Dyslexia Assessment

A dyslexia assessment is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a qualified professional to determine whether an individual has dyslexia, a specific learning difficulty that primarily affects reading, spelling, and writing. The assessment examines a range of skills including phonological awareness, reading accuracy and fluency, spelling, writing, working memory, and processing speed. Results provide a clear picture of the individual’s strengths and challenges, and form the basis for targeted intervention strategies and any accommodations needed for school, university, or the workplace.

Signs of dyslexia can vary by age. In younger children, common indicators include difficulty learning letter names and sounds, trouble rhyming, slow development of spoken vocabulary, and difficulty following multi-step instructions. In school-aged children and adolescents, signs may include reading significantly below expected level, persistent spelling difficulties, avoidance of reading tasks, slow or effortful writing, and difficulty organising written work. Adults with undiagnosed dyslexia may experience ongoing reading and spelling challenges, difficulty with written communication at work, and slower reading speed compared to peers.

At Astrad, dyslexia assessments are conducted by registered speech pathologists with experience in literacy and learning difficulties. Speech pathologists are qualified to assess the language and phonological processing skills that underpin reading and spelling, making them well-suited to identify dyslexia and recommend evidence-based intervention strategies. Our clinicians use standardised, validated assessment tools and follow current best-practice guidelines to ensure accurate, reliable results that are accepted by schools, universities, and funding bodies.

Dyslexia assessments may be funded through NDIS plans if the individual has an NDIS plan that includes Capacity Building Supports for Improved Daily Living. Funding eligibility depends on your individual plan goals and how the assessment relates to your functional support needs. Our team can help you understand whether your NDIS funding applies to a dyslexia assessment and work within your plan to deliver the service. For individuals without NDIS funding, we also offer assessments on a private fee-for-service basis.

A dyslexia assessment typically takes place over one or two sessions. Your speech pathologist will begin by gathering background information about developmental history, educational experiences, and current concerns. The assessment itself involves a series of standardised tasks that evaluate phonological awareness, reading accuracy, reading fluency, spelling, writing, working memory, and processing speed. The clinician may also assess oral language skills to build a complete picture. After the assessment, you receive a detailed report with findings, a diagnosis if appropriate, and recommendations for intervention, school accommodations, or workplace adjustments.

Dyslexia can be assessed from around age six or seven, once a child has had sufficient exposure to formal reading instruction. However, pre-literacy screening can identify risk factors in children as young as four or five, allowing early intervention to begin before significant reading difficulties develop. There is no upper age limit for a dyslexia assessment. Many adolescents and adults seek assessment to understand lifelong reading and spelling challenges, access accommodations for university exams, or receive workplace support. Early identification leads to better outcomes, but assessment at any age can provide valuable insights and open pathways to support.

Booking a dyslexia assessment is straightforward. You can request an appointment through our website or by calling our team directly. No GP referral is required, though we accept referrals from GPs, paediatricians, psychologists, teachers, and school support teams. Our registered speech pathologists deliver assessments through our mobile service, coming to your home, school, or community setting across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. We work with NDIS participants and families accessing private funding to ensure assessment services are accessible.