Assessments for adults
Dyslexia assessments for adults.
A careful look at whether dyslexia explains why reading and writing take so much effort, and what could help at work and study.
Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm, or leave a message and we’ll call you back.
We’re away from the phones right now. Send an enquiry and we’ll get back to you by the next business morning.
- Our psychologists assess and diagnose
- A written report and a feedback session
- Reports take 4 to 6 weeks
Is this assessment for you?
Many adults spend years feeling that reading or writing is harder than it should be. Dyslexia often goes undiagnosed in childhood.
What it answers
- Does dyslexia explain why reading and writing take so much effort?
- What else could be part of the picture, such as attention, anxiety or working memory?
- What are your strengths, and what patterns sit behind the challenges?
- What could help, from workplace adjustments to support for further study?
Who it’s for
Common signs include:
- Difficulty with spelling
- Reading out loud feels hard
- Trouble remembering written information
- Slow reading
- Trouble processing written instructions at work or study
- Relying heavily on technology to compensate
- Mental fatigue after reading or writing tasks
- Workarounds that hide how much effort reading and writing take
- Being labelled “lazy”, “slow” or “not academic”
These are differences, not failings, and no single sign means dyslexia.
What you get, and what it takes.
The number of sessions depends on you and what we need to understand. We’ll explain the plan before you start.
How it works, from first call to follow-up.
Here’s every step, so you know what to expect before you book. The number of sessions depends on you, and we’ll explain the plan before you start.
What it takes
- Clinical interview Including a review of your learning and work history.
- Literacy and cognitive testing Standardised tools, structured and paced.
What you get
Feedback session
To go through the findings and next steps.
Your report
A written report with your results and recommendations, in plain language. Reports take 4–6 weeks. Your report covers:
- A plain English explanation of your profile
- Your strengths and challenges
- Recommendations for work, study and everyday tasks
Follow-up
Who does it
One of our psychologists carries out your assessment and writes your report.
A clinical psychologist, a registered psychologist, or a provisional psychologist working under the supervision of a Board-approved supervisor. We’ll tell you who is doing yours, and their registration type, before you book. All our psychologists are registered with AHPRA.
Funding
What we assess, and tools we may use
- Phonological skills
- Word reading and decoding
- Reading fluency
- Spelling
- Working memory and related cognitive abilities
- Your personal, academic and work history
- Standardised literacy and cognitive testing
If the findings don’t point to dyslexia
From the start, we look at what else could explain what you’re noticing, such as attention challenges, anxiety, educational disruption, working memory difficulties or other learning differences. We do this first when we talk with you at intake, then throughout the assessment.
If the findings don’t point to dyslexia, your feedback session and report explain what we found and what could help next.
What the assessment does and doesn’t do
- It does look at what’s behind the difficulties you’ve noticed, and set out the findings and recommendations in your report.
- It doesn’t prescribe medication.
You can share your report with your GP or psychiatrist if you choose.
See what a report looks like.
A fictional sample, so you can see what you’ll receive before you book.
After your report, we’re still here.
An assessment is the start of a plan, not the end of one. Here’s what can happen next, at your pace.
Questions, answered.
Can’t see yours? Our Client Care team can help on 1300 151 110.
What does the assessment involve?
The assessment includes a clinical interview, review of your learning and work history, formal literacy and cognitive testing, and a detailed report explaining your results and any diagnosis. We then meet with you to discuss findings, answer questions and explore next steps. Testing is respectful, structured and paced.
Can adults be diagnosed with dyslexia later in life?
Yes. Dyslexia can be formally diagnosed in adulthood. Many people reach adulthood without support, especially if they developed coping strategies or avoided situations that highlighted their difficulties. A diagnosis at any age can offer clarity and help you access accommodations or support.
Can this help with university or workplace adjustments?
Yes. Your assessment report can be used to request academic adjustments, workplace accommodations, exam support, or alternative formats for reading and writing tasks. Universities and employers decide what they offer, and a clear report gives you something concrete to take to those conversations.
Will this assessment identify other issues that might look like dyslexia?
Reading difficulties can come from several sources, such as attention challenges, anxiety, educational disruption, working memory difficulties or other learning differences. The assessment looks at these areas too, and your report explains what we found.
Do I need a psychiatrist?
No. Our psychologists assess and diagnose, and your report sets out the findings and recommendations. Medication is a separate conversation with your GP or psychiatrist.
Start with a phone call.
Not sure whether you need an assessment or therapy? We’ll help you work out the right next step.
Monday to Friday, 9am to 4:30pm, or leave a message and we’ll call you back.
We’re away from the phones right now. Send an enquiry and we’ll get back to you by the next business morning.
Locations
Gledswood HillsLevel 2, 25/13 Digitaria Drive, Gledswood Hills. We call from (02) 8319 1945.
KingswoodLevel 3, 302/13 Barber Avenue, Kingswood. We call from (02) 8528 4620.
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Unbound Minds provides general mental health information and professional psychological services. This website is not a substitute for personalised advice, diagnosis or treatment.