Learning Needs Assessment in East Dulwich & Ealing
Private Cognitive and Educational Evaluation for Children Aged 5 and Above
At ASD Child Ltd, we provide comprehensive, clinically-led Learning Needs Assessments for children and young people who may be experiencing difficulties with general learning, processing, or academic development. Our assessments are designed to help families understand whether a child has a learning difficulty or learning disability, and to provide the foundations for tailored support at school and beyond.
We follow clinical frameworks aligned with NICE and NHS England guidelines, ensuring that every report is recognised and suitable for use in EHCPs, educational planning, and further referral pathways.
Clinics in East Dulwich & Ealing
Why Consider a Learning Needs Assessment?
Children can face a range of challenges in school, from difficulties following instructions to persistent underperformance despite effort. In some cases, these challenges may be linked to underlying learning needs, which can affect:
- Short-term memory
- Processing speed
- Verbal reasoning or comprehension
- Numerical ability and problem-solving
- Daily life skills and adaptive functioning
Understanding the why behind these struggles is often the first step toward meaningful support.
We recommend a learning needs assessment if your child:
- Is performing significantly below expected levels across subjects
- Is two or more years behind peers in key academic areas
- Struggles to retain or process information
- Becomes anxious, avoidant, or frustrated by school tasks
- Has existing or suspected neurodevelopmental needs (e.g., ADHD, ASD)
Why Consider a What Are Learning Needs?
‘Learning Needs’ is a broad term used to describe difficulties in acquiring, processing, or retaining information, often presenting as a pattern of academic underachievement. In some cases, the outcome of an assessment may lead to a diagnosis of a learning difficulty or a more significant learning disability.
These needs can co-occur with conditions such as ADHD or autism, but may also exist independently. Unlike behavioural challenges, learning difficulties are often subtle and may be missed without formal evaluation.
Learning Needs vs. Learning Disability
- Learning Difficulty: A specific area of challenge (e.g., dyscalculia, processing delay) that impacts academic performance but does not prevent independence.
- Learning Disability: A broader cognitive impairment that significantly affects day-to-day functioning and long-term outcomes.
Benefits of Early Diagnosis
Identifying a child’s learning profile early allows for:
- Access to school-based interventions and EHCPs
- Informed teaching strategies and classroom support
- Greater emotional understanding for families
- Clear, written recommendations for future planning
- Reduced parental uncertainty and improved advocacy
Assessment Overview
Our Learning Needs Assessment is designed and delivered by a Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist, ensuring a high standard of clinical integrity and diagnostic accuracy.
The process includes:
- Cognitive Assessment
Using the WISC-V and Raven’s Progressive Matrices, we assess working memory, processing speed, reasoning, and learning potential. - Adaptive Functioning Assessment
We use the Vineland-3 tool to explore your child’s ability to manage daily life tasks, supporting a full picture of development. - Parent Interview
Conducted remotely, this structured conversation helps our clinician understand your child’s educational, emotional, and developmental history. - Diagnostic Report
A detailed, jargon-free report, including findings, interpretations, and practical recommendations for families and education professionals. - Feedback Consultation
Once complete, we offer a verbal summary and Q&A session, helping parents interpret the findings and understand next steps.
- Cognitive Assessment
Where We Work
We provide Learning Needs Assessments for families across:
- South London: East Dulwich, Peckham, Camberwell, Clapham, Southwark, Lambeth
- West London: Ealing, Acton, Hanwell, Brentford, Southall, Hammersmith
- Surrounding Areas: Families also travel from Brighton, Portsmouth, Kent, and Surrey via our remote-friendly pathway
Fees and Booking
Total Fee: £1,450
Deposit: £150 required to secure your assessment slot
Flexible payment options available upon request
All assessments include:
- Face-to-face cognitive testing
- Remote parent interview
- Full clinical review
- Comprehensive written report
- Feedback session with the assessing psychologist
Appointments available at East Dulwich (SE22) or Ealing (W5)
Waiting times: Typically within 2–4 weeks
FAQs
What age do you assess from?
We typically assess children from age 5 and above, depending on their ability to engage with standardised tests.
Are your reports recognised by schools and GPs?
Yes. All our reports follow NICE and NHS guidelines and are accepted for EHCP, SEN support, and further clinical referrals.
Is this assessment different from ADHD or Autism assessments?
Yes. While some children may have overlapping needs, this assessment focuses specifically on learning ability and cognitive profile.
What happens if a learning disability is diagnosed?
We will provide written guidance, support pathways, and can liaise with schools or SEND departments as required.
Take the First Step Today
Clarity starts with one conversation. If you’re concerned about your child’s academic progress or learning ability, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
Visit us in East Dulwich or Ealing