Learning Assessments Across Adelaide

for children & teenagers

Connect Psychology is a group of psychologists with many years’ experience assessing children and teenagers with a wide range of developmental and learning difficulties; social, emotional, and relationship problems; and challenging behaviour. Clinical Director Jenni Pearce is recognised as one of South Australia’s leading child Clinical Psychologists with particular expertise in developmental and learning assessments; she oversees all assessments

Learning Assessments:

If you are concerned about your child’s progress at preschool or school, a cognitive learning assessment will provide you with useful information about your child’s particular strengths and learning style. An assessment usually takes place either in a “block” of two hours, or over two 50 minute appointments. Initially, the psychologist will talk to you to gain an understanding of your child’s progress so far and your concerns, drawing on information you have supplied in questionnaires and past reports.  Your child’s skills and development will be assessed using puzzles, activities and questioning. This will include assessment of your child’s intellectual strengths, memory and processing, using the Weschler Scales (WISC- V and WPPSI- IV) , which are internationally recognised tests of intelligence. Depending on your concerns, various other tests may be used to assess progress in areas such as early reading skills, literacy skills, writing and memory. The child attends these sessions alone. Most children enjoy the activities.

Feedback is provided to you in a further appointment, which may be without your child depending on their age. This is a crucial part of the process at Connect Psychology: it is an opportunity for you to discuss the outcome of the assessment and how best to support your child. Later, we send you a detailed written report which will suggest useful strategies to develop your child’s learning at home and at school.

What issues can be assessed?

  • slow progress in learning
  • early developmental progress
  • reading difficulties/dyslexia
  • writing difficulties
  • early entry to school
  • school/class placement
  • gifted development
  • eligibility for carer’s allowance
  • attention
  • behaviour
  • self-esteem
  • organisation.
psychology assessment in Adelaide

Is my child’s school involved?

That’s up to you. Most teachers are very keen for an assessment and we ask them to complete a questionnaire to provide us with information. The report is emailed to you and it is up to you to pass onto the school. It is written in a way that is helpful for schools. You may also like help to approach your child’s school to meet your child’s needs more effectively. We can talk to your child’s teacher about strategies to help, support applications for services, funding or school entry, including early entry. Our psychologists are well known and welcomed at all DECD, independent and Catholic Education SA schools and have the necessary Police Clearance to visit schools.

How do I arrange an assessment?

A referral is not needed. Simply phone Connect Psychology on 8357 0043 between 9:30 and 5. Our Receptionist will be happy to answer any further questions and offer you the next available appointments.