COGNITIVE ASSESSMENTS
You want the best for your child and want to support them in reaching their potential.
If you have concerns about your child in areas such as reading, spelling, mathematics or handwriting, these may indicate that your child could be experiencing challenges related to their cognitive development. They may also indicate the presence of a learning disorder – all of which can be explored through cognitive assessment.
A cognitive test may provide insights into your child or adolescent’s cognitive strengths and learning preferences. These insights can inform strategies that support their development and enhance academic engagement.
An educational assessment can also contribute valuable information that may support the diagnosis of Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs) including:
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Dyslexia: reading-based difficulties
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Dysgraphia: written expression difficulties
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Dyscalculia: mathematical difficulties
Sydney Children’s Practice is an award-winning child psychology practice and our clinicians are trained in educational psychology. We provide cognitive tests and Dyslexia & Dyscalculia assessment and testing for children and adolescents in a supportive, family-friendly environment.
UNDERSTANDING SPECIFIC LEARNING DISORDERS
A diagnosis of a Specific Learning Disorder is based on persistent difficulties in reading, writing or maths that are below expected levels for the child or adolescent’s age and education. These difficulties must interfere with their academic performance or daily functioning and cannot be attributed to intellectual disability, sensory impairments or limited educational access.
Our team is skilled in educational psychology and use evidence-based assessment tools that are widely recognized and trusted in both clinical and educational settings. These tools explore areas such as problem-solving, memory, processing speed, reading, writing and maths, giving us a clear picture of your child’s learning profile.
A cognitive or education assessment can provide valuable insights to guide your child’s learning journey and highlight strategies that build on their strengths and support their challenges.
We understand this may be an uncertain time, and our psychologists aim to support families with professionalism, care and understanding.
WHY CHOOSE SYDNEY CHILDRENS PRACTICE FOR A COGNITIVE/LEARNING ASSESSMENT
At Sydney Children’s Practice, our psychologists are skilled in educational psychology and have extensive experience supporting children and adolescents with learning concerns. We use internationally recognised, evidence-based assessment tools to create a clear profile of your child’s strengths and areas for support. This information helps families, educators and health professionals work together to guide your child’s progress.
Sydney Children’s Practice is nationally recognised for excellence in child and adolescent psychology.
Sydney Children’s Practice has received national recognition as a finalist in several industry awards and was named Champion in the Psychology category at the 2025 Australian Professionals Small Business Champion Awards.
Families choose us for our professionalism, warmth and dedication to supporting children’s wellbeing and learning.
Our Glebe and Stanmore clinics are designed to be supportive and welcoming environments for children and families. We offer cognitive tests and Dyslexia & Dyscalculia Assessment and Testing at both of these Sydney locations.
WHEN MIGHT A COGNITIVE OR LEARNING ASSESSMENT BE USEFUL?
A cognitive or learning assessment can be useful when a child is finding parts of school much harder than expected, even with extra help. Some signs that an assessment may be helpful include:
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Difficulty following instructions
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Challenges with learning new concepts
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Frustration about their academic performance
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Discrepancy between advanced abilities in some areas and struggles with schoolwork
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Delays in meeting developmental milestones
Difficulty with reading, writing, spelling or number work? An assessment may also be recommended if your child shows behavioural challenges in the classroom or seems to be disengaging from school. Understanding the reasons behind these struggles can be the first step toward providing the right support.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT A COGNITIVE/LEARNING ASSESSMENT
Your child will complete a range of tasks one-on-one with the psychologist over approximately two hours.
The session is adapted to suit your child’s age and needs and includes breaks when needed to keep them comfortable and focused.
Standardised tools appropriate for the child’s age are used for the assessment, with additional screeners added depending on presenting concerns. Activities may include puzzles, pen and paper tasks, iPads, timed tasks or other activities for exploring skills such as problem-solving, memory, vocabulary, reasoning and processing.
If our educational psychologist at Sydney Children’s Practice is investigating Specific Learning Disorders, testing usually occurs over two sessions (up to four hours in total). Additional tests may also be required if concerns such as ADHD and anxiety are raised to ensure we gain a complete picture of your child’s learning profile.
ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Our cognitive and learning assessments follow a clear process so families know what to expect at each stage.
Importantly, before beginning the assessment process, we recommend that your child has up-to-date vision and hearing tests. Difficulties in these areas can affect learning and need to be ruled out before interpreting the assessment results.
Initial appointment – Clinical Interview (50–60 minutes)
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We meet with parents to gather background information and understand the reasons for referral. Relevant documents, such as school reports, may also be requested.
Cognitive testing session (approx. 2 hours)
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Your child completes one-on-one activities with the psychologist using well-researched tools. If a Specific Learning Disorder is being investigated, testing usually takes place over two sessions (up to 4 hours in total). Common tools include the WISC-V (a measure of cognitive abilities) and WIAT-III (a measure of academic skills), along with additional screeners if needed.
Scoring and report preparation
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The psychologist analyses results and prepares a detailed report with findings and recommendations.
Feedback session (50–60 minutes)
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Parents meet with the psychologist to receive and review the report and discuss findings, implications and recommended next steps. School consultations may also be offered with parental consent.
NUMBER OF SESSIONS
The number of sessions depends on the type of assessment your child needs.
Standard cognitive assessment usually involves:
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Intake appointment with parents/caregivers
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Testing session (or two sessions if needed)
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Feedback session with parents/caregivers
Education assessment (SLDs):
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Intake appointment with parents/caregivers
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First testing session
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Second testing session
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Feedback session with parents/caregivers
School consultations may be arranged with parental consent.
FEE & REBATES
Fees vary based on the referral question, psychologist experience and required testing. A clear, tailored quote is provided after the intake appointment when a clear assessment plan can be developed.
Cognitive assessments are not eligible for Medicare rebates. Some private health funds may offer partial rebates depending on your policy.
WHERE TO FIND US
We have two clinic locations if you’re looking for a child psychologist in Inner West Sydney, in Glebe and Stanmore. Visit our contact us page for more information.
All services are delivered in accordance with the Guidelines for advertising a regulated health service as outlined by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).
FAQs ABOUT COGNITIVE ASSESSMENT
Sydney Children's Practice
Level 1/335-341 Glebe Point Rd
Glebe NSW 2037
Suite 1, 170 Parramatta Rd
Stanmore NSW 2048
admin@sydneychildrenspractice.com.au
Tel: 02 9564 3758
Fax: 02 9564 3759
Clinic Hours: 7:30am - 8:00pm
Reception Hours: 8:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday
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