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Educational assessments

Understand your child or young person’s strengths, challenges, and support needs.

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We offer comprehensive educational (learning) assessments to support individuals experiencing challenges with learning, attention, academic progress, or engagement with school.

Whether you’re seeking clarity around learning difficulties, exploring signs of giftedness, or looking to understand your child’s support needs, our team of experienced clinicians can help.

 

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What is an educational assessment?

An educational assessment helps you understand how your child or young person learns, thinks, and processes information.

It’s a comprehensive process that gives insight into their strengths and the areas where they might need extra support, whether that’s at school, at home, or in other settings.

The assessment is tailored to their needs and age. It will include conversations with you as a parent or caregiver, individual assessment using evidence-based tools, and activities designed to be engaging and age-appropriate.

We take the time to explain everything clearly — no jargon, just practical insights and helpful recommendations.

 

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At Solasta, our friendly and experienced psychologists work one-on-one with your child or young person to assess areas such as:

  • Thinking and learning abilities – How they solve problems, remember information, and process new ideas. This helps us understand their learning style, identify their strengths and any areas of challenge.
  • Academic skills – We look at their progress in reading, writing, spelling, and maths, and how this compares to what’s typically expected for their age or year level.
  • Attention and focus – We can explore how well they are able to concentrate, stay organised, and follow instructions. This can help identify challenges related to attention, such as ADHD or other learning difficulties.
  • Social emotional – We can consider how your child understands and expresses emotions, relates to others and copes with challenges. This helps identify strategies to support their wellbeing at school and home.
  • Everyday skills – For some children and young people, we also look at how they manage daily tasks like getting ready, communicating, or following routines especially if there are concerns about overall development.

Signs your child or young person may benefit from an assessment

It’s not always easy to know when to seek extra support, but if you’ve noticed that your child or teen is struggling, or if others have raised concerns, an educational assessment can be an important step in understanding what’s going on and how best to help.

You might consider booking an assessment if your child or young person:

  • Is experiencing challenges with learning at school, or finding that it takes extra effort.
  • Is progressing more slowly in some areas of learning, or finding certain subjects trickier.
  • Lacks confidence, feels overwhelmed, or is losing enjoyment in school.
  • Has trouble focusing, remembering instructions, or staying organised compared to their peers.
  • Needs extra support at school and a formal assessment has been recommended.
  • Has been recommended for assessment by a teacher, GP, paediatrician, or other professional.
  • Seems advanced for their age and you suspect they may be gifted.

Whether you’re looking for answers, clarity, or just some guidance on how to best support your child or young person’s learning and development, we’re here to help.

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Signs your child or young person may benefit from an assessment

What to expect

At Solasta, we understand that organising an assessment can feel overwhelming especially if you’re unsure what to expect.

That’s why we take a calm, supportive approach and guide you through each step of the process.

Our educational assessment process typically includes the following steps:

1. Review of background information

Before your child or young person meets with a clinician, we start by gathering background information to help us understand their development, learning history, and current challenges. This involves questionnaires completed by parents and carers, and where possible, teachers or other professionals who know them well. This information helps us build a full picture of their experiences and identify areas to focus on during the assessment.

2. Standardised assessment

Your child or young person will attend a one-on-one session with a clinician, where we use a range of evidence-based, age-appropriate tools (such as the WPPSI, WISC-V, and WIAT-III). These assessments look at reasoning skills, memory, attention, academic achievement, and how they process information. Sessions are tailored to suit their age, comfort, and energy levels, and are designed to be as engaging and supportive as possible.

3. Report and recommendations

We prepare a detailed written report that clearly explains their learning profile, identifies any diagnoses (if applicable), and outlines practical recommendations for support at school, home, and beyond. We send you this report (as a password-protected PDF file) that you can share with school and other professionals as needed.

4. Feedback session

Once the report is complete, we’ll meet with you (in person or over the phone) to go through the results in detail. This is your opportunity to ask questions, share thoughts, and gain a full understanding of what the findings mean for your child or young person. We’ll also discuss next steps and available support options.

If you have particular concerns or questions, please contact us.

 

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YOUR JOURNEY, YOUR CHILD'S NEEDS

Our approach

At Solasta, we know that every child and young person is unique – and so is every family. Feeling comfortable and understood is an important part of the process, which is why we take time to connect your child with a clinician who is the right fit for them.

Our clinicians work in a child-centred, family-focused way. This means your child’s strengths, interests, and goals are at the heart of everything we do. Together, we’ll support your child to build confidence, develop skills, and take steps toward reaching their full potential.

Throughout your journey with us, you and your child can expect a safe, welcoming space where you’ll always feel listened to, respected, and supported.

Our approach

Ready to get started?

Simply fill-out our appointment request form and we’ll be in touch.

If you have any questions, we encourage you to contact the team on 1800 943 043 or info@solasta.net.au

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Frequently asked questions

What age can my child be assessed?

Educational assessments are generally appropriate for children starting around the age of 5 to 6, once they’ve started formal schooling. At this stage, there is typically enough academic and behavioural information to help identify how your child is learning and where they might need support. However, assessments for giftedness can occur before 5 if early entry to school is being considered.

These assessments can also be helpful for older children, teens, and even young adults.

If there are concerns about your child’s development or learning before age 5, a different type of assessment, such as a developmental assessment may be more appropriate.

Do I need a referral?

You do not need a referral, you can contact us directly to book an assessment for your child or young person.

How long does the assessment process take?

The assessment typically takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours to complete. Some assessments may take a bit longer if additional information is required. Breaks are provided and we recommend bringing snacks and a drink.

After the assessment is completed, the report is completed as quickly as possible and is usually ready within 4 weeks. This report will include the results of the assessment, insights, and recommendations to support your child’s learning and development.

How should I prepare my child or young person for the assessment?

In order to get the best assessment of your child or young person’s abilities, it is important that they are well-rested and feeling physically well.

If they are taking prescription medication, they should take it on the day of their assessment as usual.

Ensure that they have had something to eat and drink before the assessment begins, and bring some snacks and water with you

If they wear glasses or require a hearing aid, please ensure you bring these along with you to the assessment.

If you have any previous medical or allied health assessment reports, please provide them in advance of the assessment.

Please let us know of any sensory or other needs and we will do our very best to ensure these are accommodated.

What’s included in the report?

You’ll receive a detailed report that includes:

  • A summary of background information and assessment findings.
  • A profile of your child or young person’s cognitive and academic strengths and challenges.
  • Any diagnoses (if applicable).
  • Clear, personalised recommendations for support at school, home, and in other settings.
  • Advice on further supports.

How much does it cost?

Educational assessments at Solasta are not covered by Medicare. For detailed information, refer to our Fees and Funding Options webpage or contact us for further information.

MEET THE TEAM

Our clinicians who provide educational assessments

It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognise, accept, and celebrate those differences.

Audre Lorde