Childhood Educational Assessments:
Learning Difficulties & ADHD Testing

Professional psychology assessment services for children aged 6-16. Gold standard testing for dyslexia, ADHD, comprehension difficulties, and learning challenges using WISC-V and WIAT-III across Australia.

Childhood educational assessment and learning difficulties testing

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Understanding Educational Assessments

Educational assessments help identify learning difficulties and cognitive strengths in children, providing crucial insights for parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals.

What Is Assessed

  • Dyslexia and reading difficulties
  • Mathematical learning challenges (dyscalculia)
  • Comprehension and language processing
  • Attention deficit disorders (ADHD/ADD)
  • Processing speed difficulties
  • Working memory challenges

What Does an Educational Assessment Involve?

A comprehensive educational assessment combines clinical expertise with standardised testing to create a complete picture of your child's learning profile.

Comprehensive History

Detailed information is gathered about your child's developmental milestones, educational journey, and current challenges to understand their unique needs.

Standardised Testing

Australian standardised psychometric tests are used to objectively measure cognitive abilities and academic achievement levels.

Gold Standard Assessment: The WISC-V and WIAT-III tests are used, which are recognised as the premier assessment tools throughout Australia's educational and psychological sectors.

The Common Assessment Tools

WISC-V Test

Cognitive Assessment

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children evaluates general cognitive abilities across key domains:

  • Verbal comprehension skills
  • Visual-spatial processing
  • Fluid reasoning abilities
  • Working memory capacity
  • Processing speed

Duration: 60-90 minutes

WIAT-III Test

Achievement Assessment

The Wechsler Individual Achievement Test measures how children apply their cognitive skills to academic tasks:

  • Reading and decoding skills
  • Spelling and written expression
  • Reading comprehension
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Numerical operations

Duration: 60-90 minutes

The Assessment Process

Initial Consultation

The process begins with a clinical intake interview to discuss the referral, explain the testing process, and answer your questions. This can be combined with the first round of testing (WISC-V) or scheduled separately, depending on your family's preferences.

Cognitive Testing (WISC-V)

Most children enjoy the WISC-V activities, which include engaging questions and puzzles. Some activities are completed on an iPad, making the experience interactive and fun.

Achievement Testing (WIAT-III)

Typically scheduled about one week after the first appointment, this session focuses on academic skills. While more similar to 'school work', the environment remains supportive and encouraging.

Additional Information Gathering

Parents and teachers complete questionnaires to help us understand any social-emotional concerns and provide a complete picture of your child's functioning across different settings.

Comprehensive Report & Feedback

A detailed report is provided with findings, recommendations, and strategies to support your child's learning journey.

Conditions That Can Be Identified

Through comprehensive assessment and clinical analysis, the following conditions can be identified:

ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder affecting focus and executive function

Dyslexia

Specific learning difficulties with reading, spelling, and written expression

Dyscalculia

Mathematical learning difficulties affecting number sense and calculation skills

Language Disorders

Difficulties with comprehension, expression, or language processing

Working Memory Issues

Challenges with holding and manipulating information in mind

Processing Speed

Difficulties with the speed of taking in and using information

Important Information

Session Duration

Each appointment typically lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, with breaks as needed to ensure your child remains comfortable and engaged.

Additional Assessments

Sometimes additional assessments may be required for clarification. This will be discussed with you as soon as possible if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, psychoeducational assessments can contribute to diagnosing ADHD, though they are not strictly required under Australian guidelines. The Australian ADHD guideline indicates that while psychoeducational testing is not necessary for diagnosis, psychometric evaluation can assist with identifying co-occurring conditions and inform treatment planning when there is diagnostic uncertainty.1,2

Australian education frameworks recognise three main assessment types: assessment for learning (formative), assessment of learning (summative), and assessment as learning (student-involved). Additional specialised assessments include cognitive assessments, achievement assessments, developmental assessments, and school readiness assessments, though "seven types" is not an official Australian educational classification.3

According to the Australian ADHD Guideline, the best assessment approach combines clinician interview with standardised rating scales using multiple informants (parents, teachers). The Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale is recommended as a free, evidence-based screening tool for children aged 5-12, while more comprehensive assessments include full clinical interviews, developmental history, and observer reports.1,2

Yes, psychiatrists can diagnose ADHD through comprehensive psychiatric assessments that follow Australia's evidence-based guidelines. Psychiatrists, paediatricians, adequately trained GPs, and experienced psychologists are all qualified to diagnose ADHD in Australia, with psychiatrists following established protocols that assess the individual's history, symptoms, and functional impact using standardised diagnostic tools and rating scales.4,5

The 20-minute rule refers to breaking tasks into manageable 20-minute focused work sessions with short breaks, which helps children with ADHD maintain attention and productivity. This approach aligns with research showing that children can typically sustain attention for 2-3 minutes per year of age on adult-directed tasks, meaning a 10-year-old might optimally focus for 20-30 minutes before needing a break.6,7

References

  1. Australian ADHD Professionals Association. (2024). How should ADHD be assessed, diagnosed, and monitored. Australian Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for ADHD. https://adhdguideline.aadpa.com.au/diagnosis/adhd-diagnosis/
  2. Bellgrove, M. A., Becker, S. P., Sanci, L., et al. (2023). The Australian evidence-based clinical practice guideline for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 57(8), 1101-1128. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10363932/
  3. Australian Education Research Organisation. (2024). Introduction: Assessment for children's learning. https://www.edresearch.edu.au/guides-resources/practice-resources/introduction-afcl
  4. ADHD Treatment Australia. (2024). Psychiatrist vs. Psychologist ADHD Assessment. https://adhdta.com.au/psychiatrist-vs-psychologist-adhd-assessment/
  5. Kantoko. (2024). Adult ADHD Diagnosis in Australia: Assessment, Costs, Wait Times & What to Expect. https://www.kantoko.com.au/articles/adult-adhd-diagnosis-australia
  6. Brain Balance Centers. (2024). Normal Attention Span Expectations By Age. https://www.brainbalancecenters.com/blog/normal-attention-span-expectations-by-age
  7. PsychCentral. (2024). How to Wind the Pomodoro Technique for ADHD. https://psychcentral.com/adhd/how-to-adapt-the-pomodoro-technique-adhd

Find a Child Psychologist Near You

Connect with qualified educational psychologists who specialise in childhood assessments

Search Psychologists