Learning Difficulties Psychologist Melbourne

Learning difficulties are not a reflection of intelligence or effort — they are specific differences in how the brain processes information. With appropriate assessment, support, and accommodations, people with learning difficulties can thrive academically and professionally.

What Are Learning Difficulties?

Learning difficulties (also called specific learning disorders) are neurodevelopmental conditions involving persistent difficulty acquiring and using academic skills, despite provision of appropriate instruction (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). They are not caused by intellectual disability, sensory impairment, or lack of educational opportunity.

We assess and support individuals with:

Dyslexia — specific difficulty with reading accuracy, fluency, and spelling
Dyscalculia — specific difficulty with number sense, arithmetic, and mathematics
Dysgraphia — specific difficulty with written expression and handwriting
Reading comprehension difficulties — difficulty understanding written material despite accurate decoding
Working memory difficulties — affecting learning, following instructions, and academic performance
Learning difficulties co-occurring with ADHD or developmental language disorder

Signs of Learning Difficulties

A learning difficulty may be present when you notice:

Reading significantly below age or ability expectations — slow, effortful, or inaccurate
Persistent spelling errors despite practice and instruction
Difficulty with written expression — ideas are clear verbally but not on paper
Maths performance significantly below ability in other areas
Difficulty following multi-step instructions or holding information in mind
Strong oral ability but significant discrepancy in written performance
History of significant academic effort with unexpectedly poor outcomes

Approximately 5–10% of the school-age population has a specific learning disorder. Without identification and support, learning difficulties significantly impact academic achievement, self-esteem, and mental health (Shaywitz & Shaywitz, 2020).

Why Assessment Is the Critical First Step

Many people with learning difficulties go unidentified for years — or are incorrectly labelled as lazy, unmotivated, or not trying hard enough. A comprehensive psychological assessment identifies the specific cognitive profile driving learning difficulties, distinguishes between different presentations, and provides evidence-based recommendations for intervention and support (Fletcher et al., 2019).

An assessment provides:

A clear diagnosis and cognitive profile explaining the learning difficulty
Evidence-based recommendations for intervention and support strategies
Documentation for educational accommodations (NAPLAN, VCE, university, workplace)
Guidance for parents and teachers on how to support the individual effectively
Differential diagnosis from ADHD, intellectual disability, or other contributing conditions

Early, targeted intervention for specific learning disorders produces significant improvements in academic outcomes and prevents the secondary mental health consequences of unidentified learning difficulties (Snowling & Hulme, 2012).

How We Help With Learning Difficulties

Our psychologists provide comprehensive assessment and evidence-based support:

Comprehensive Psychoeducational Assessment

A thorough assessment of cognitive abilities, academic achievement, and processing skills using standardised tools (including the WISC-V and WIAT-III). Produces a detailed report with diagnosis (where applicable), cognitive profile, and specific recommendations for intervention and accommodations (Fletcher et al., 2019).

Psychological Support for Self-Esteem and Mental Health

Learning difficulties are strongly associated with low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Psychological support addressing the emotional impact of learning difficulties — including chronic self-doubt, academic anxiety, and shame — is an important adjunct to learning support (Shaywitz & Shaywitz, 2020).

Advocacy and Accommodations Support

Our assessment reports meet the requirements for educational adjustments at school, VCE, and university level, and workplace accommodations. We can also assist with disability support access (NDIS) where learning difficulties co-occur with other developmental conditions.

We work collaboratively with schools, educational specialists, and speech pathologists to ensure coordinated, effective support.

What Learning Difficulties Treatment Looks Like at The Talk Shop

Your first appointment discusses your concerns, history, and what you hope to understand from an assessment.

The full assessment is typically conducted over one or two sessions. The written report is provided within 3–4 weeks.

We see children, adolescents, and adults. Adults seeking workplace accommodations or university support are welcome.

We offer appointments in-clinic at our Mooroolbark, Wheelers Hill, Reservoir, and Melbourne CBD locations, as well as Telehealth sessions from anywhere in Australia.

Funding Options — What Will You Pay?

WorkCover, NDIS or TAC approved? YOU PAY NOTHING.
If your claim has been approved, we bill your funder directly. Zero out-of-pocket cost — no gap, no upfront payment, nothing.

WorkCover approved — $0 out of pocket, we bill directly
NDIS plan-managed or self-managed — $0 out of pocket, we bill directly
TAC claim approved — $0 out of pocket, we bill directly
DVA — Gold Card holders are fully covered with no session cap (clinically justified). White Card holders covered for accepted conditions, plus all current/former ADF members can access fully-funded psychology for any mental-health condition under NLMHT. GP referral required.
Medicare rebate (Mental Health Care Plan) — rebates same-day or next day
Private Health Insurance — itemised invoice provided
No funding / self-pay — affordable rates from $50 per session, no referral needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my child need a diagnosis to get support at school?

Schools can provide general adjustments without a formal diagnosis. However, a formal psychological assessment is required for significant individual accommodations — including NAPLAN and VCE special provisions.

Can adults be assessed for learning difficulties?

Yes. Many adults with unidentified learning difficulties seek assessment to understand their lifelong experiences and access workplace or tertiary study accommodations. It is never too late to identify and address a learning difficulty.

Is a learning difficulty the same as ADHD?

No. ADHD and learning difficulties are separate conditions that frequently co-occur. A comprehensive assessment distinguishes between them and identifies any co-occurring conditions.

Is assessment covered by Medicare or NDIS?

Psychological assessment is partially covered by Medicare in some circumstances. NDIS may fund assessment where the learning difficulty co-occurs with an eligible NDIS condition. We provide NDIS service agreements. Please contact us to discuss your specific situation.

Need a Learning Difficulties Assessment? Talk to a Melbourne Psychologist.

Understanding how you learn is the first step to learning differently — and better.

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Other Conditions We Help With

Our psychologists are trained in a wide range of evidence-based approaches across many presentations. Browse our full directory of conditions and therapies we work with.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). APA. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787

Fletcher, J. M., Lyon, G. R., Fuchs, L. S., & Barnes, M. A. (2019). Learning disabilities: From identification to intervention (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.

Shaywitz, S. E., & Shaywitz, B. A. (2020). Overcoming dyslexia (2nd ed.). Knopf.

Snowling, M. J., & Hulme, C. (2012). Annual research review: The nature and classification of reading disorders — a commentary on proposals for DSM-5. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 53(5), 593–607. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2011.02495.x