Dyslexia Assessment and Diagnosis Service

A collaborative psychology and speech pathology service

The Clinicians

Ella Mechelen

Speech Pathologist

Ella is a speech pathologist and leads the assessment of language and literacy skills that sit underneath reading and spelling.

This includes spoken language, phonological processing, decoding, spelling patterns, and how a child is responding to literacy instruction at school.

Speech pathology input helps us understand whether reading difficulties are linked to dyslexia, broader language differences, or gaps in instruction, and informs targeted, evidence-based intervention recommendations.

Speech pathology input is central to identifying dyslexia based on patterns of literacy skill development and response to instruction.

Ashleigh Barber

Psychologist

Ashleigh leads the cognitive and learning assessment component of the service.

This includes assessment of cognitive abilities (learning potential) and academic skills (actual learning), and how these interact with each other.

Psychology input helps us understand how a child learns, their learning strengths and potential, and what may be getting in the way of reading development. This includes interpretation of academic results within the context of the child’s cognitive profile, to support informed decisions about whether dyslexia is the best explanation.

The Assessment Process

Parent completes
case history form

This detailed background and case history form helps us understand your child’s development, learning history, and current supports/intervention. This information is shared between both clinicians so we can work together effectively.

Once we have received this, you are welcome to sign the consent form.

Case History Form

Consent & Privacy

School Information

We will contact your child’s school to understand:

The literacy program being used
How reading and spelling are taught
Attendance and learning progress

This step is essential. Without this information, we cannot ethically assess for dyslexia.

Complimentary Planning Meeting

Once background information is complete and consent is signed, you will have a free phone or online meeting with both clinicians.

In this meeting we will:

Discuss early impressions and clarify any background information
Explain assessment plan
Answer your questions
If service is not appropriate, we will suggest where to from here

Quote & Fees

After the planning meeting:

You will receive a written quote
No assessment will begin without your consent

Fees are charged separately for psychology and speech pathology, based on time spent, and issued after each assessment session. The report invoice will be issued once it is ready, and be released once paid.

Assessment

Assessments may include:

Literacy skills
Language skills
Phonological processes
Cognitive abilities
Academic skills

We are careful to interpret results in context, including instruction and opportunity to learn.

Intervention

If intervention is appropriate:

It may occur within this service, or
You may be referred to trusted external clinicians

If another pathway is more appropriate, we will support you to move into that service.

Our Commitment

Our priorities are to understand your child fully, and avoid both missed and false-positive diagnoses, and recommend what will genuinely help your child learn.

We value transparency, collaboration, and evidence-based practice.