What You Need to Know About Learning Difficulties in Children

Learning difficulties affect how a child takes in, processes, remembers or expresses information at school. They are common, often run in families, and are not a reflection of a child's intelligence or effort. With the right assessment and support, most children with a learning difficulty go on to do well – the key is identifying the specific nature of the difficulty early, so that support can be properly targeted.

Types of Learning Difficulties We Assess and Support

"Learning difficulty" is a broad term that covers a number of more specific conditions. At BNC we assess and support children, adolescents and adults across the full range of specific learning disorders, including:

Dyslexia and Visual Processing Disorder – difficulty with reading accuracy, fluency and/or comprehension
Dysgraphia – difficulty with handwriting, spelling and written expression
Dyscalculia – difficulty with number sense, maths facts and calculation
Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) – difficulty processing and making sense of sounds, including spoken language

Many children experience more than one of these difficulties at once, and learning difficulties frequently overlap with ADHD, anxiety and other conditions. Our comprehensive learning assessment is designed to identify exactly which areas are affected, so that support at school and at home can be properly targeted.

Signs Your Child May Have a Learning Difficulty

Every child develops at their own pace, but the following signs, especially when they persist over time and are out of step with a child's age and overall ability, can indicate an underlying learning difficulty:

Reading, writing or maths skills that are noticeably behind what is expected for their age
Difficulty following multi-step instructions, or seeming not to listen despite normal hearing
Avoidance of, or strong frustration with, reading, writing or maths homework
A big gap between how a child expresses themselves verbally and how they perform on paper
Difficulty organising thoughts, schoolwork or belongings
Slow, effortful progress despite extra help or repeated practice

If you notice several of these signs together, or your child's teacher has raised concerns, a comprehensive assessment can help clarify what is going on and what kind of support will help most.

Assessment and Support at BNC

Our psychologists provide comprehensive learning assessments for children, adolescents and adults, both in person and via Telehealth. Assessment typically combines a cognitive (IQ) test, such as the WISC or WAIS, with standardised academic testing (such as the WIAT) across reading, written expression and maths, alongside a detailed developmental and educational history. This allows us to identify not just that a child is struggling, but precisely where, and why.

A GP referral (Mental Health Treatment Plan or paediatrician referral) may allow you to claim a Medicare rebate for eligible sessions. Following assessment, we provide a detailed report with practical, individualised recommendations for school, home and, where relevant, allied health or tutoring support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a learning difficulty?+

A learning difficulty is a difficulty in acquiring or using a specific academic skill, such as reading, writing or maths, that is unexpected given a person's overall ability and that persists despite typical teaching and support.

What is the difference between a "learning difficulty" and a "learning disorder"?+

The terms are often used interchangeably. Clinically, a diagnosable condition such as dyslexia, dysgraphia or dyscalculia is referred to as a Specific Learning Disorder under the DSM-5. "Learning difficulty" is a broader, everyday term that can also describe milder or undiagnosed struggles.

How do I know if my child needs an assessment?+

If your child's reading, writing or maths is persistently behind expectations, if they are showing strong frustration or avoidance around schoolwork, or if their teacher has raised concerns, a comprehensive assessment is a reasonable next step.

What does a learning assessment involve?+

Assessment typically includes a cognitive (IQ) test and standardised academic testing across reading, written expression and maths, together with a detailed developmental and educational history. Additional testing, such as auditory processing or visuomotor assessment, may be added depending on the presenting concerns.

Can learning difficulties be treated?+

There is no medication for a specific learning disorder, but early identification and the right support – targeted teaching, classroom accommodations, and sometimes allied health input – make a substantial difference to a child's progress and confidence.

Does Medicare cover a learning assessment?+

With a referral from a GP or paediatrician, eligible clients may be able to claim a Medicare rebate for a portion of psychology sessions under a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Contact our clinic for current details on assessment fees and rebates.

📞 (03) 9848 9100

Updated on  19/08/2026 by: Dr Jacques Duff PhD- BA Psych; Grad Dip Applied Psychology; FANSA, Clinical Neuroscientist. 
Reviewed on 19/08/2026 by: Bernard Ferriere- Clinical Psychologist; BA; Grad Dip Applied Psychology; Dip Clinical Hypnosis; MAPS