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Assessment Overview
A dysgraphia assessment explores writing skills, fine-motor coordination, speed, organisation, and the cognitive processes involved in written expression. Using standardised academic and cognitive tools, we examine how the student plans, constructs, and produces written work.
The results highlight areas that may affect handwriting, spelling, or the ability to organise and express ideas on paper. We outline practical recommendations for classroom adjustments, handwriting supports, and strategies to reduce writing-related stress.
Key Assessment Details
Purpose
Diagnose specific learning disorder in writing.
Duration
8–10 hours over 2 sessions
Suitable for:
Category /Type
Learning Disorders
What’s Included
Clinical interview and learning history
Cognitive testing relevant to written expression
Standardised writing assessment
Fine-motor or handwriting analysis (where appropriate)
Scoring and interpretation
Comprehensive written report
Feedback session
Practical recommendations for school and writing support
What to Expect
The assessment begins with a discussion about writing challenges, fine motor skills, handwriting, and academic history. Standardised writing tasks and relevant cognitive measures are then completed across one or more sessions.
Your psychologist evaluates written output, speed, organisation, and motor components. A written report summarises findings and provides practical strategies for classroom adjustments and writing support. A feedback session is included to review the results and discuss recommended next steps.
Benefits
Insight into fine motor, cognitive, and written expression challenges
Helps understand why writing may feel difficult or effortful
Provides practical strategies to support writing and classroom performance
Informs the need for accommodations such as extra time or assistive tools
Supports teachers and families in planning targeted supports
Clarifies pathways for ongoing intervention
Understanding Writing and Written Expression Difficulties
Dysgraphia is a specific learning difference that affects handwriting, written expression, and the ability to organise ideas on paper. Difficulties may appear as slow or effortful writing, inconsistent letter formation, poor spacing, difficulty copying from the board, or challenges expressing thoughts in writing despite strong verbal skills. Dysgraphia is not due to lack of motivation—rather, it reflects underlying differences in fine-motor skills, visual-motor integration, language processing, or executive functioning.
Why Dysgraphia Assessment Is Important
A structured assessment helps clarify the nature of writing difficulties and whether they are related to motor coordination, processing speed, working memory, language, or broader learning challenges. Screening tools, writing samples, and cognitive measures provide insight into how a student plans, organises, and executes written work. Understanding these elements helps distinguish dysgraphia from literacy gaps, attention difficulties, or anxiety about writing. Assessment findings support decisions about school adjustments, targeted intervention, and, when relevant, referral for further occupational therapy or learning support.
Supporting Writing Skills, Confidence, and Academic Participation
Assessment results guide practical strategies to support daily writing demands. These may include explicit handwriting practice, assistive technology (such as typing or speech-to-text tools), visual scaffolds for written tasks, structured planning templates, or reduced copying requirements. Recognising a student’s strengths—such as creativity, oral expression, or problem-solving—helps build confidence and reduce frustration. Understanding the learning profile enables teachers, families, and allied health professionals to create supportive environments that promote success and engagement.
Fees & Funding
Privately billed psychological assessment package
Medicare rebates do not apply
Private health rebates may be available depending on your policy
Appropriate for NDIS funding (self-managed or plan-managed) when writing impacts daily functioning or learning
Payment plans available
Clear fee outline provided prior to assessment
Why Choose iflow Psychology
Comprehensive evaluation of writing, fine-motor skills, and language processes
Practical recommendations for classroom adjustments and learning supports
Detailed reporting suitable for educators and allied health teams
Evidence-based tools for accurate learning disorder identification
Warm, inclusive clinical environment
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Reaching out is the first step toward positive change.
📞 Call: 02 6061 1144
📧 Email: admin@iflowpsychology.com.au
💻 Book Online: Book Now (Halaxy)
If you’re in crisis, please visit our Crisis Support page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between dysgraphia and poor handwriting?
Poor handwriting may result from limited practice or environmental factors. Dysgraphia involves difficulty with the underlying cognitive, motor, or linguistic processes required for writing. Assessment clarifies which factors are contributing.
What information should I bring to the assessment?
Helpful materials include school reports, previous assessments, writing samples, NDIS plans (if relevant), medical or developmental history, and examples of handwriting or writing challenges.
Can the assessment be completed via telehealth?
Interviews and questionnaires can occur via secure telehealth. Standardised cognitive and writing assessments generally require in-person administration for accuracy.
Can a dysgraphia assessment help with school or university adjustments?
Yes. Results can support applications for reasonable adjustments, such as extra time, use of a laptop, or reduced writing demands. Requirements vary across institutions.
What happens after the assessment?
Your psychologist will review the findings, explain strengths and areas of difficulty, and provide recommendations for learning, daily functioning, and supports. A written report can be prepared for schools, universities, or workplaces.
How long does a dysgraphia assessment take?
Assessment typically takes 2–3 sessions, depending on the range of tools used and individual pace. A feedback session is scheduled to explain results and outline recommendations.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required. You can book directly. A referral is only needed if you want to access Medicare-rebated therapy sessions.
Can dysgraphia be formally diagnosed through this assessment?
Yes. When cognitive and academic assessments show a clear pattern of writing-based difficulties, the assessment can support a diagnosis of a Specific Learning Disorder (written expression), in line with recognised guidelines.
What does the assessment involve?
It typically includes:
A developmental and educational history
Standardised cognitive testing
Academic writing and spelling assessments
Fine-motor and written expression tasks
Review of functional impacts
A comprehensive report with recommendations
Who is suitable for a dysgraphia assessment?
The assessment is suitable for adolescents and adults who experience long-standing difficulties with handwriting or written expression at school, university, or work. It can support individuals seeking clarity about learning challenges or access to educational or workplace adjustments.
What are common signs of dysgraphia?
Signs may include messy or slow handwriting, difficulty forming letters, inconsistent spacing, poor spelling, avoidance of writing tasks, trouble organising written ideas, or fatigue when writing for extended periods.
What is a dysgraphia assessment?
A dysgraphia assessment evaluates handwriting, written expression, spelling, fine-motor coordination, and the cognitive processes involved in writing. Standardised tools assess how writing difficulties affect learning and daily functioning.
Contact & Hours
iflow Psychology
Suite 2, 260–274 Victoria Road, Gladesville NSW 2111
📞 02 6061 1144
📧 admin@iflowpsychology.com.au
Mon–Fri: 8:30am–6pm · Sat: 8:30am–2pm
Find us in Gladesville
iflow Psychology
Suite 2, 260–274 Victoria Road, Gladesville NSW 2111
Near the Guitar Factory, with free and timed parking nearby.
📍 Get directions on Google Maps or contact us if you need accessibility information before your appointment.
Resources
SPELD NSW outlines information on writing difficulties and dysgraphia, including practical strategies that can assist handwriting and written expression.