports adjustments & funding
Cairns Clinic
On-site assessment

About

About this Assessment

This assessment looks at how a child learns, processes information, and uses academic skills, so families and schools can better understand their strengths and challenges.

Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) is the formal diagnostic term used in the DSM-5-TR. It includes what many families know as dyslexia (reading difficulties), dysgraphia (writing difficulties), and dyscalculia (math difficulties).

The goal of the assessment is to provide clarity, reduce uncertainty, and guide practical supports at school and home.

At a glance

Service summary

  • Format: Cognitive + academic + adaptive assessment
  • Recommended age: 4½+, ideally Grade 1 onwards
  • Report: 2-3 weeks after final session
  • Deposit: $200 non-refundable at booking
  • Outcomes: Diagnostic clarity + school strategies

The Process

What to Expect

A clear, supportive process from your first call through to the final written report.

1

Assessment Components

  • WPPSI-IV / WISC-V — Cognitive assessment exploring how your child thinks, reasons, remembers, processes language, and solves problems.
  • WIAT-III — Academic assessment measuring reading, writing, spelling, and mathematics skills.
  • ABAS-3 — Adaptive measure to evaluate the impact of any learning differences on day-to-day life.
2

Preparation

  • Ensure your child is well-rested before the assessment.
  • Continue any regular medications at their normal time.
  • Send through previous reports from school, paediatrician, or other professionals.
3

Report & Follow-up

A comprehensive written report is provided within 2–3 weeks, with practical recommendations for home and school strategies, school adjustments, and intervention planning.

Reports must be paid in full before release.

Indicators

Who is this for?

Children and young people aged 4½ and older who are struggling with reading, writing, spelling, or mathematics in ways that are unexpected for their age.

  • Struggling with reading, writing, spelling, or mathematics in ways unexpected for their age and schooling.
  • Working hard but continuing to fall behind, or showing uneven learning patterns.
  • Becoming frustrated, anxious, or avoidant during academic tasks.
  • Needing formal documentation to support school adjustments, intervention planning, or NDIS access.
  • Best assessed from Grade 1 onwards — this allows enough learning history to identify persistent difficulties.

Access

Referrals & Booking

SLD assessments are not eligible for Medicare rebates. Direct bookings are welcome.

Direct Referral

Contact us directly to book — no referral required.

$200 non-refundable deposit at booking. See our Fees & Rebates page for full pricing.

Paediatrician or Psychiatrist Referral

If a paediatrician or psychiatrist has recommended an SLD assessment, send the referral through with your booking.

Note: SLD assessments are not Medicare-rebatable regardless of referral.

Explore more services

Other ways we support children, families and the people around them.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Learning & dyslexia assessment in Cairns — common questions.

What is a learning (specific learning disorder) assessment?
It assesses for dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia using cognitive testing (WISC-V) and academic achievement testing (WIAT-III) to identify specific learning disorders and how your child learns best.
How do I know if my child needs one?
Consider an assessment if your child struggles persistently with reading, writing or maths despite good support, or if their school has raised concerns.
What does the assessment identify?
Whether a specific learning disorder is present, your child's individual learning profile, and targeted strategies for the classroom and home.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed to book a learning assessment.
Will the report help my child's school?
Yes. The report includes practical, school-ready recommendations and can support access arrangements and individualised learning plans.

We're here for
your family.

Caterpillar Clinic specialises in diagnostic assessments and clinical interventions for children and adolescents in Cairns.

Call Us
07 4281 6886
[email protected]
4/161 Aumuller Street, Bungalow QLD 4870
Mon – Fri, 8:30am – 5:00pm
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NDIS Registered

Medicare Rebates

Ahpra Registered

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