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Dyslexia - SPELD Foundation
Literacy & Clinical Services
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Learning difficulties
Learning Difficulties
An overview of learning difficulties and specific learning disorders
Dyslexia
A specific learning disability in reading is commonly called dyslexia.
Dysgraphia
Dysgraphia can appear as difficulties with spelling and/or trouble putting thoughts on paper.
Dyscalculia
A learning disorder related to mathematics is commonly referred to as Dyscalculia
Other disorders that can affect learning
Information regarding other conditions that can affect learning
Families
Families
Information and advice for parents and carers of children with learning difficulties
When should a child be assessed?
Information on the assessment and diagnosis of learning disorders
What is involved in an assessment?
Information on the assessment and diagnosis of learning disorders
How can families support children?
Information on how parents can assist and support their children in all aspects of learning
Where can I learn more about learning disorders?
Adults
Adults
An overview of learning difficulties in adults and support options
Can adults have learning disorders?
Information on how learning disorders can affect adults in the workplace and when undertaking further education
When should an adult be assessed?
Information on the assessment and diagnosis of learning disorders
What support is available for adults?
Information on how DSF can assist and support you and what provisions can be made in the workplace and when completing further studies
Where can I learn more about learning disorders?
Professionals
Professionals
Information for professionals working with individuals with learning difficulties
Schools
Services and information for schools and educational organisations
Teachers and Tutors
Advice and information for teachers.
Allied Health Professionals
Information for Speech Pathologists and Psychologists
Resources
Free Resources
Download free resources for all ages
DSF developed resources
Learn more about our specifically designed literacy resources
Resources for Families
Access a variety of free resources to to assist families with children learning from home
Online store
Purchase books, activities and other literacy tools from the DSF online store.
DSF Library
Search and borrow items from the DSF library.
News
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Our Services
Workshops and Events
Find out about upcoming events for parents, students and professionals.
Online Learning
Learn more about our Understanding Learning Difficulties e-Learning course
Clinical Services
Consultations, speech pathology and other assessments.
Tutoring
DSF maintains a register of qualified specialist tutors for children and adults.
DSF Literacy Clinics
Individual and small-group tutoring for students in Perth and Albany.
Dyslexia - SPELD Foundation
Literacy & Clinical Services
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Learning difficulties
Learning Difficulties
Dyslexia
Dysgraphia
Dyscalculia
Other disorders that can affect learning
Families
Families
When should a child be assessed?
What is involved in an assessment?
How can families support children?
Where can I learn more about learning disorders?
Adults
Adults
Can adults have learning disorders?
When should an adult be assessed?
What support is available for adults?
Where can I learn more about learning disorders?
Professionals
Professionals
Schools
Teachers and Tutors
Allied Health Professionals
Resources
Free Resources
DSF developed resources
Resources for Families
Online store
DSF Library
News
Our Services
Workshops and Events
Online Learning
Clinical Services
Tutoring
DSF Literacy Clinics
Who we are
Become a member
Contact
Search
Professionals
Psychologists
Allied Health Professionals
Speech Pathologists
Professional Supervision
Occupational Therapists
Psychologists
Allied Health Professionals
In this section
Allied Health Professionals overview
Speech Pathologists
Occupational Therapists
Psychologists
Professional Supervision
Psychologists play a significant role in identifying and supporting students with specific learning disorders, and may provide services at any and all stages of the identification and therapeutic process.
An appropriately trained and experienced psychologist can identify and diagnose a specific learning disorder. The process of assessment and diagnosis is complex and requires careful consideration of a student’s cognitive strengths and difficulties, processing skills and response to intervention. It is also important to consider (and rule out) other factors that may better account for a student’s learning difficulties. In addition to assessment and diagnosis, psychologists also evaluate each individual’s learning profile and make recommendations regarding appropriate intervention and adjustments.
As students with learning difficulties and disorders are at greater risk of experiencing low self-esteem (which can contribute to increased feelings of anxiety and depression), Psychologists also play an important role in supporting the emotional wellbeing of students. Support may take the form of individualised counselling sessions, the provision of group therapy programs, advocacy and support, attending school meetings and working with families to manage the stress and frustration often experienced by students with learning disorders and their families.
More Information and Resources
Learning Disorders
Learn more about specific learning disorders
Student Support
Read more about how to support students with a specific learning disorder
Identification
Learn more about the assessment process and what is considered in an assessment
View Calendar
View the exciting range of professional learning opportunities held at DSF
Supervision
Learn more about our professional supervision services for Psychologists
Accommodations
Learn more about accommodations for students with learning difficulties
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