Dyslexia assessment in Perth — clear answers for kids who find reading hard
Your child exhibits strengths in many areas but reading is slow and effortful, spelling won't stick, and they'd do anything to avoid reading aloud.
At Butterfly Psychology for Kids, comprehensive Dyslexia assessments for Perth children and adolescents are personally conducted by psychologist Vanessa Gunton. The assessment provides clear data to support your child's learning at school and at home.
What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder that can affect reading and spelling. It is not related to intelligence. Many children with Dyslexia are bright, creative thinkers who struggle with literacy despite appropriate instruction and intervention.
Early identification can ensure your child receives the support they need and the right adjustments at school.
What does a Dyslexia assessment involve?
A Dyslexia assessment looks at literacy skills including reading, spelling, writing and evaluates phonological processing. 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 writing with a battery of tests which includes the WIAT-III
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Assessment of phonological processing
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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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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.
Who is this assessment suitable for?
A Dyslexia assessment may be helpful for children who:
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Struggle with reading accuracy, comprehension and/or fluency
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Have difficulty with spelling
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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 or literacy challenges
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Show fading confidence — homework battles, avoidance, or 'I'm dumb' creeping in
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
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Assessment session 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
Every child is different, so each assessment is scoped to your child's needs. Your fee is confirmed in writing before you book, and that single quote covers the parent consultation, testing session, scoring and analysis, teacher and parent documentation, comprehensive written report and a dedicated feedback session. Please note: assessment services do not attract Medicare rebates.
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
The next step is a conversation. Call 0434 470 381 or send an enquiry telling us what your concerns are and why you are seeking an evaluation for your child. Enquiries are personally responded to by Vanessa in a timely manner.
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 and/or spelling, despite appropriate teaching and intervention. Some children avoid reading, become anxious about schoolwork, or tire quickly during literacy 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 and time has been provided for literacy skills to develop. 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.
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 session, scoring and interpretation, and report writing. Exact timeframes depend on the assessment required and also the age of the child. 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 depend on what your child's assessment needs to include. You'll receive a clear, all-inclusive quote in writing before you book, covering the parent consultation, testing session, teacher and parent questionnaires, the full written report and your feedback session. There are no hidden extras.