Learning and development
Dyslexia and dyscalculia testing in West Pennant Hills: where to start
Dyslexia and dyscalculia are diagnosed by a psychologist, usually an educational psychologist, not by a GP. For families in West Pennant Hills and the Hills District, the usual first steps are a talk with your child’s school, a GP visit to check hearing, vision, general health and possible ADHD, then a psychological assessment.
What are dyslexia and dyscalculia?
Both are specific learning disorders. Dyslexia affects reading and spelling, dyscalculia affects understanding and working with numbers, and dysgraphia affects writing. Healthdirect describes dyslexia as a neurological condition that is not caused by low intelligence, and estimates about 1 in 10 people have it. Learning disorders are lifelong, which is why understanding them early helps a child, and later an adult, get the right support.
Parents often tell us about a child who works hard but cannot keep up with reading or number work, or who avoids homework because it feels too hard. That is a good reason to start the conversation.
Can a GP diagnose dyslexia?
No. A GP does not diagnose a learning disorder, but a GP visit is a useful early step. Healthdirect recommends checking hearing and vision first, because problems with either can look like a learning difficulty. At Rosedale, a GP can:
- talk through what you and the school have noticed
- arrange a hearing test and suggest an optometrist check for vision
- check other health issues worth ruling out, such as sleep, mood or attention
- refer to a psychologist or paediatrician when that is the right next step
You can read more about our child health care in West Pennant Hills.
How does testing work, step by step?
Here is the usual pathway for a school-aged child. SPELD NSW also assesses adults, who can start from the GP step.
| Step | Who | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Raise it with the school | Class teacher and learning support staff | Share your concerns and ask what targeted reading or maths help is available now. |
| 2. Targeted teaching | School or tutor | Healthdirect notes a diagnosis is usually made only after about six months of targeted teaching. |
| 3. Health check | Your GP | Hearing, vision, sleep, general health and attention reviewed; referral if needed. |
| 4. Formal assessment | Psychologist, often an educational psychologist | Testing of reading, spelling, maths and thinking skills, then a written report with recommendations. |
| 5. Supports | School, family, allied health | The report guides classroom adjustments and any extra help. |
Good to know
You do not need a GP referral to book a psychologist for a learning assessment. A GP visit is still worth it to rule out hearing, vision and health causes first.
Is it a learning disorder, ADHD or both?
They often travel together. Healthdirect estimates that 2 to 4 in every 10 people with dyslexia also have ADHD, and the Raising Children Network notes that children with dyscalculia often also have ADHD or dyslexia. A child who cannot focus on reading may be struggling with reading itself, with attention, or with both.
This matters because the supports are different. If attention is part of the picture, your GP can talk with you about an ADHD assessment. Under the NSW reforms, the Agency for Clinical Innovation says trained endorsed GPs can assess and diagnose ADHD in people aged 6 and over, with NSW Health-funded GP assessments expected from early 2027. For adults, read about our adult ADHD assessment in West Pennant Hills, and if tiredness and poor focus are the main issue, our guide to ADHD or sleep apnoea may help.
What does it cost?
Psychological learning assessments are private services, and fees vary between providers, so ask for a written quote before you book. Check with your health fund whether your extras cover any part of it. The GP step is a normal consultation. Our current fees (effective 1 July 2026):
| Appointment | Fee | Medicare rebate | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard consultation | $105.00 | $45.05 | $59.95 |
| Long consultation | $187.00 | $87.10 | $99.90 |
Participating doctors may bulk bill children aged 4 and under from Monday to Friday, and GP Registrars bulk bill children aged 16 and under. A long consultation gives time to go through school reports and concerns properly. See the full fees page.
What should I bring to the appointment?
- Bring recent school reports, NAPLAN results and any notes from teachers.
- Write down what you notice at home: reading, spelling, number facts, homework time.
- Note any family history of reading, maths or attention difficulties.
- Mention any concerns about sleep, snoring, mood or worry.
Key points
- Dyslexia and dyscalculia are diagnosed by a psychologist, not a GP.
- Check hearing and vision first; a GP can arrange this.
- Formal testing usually follows around six months of targeted teaching.
- ADHD commonly occurs alongside learning disorders and needs its own assessment.
- Adults can be assessed too.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get my child tested for dyslexia in NSW?
Start with the school and a GP visit to check hearing, vision and general health. Formal testing is done by a psychologist, usually an educational psychologist, after a period of targeted teaching.
Can a GP diagnose dyslexia or dyscalculia?
No. A GP can rule out other causes, look for attention or sleep problems and refer you on, but the diagnosis is made by a psychologist.
At what age can dyslexia be diagnosed?
A diagnosis is usually made after about six months of targeted teaching, so testing tends to happen once a child has had that support at school.
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist for testing?
No referral is needed to book a private learning assessment. Seeing your GP first is still helpful to check hearing, vision and health.
Can adults be tested for dyslexia?
Yes. Adults can be assessed by a psychologist, and SPELD NSW offers adult assessments. If attention problems are also part of the picture, a GP can talk with you about an ADHD assessment.
Talk to a Rosedale GP
We have looked after West Pennant Hills families since 1997. Book a long appointment to talk through learning concerns, check the basics and plan the next step together.
Book your appointment →Or call02 9680 9644
Sources
- Healthdirect: Dyslexia (reviewed November 2024)
- Healthdirect: Learning disabilities (reviewed August 2025)
- Raising Children Network: Dyscalculia (updated April 2026)
- SPELD NSW: Assessments (updated September 2026)
- NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation: ADHD in general practice, clinician FAQs (September 2026)
- NSW Health: GP ADHD diagnosis training (11 February 2026)