Dyscalculia Assessment (Child to Adolescent)

Delivery: Combined Face to Face and Telehealth
Cost: $1,650.00 (after pay available)

Who is this suitable for:

Children aged 6 to 18 years of age.

Dyscalculia is a specific learning disorder that affects an individual's ability to understand and work with numbers. It is characterized by difficulties in learning and comprehending arithmetic, mathematics concepts, and numerical reasoning. People with dyscalculia may have trouble with tasks involving numbers and math operations despite having normal intelligence and adequate educational opportunities. Here are some key characteristics and symptoms of dyscalculia:

1. Difficulty Understanding Number Concepts: Individuals with dyscalculia may struggle with understanding the concept of quantity, counting, and number relationships (e.g., understanding that 5 is greater than 3).
2. Challenges with Arithmetic Operations: Difficulty in performing basic arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division accurately and efficiently.
3. Problem Solving and Mathematical Reasoning: Difficulty in applying mathematical concepts to solve problems, understand word problems, and reason mathematically.
4. Spatial and Temporal Challenges: Some individuals with dyscalculia may have difficulty understanding spatial concepts related to math (e.g., spatial relationships in geometry) or concepts involving time (e.g., understanding the passage of time, telling time on a clock).
5. Memory Challenges: Difficulty in memorizing math facts (e.g., multiplication tables) and recalling them quickly.
6. Language and Processing Difficulties: Problems understanding mathematical terminology and language used in math problems, which can affect comprehension and problem-solving.
7. Coordination Challenges: Some individuals with dyscalculia may have difficulty with fine motor skills, which can affect tasks such as writing numbers or aligning digits in math problems.
8. Difficulty with Sequencing: Challenges in understanding and remembering the sequence of steps involved in solving math problems or following mathematical procedures.
9. Anxiety and Frustration: Math-related anxiety and frustration, particularly when faced with tasks involving numbers or math concepts.
10. Lower Achievement in Mathematics: Persistent difficulty in acquiring mathematical skills and achieving expected academic levels in mathematics compared to peers.

Dyscalculia can vary in severity and presentation from person to person. It's important to note that dyscalculia is distinct from intellectual disabilities or inadequate educational opportunities

What it includes:

• Clinical Interview: Detailed interview with the individual (or their parents/guardians if the individual is a child), focusing on developmental history, educational experiences, and any concerns about reading and related skills.
• Cognitive Assessment: This involves administering standardized tests to assess cognitive abilities such as intelligence (IQ) and specific cognitive skills related to reading and language processing. This helps to rule out other potential causes for reading difficulties and to understand the individual's strengths and weaknesses.
• Assessment of Emotional and Behavioural Factors: Considering emotional factors such as anxiety or frustration related to reading difficulties, which may affect academic performance and motivation.
• Parent and Teacher Input: Gathering information from parents, teachers, or other relevant caregivers regarding the individual's behaviour, academic performance, and social-emotional development.
• Report and Feedback: After completing the assessment, a comprehensive report is typically provided to summarize findings, make recommendations for interventions and accommodations, and outline strengths and weaknesses in reading and related skills.

Please note, to undertake a Dyscalculia assessment, it is a prerequisite that your child has received targeted intervention for their maths difficulties, such as an in-school numeracy program or out-of-school tutoring, and that their difficulties have been present for at least six months.

A non-refundable 20% deposit is required to secure a booking. After pay is available. Full payment is due before the initial session.

Note: You may be eligible for a rebate for a cognitive assessment from your private health insurance, contact them to ascertain if that applies to your level of cover.

Before your first session reception will email you some intake and registration forms and an initial psychological test for you to complete. These must all be completed 48 hours before your first session, or your appointment may have to be rescheduled. It allows your psychologist to prepare for your first session, and for us to create a client file for you and send you appointment reminders and submit your Medicare rebate (if applicable).

If you need further information, our Assessments Manager will be happy to answer your questions. They can be contacted by email at ad***@im**********************.com or call: 0400428593.