The Importance of Psychometric Testing for a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) in Children
By Ariella Cohen
The psychological impact of learning difficulties
Children who experience significant difficulty in performing at the expected academic year level can often struggle with psychological stress if early learning issues are not identified and appropriate support provided. As children develop, they become more aware of their difficulties, especially when they notice their peers appear to complete classwork with ease and at a faster rate. It is common for children with learning difficulties to describe themselves as feeling "dumb" or "stupid," and to compare themselves negatively to their peers. As a result, these children can lack confidence in attempting academic tasks, experience low self-esteem and peer victimisation, and symptoms of anxiety. All of which can negatively impact their ability to develop and maintain friendships, and positively engage in school settings.
Unfortunately, the necessary support a child needs within the classroom may be lacking due to limited staff and resources. Educational Assistants (EAs) are typically assigned to help children with a diagnosis that attracts funding, and/ or children with more pronounced struggles.
What to do if you think your child may have a specific learning difficulty?
Children with learning difficulties may ‘fly under the radar’ within a busy classroom, particularly if they are not demonstrating externalising behaviours. If you suspect that your child has learning difficulties:
Speak to your child’s teacher and they can provide feedback on how your child’s academic level is compared to their similar-aged peers. They can also begin to note observations of specific learning difficulties that your child is experiencing (if any) and any strategies that they are using which are helping your child to learn.
Speak to a professional (such as an Educational and Developmental Psychologist) to gain advice on the best way to support your child.
Initially, a minimum of six months intervention is recommended, which can be in the form of small group teaching or one to one extra assistance outside of the classroom. Many schools provide small group literacy or numeracy intervention programs, and some parents choose to pay privately for 1:1 tutoring.
Following six months of intervention, if your child is showing minimal progress, a psychoeducational assessment may be the next step toward identifying and addressing whether your child meets criteria for a specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia, dyscalculia or dyspraxia.
What is a psychoeducational assessment?
A psychoeducational assessment evaluates your child’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses to determine if there may be a cognitive reason for their academic difficulties (e.g., a slow processing speed or poor working memory) or if it may be related to a specific learning disorder. Additionally, academic testing focuses on assessing a child’s literacy and numeracy skills. The comprehensive results of a psychoeducational assessment offer families, teachers, and the child, insights into their strengths and weaknesses, along with important recommendations for targeted support and intervention.
Recommendations help harness and develop skills while validating the unique way each child’s brain works. At The Kidd Clinic we work closely with children and their supporting adults to assist in understanding the child’s neurotype, their strengths, and practical ways they may be best supported academically, psychologically and socially. With specific learning intervention and support, children can make significant academic gains, feel more positively about themselves and their abilities, and engage more fully in their education setting.
If you have concerns about your child’s learning, complete our online enquiry form https://www.kiddclinic.com.au/contact or phone our friendly Client Care Team on (08) 6237 7940 to book in a pre-assessment consultation session.
