Understand Learning Difficulties, Strengths and Academic Needs

Learning Assessments in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter Valley

At The Hummingbird Centre, we provide learning assessments in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and East Maitland for children, adolescents, and adults.

A learning assessment helps identify learning difficulties such as dyslexia, as well as strengths in reading, writing, mathematics, and overall academic skills. It provides clear answers about how someone learns – and what support will help them succeed.

Assessments are completed by registered psychologists and clinical psychologists, using evidence-based tools and a supportive, individualised approach.

What Is a Learning Assessment?

A learning assessment (also known as an academic assessment or dyslexia assessment) evaluates how a person learns and performs in key academic areas.

This typically includes:

  • Reading accuracy and comprehension
  • Spelling and written expression
  • Mathematics skills
  • Processing of language and information
  • Cognitive skills that impact learning

 

Learning assessments look at the relationship between cognitive ability and academic performance, helping identify whether a specific learning difficulty is present.

Who Learning Assessments Are For

We provide learning assessments for:

  • Children experiencing difficulties with reading, writing, or maths
  • Students falling behind at school or needing additional support
  • Teenagers preparing for exams or requiring learning accommodations
  • Adults seeking clarity around long-standing learning challenges
  • Individuals needing documentation for school, university, or workplace adjustments

 

A learning assessment may be helpful if there are concerns about:

  • dyslexia or specific learning disorders
  • slow reading or writing
  • difficulty keeping up at school
  • inconsistent academic performance
  • needing formal support or accommodations

Assessments

Why Choose The Hummingbird Centre

We focus on making learning assessments clear, practical, and genuinely helpful.

  • Assessments completed by psychologists and clinical psychologists
  • Experience supporting children, teens, and adults
  • Use of evidence-based tools, including cognitive testing (WAIS/WISC) and achievement assessments
  • Thorough, multi-session assessment process for accurate results
  • Detailed reports suitable for school, university, and workplace support
  • Practical recommendations tailored to learning and study needs

Our goal is to provide clarity – not just results, but direction.

What’s Included in a Learning Assessment

Each learning assessment is comprehensive and typically includes:

  • A clinical interview and background history
  • A cognitive assessment (e.g. WAIS-IV or WISC) to understand thinking and learning capacity 
  • A learning/achievement assessment to evaluate reading, writing, and maths skills 
  • Standardised questionnaires and information gathering where needed
  • A comprehensive written report
  • A feedback session with clear explanations and recommendations

This combination allows us to identify both strengths and areas of difficulty, and determine whether a learning disorder such as dyslexia may be present.

Our Approach: Clear, Balanced and Individualised

We take a balanced approach to learning assessments.

Rather than focusing only on areas of difficulty, we aim to understand:

  • how someone learns best
  • what supports are most effective
  • where strengths can be used to improve outcomes

 

This helps us provide recommendations that are:

  • practical
  • relevant
  • tailored to real-world learning environments

The Learning Assessment Process

Initial Appointment

We begin with a detailed clinical interview to understand learning history, concerns, and goals.

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Cognitive Assessment

We assess thinking, reasoning, memory, and processing abilities using structured tools such as WAIS or WISC.

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Learning / Achievement Assessment

We assess academic skills including reading, writing, and mathematics.

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Report and Feedback

You’ll receive a detailed report approximately 3 – 4 weeks after completion, followed by a feedback session to explain results and recommendations. 

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Meet the team members who can assist you with Assessments

Lachlan OConnor Clinical Psychologist
Newcastle

Lachlan O’Connor

Consultant Clinical Psychologist
Lachlan provides a warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed approach, grounded in evidence-based practice. He works with adults to develop effective coping strategies and confidently navigate barriers to living a fulfilling life….
Danyelle at The Hummingbird Centre, Newcastle Psychologist
Maitland, Newcastle

Danyelle Mastroianni

Psychologist
Danyelle is passionate about helping clients discover their authentic sense of self-understanding, self-compassion and self-acceptance through the safety…
Broadmeadow, Newcastle, Warners Bay

Mitch Pinchbeck

Consultant Psychologist
Mitch is passionate and dedicated in assisting his clients to resolve or better manage their mental health conditions, intense emotions, and life difficulties…
Eve ONeil Psychologist at Hummingbird Centre
Newcastle

Eve O’Neill

Registered Psychologist
Eve takes a warm and non-judgemental approach to therapy. She strives to create a safe, therapeutic space where clients can openly explore their emotions, challenges and experiences, working collaboratively to…
Nimra Bilgrami Clinical Psychologist
Warners Bay

Nimra Bilgrami

Consultant Clinical Psychologist
Nimra Bilgrami is a Clinical Psychologist who has experience in supporting children, adolescents and adults presenting with a variety of concerns…
Broadmeadow

Cinthia Galvez

Psychologist
Cinthia is a registered Psychologist who has a warm, empathetic, and caring approach with her clients. She is passionate about helping people to develop…
Newcastle

Ellen Browning

Psychologist
Ellen is an authentic and compassionate Psychologist, who understands there is no such thing as a ‘cookie cutter’ approach to therapy. She values working…
Newcastle

Amelia (Amy) Alker

Psychologist
Amelia is a kind and understanding psychologist who engages in a holistic, person-centered approach that focusses on helping you build the skills to overcome…
Caitlin Dempsey Psychologist at Newcastle Hummingbird Centre
Newcastle

Caitlin Dempsey

Clinical Psychology Registrar
A Newcastle local, Caitlin has always lived and worked on the lands of the Awabakal and Worimi peoples. Caitlin is a Clinical Psychology Registrar who has experience using cognitive behavioural…
Newcastle, Warners Bay

Naomi Dennett

Consultant Psychologist
Naomi is a empathetic, passionate and enthusiastic registered psychologist with 7 years’ experience working across the lifespan including, children…

What Is a Learning Assessment?

Learning Assessments in Newcastle and Surrounding Areas

We support individuals and families across:

  • Newcastle
  • Lake Macquarie
  • East Maitland

 

If you’re looking for a learning assessment in Newcastle, our team can guide you through the process and help you understand your options.

Fees, Availability and Funding

Learning assessments are comprehensive and completed over multiple sessions, tailored to the individual.

When you contact us, we’ll provide clear information on:

  • Current wait times
  • Assessment structure and timeframes
  • Fees and payment options
  • NDIS funding under Improved Daily Living (where applicable)

 

We’ll walk you through everything upfront so you can make an informed decision before proceeding.

What Happens After a Learning Assessment?

After your assessment, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining:

  • Learning strengths and challenges
  • Whether a specific learning difficulty (e.g. dyslexia) is present
  • Practical recommendations

 

This report can be used for:

  • School support plans
  • Exam accommodations
  • University adjustments
  • Workplace support

 

We’ll guide you through what the results mean and what to do next.

Learning Assessment FAQs

Learning Assessment FAQs

What is a learning assessment?

A learning assessment evaluates reading, writing, and maths skills, along with cognitive abilities, to identify learning difficulties such as dyslexia and provide recommendations.

You can contact The Hummingbird Centre directly to book an initial appointment. We’ll guide you through the assessment process and determine if it’s the right fit.

The cost of a learning assessment in Newcastle can vary depending on the assessment pathway and individual needs. At The Hummingbird Centre, we provide clear information about fees, inclusions, and payment options before you begin. Contact us to discuss your situation and get accurate pricing.

Yes, learning assessments can identify specific learning disorders such as dyslexia by assessing reading, writing, and cognitive processing.

Learning assessments evaluate reading, spelling, writing, maths, and the cognitive skills that support learning.

Learning assessments are completed over multiple sessions, with results and reports typically provided within a few weeks.

Yes, adults can complete learning assessments to better understand learning challenges and access support for study or work.

Yes, learning assessments may be funded through NDIS under Improved Daily Living, depending on your plan.

Learning assessments are completed by qualified psychologists trained in cognitive and academic testing.

You’ll receive a detailed report and recommendations, along with a feedback session to explain the results.

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