Dyslexia Assessment for Children in Perth
Understanding your child’s reading difficulties.
If your child is struggling with reading, spelling or written work, a dyslexia assessment can help clarify what is going on and what support will be most helpful moving forward.
At Butterfly Psychology for Kids, we provide comprehensive dyslexia assessments for children and adolescents in Perth. Our goal is to help families understand how a child learns and to provide clear, practical guidance for school and home.
What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder that affects reading accuracy, fluency and spelling. It is not related to intelligence. Many children with dyslexia are bright, creative thinkers who struggle with written language despite appropriate instruction.
Early identification can reduce frustration, support confidence, and ensure the right adjustments are in place at school.
What does a dyslexia assessment involve?
A dyslexia assessment looks at how a child processes language and develops literacy skills. It examines strengths as well as areas of difficulty to build a clear learning profile.
The assessment typically includes:
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An intellectual assessment to understand cognitive strengths and learning style (WISC-V)
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An educational assessment of reading, spelling and written language skills (WIAT-III)
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Assessment of phonological processing and literacy foundations
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Review of developmental, medical and educational history
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Parent consultation to understand concerns and school context
What will you receive?
Following the assessment, you will receive a comprehensive written report that includes:
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Clear explanation of assessment results
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Diagnosis of dyslexia if criteria are met
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Practical recommendations for school support and adjustments
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Guidance for supporting learning at home
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Recommendations that can be shared with teachers and schools
We take care to write reports in clear, accessible language, not technical jargon.
Who is this assessment suitable for?
A dyslexia assessment may be helpful for children who:
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Struggle with reading accuracy or fluency
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Have difficulty with spelling despite practice
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Avoid reading or written tasks
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Are working hard at school but not making expected progress
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Have a family history of learning difficulties
Assessments are suitable for primary and secondary school-aged children.
Assessment process and timeframes
The assessment process generally involves:
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Initial parent consultation (30–60 minutes)
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Assessment sessions with your child
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Time for scoring, interpretation and report writing
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Feedback and discussion of results and recommendations
Total time and fees depend on the assessment components required. Please contact us to discuss your child’s needs and receive a tailored estimate.
Some children experience overlapping learning and attention difficulties. If concerns about focus, impulsivity, or attention are also present, you may wish to read more about our ADHD assessment services.
Getting started
If you are unsure whether a dyslexia assessment is the right next step, getting in touch can be a helpful place to start. We are happy to talk through your concerns and discuss whether an assessment would be appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child might need a dyslexia assessment?
Children who may benefit from a dyslexia assessment often struggle with reading accuracy, spelling, or reading fluency, despite appropriate teaching and effort. Some children avoid reading, become anxious about schoolwork, or tire quickly during written tasks. If progress has been slower than expected, an assessment can help clarify why and what support may help.
What age can my child be assessed for dyslexia?
Dyslexia assessments are typically suitable for children from around 7 years of age, once formal reading instruction has begun. Assessments are also appropriate for older primary and secondary school students. If you are unsure whether your child is ready, we are happy to discuss this with you.
What is the difference between a dyslexia assessment and a general educational assessment?
A dyslexia assessment focuses specifically on reading, spelling and related language skills, as well as the underlying processes that support literacy. A broader educational or comprehensive assessment may also examine attention, learning, behaviour, or emotional factors. We can help determine the most appropriate assessment based on your child’s needs.
Will the assessment include a diagnosis?
If your child meets the diagnostic criteria for dyslexia, this will be clearly outlined in the report. If criteria are not met, the assessment will still provide valuable information about learning strengths, difficulties, and recommendations to support your child at school and at home.
What happens after the assessment?
You will receive a detailed written report that explains the results in clear language. The report includes practical recommendations that can be shared with teachers and schools to support learning and guide adjustments. We also discuss the results with you and answer any questions you may have.
Will the assessment help with school support or adjustments?
Yes. Many schools use assessment reports to guide classroom strategies, learning support, and, where appropriate, special examination arrangements. While outcomes depend on individual school policies, the recommendations are designed to be practical and usable in educational settings.
How long does the assessment take?
The process usually involves multiple components, including an initial consultation, assessment sessions, scoring and interpretation, and report writing. Exact timeframes depend on the assessment required. We can provide an estimate once your child’s needs are discussed.
Do I need a referral from a GP?
A GP referral is not required to proceed with a dyslexia assessment. Dyslexia assessments are not eligible for Medicare rebates.
How much does a dyslexia assessment cost?
Fees vary depending on the components required for the assessment. We recommend getting in touch to discuss your child’s needs so a clear estimate can be provided before proceeding.