Psychoeducational Assessments

How the assessment works

Parents often arrive knowing something is wrong but unsure what testing involves. Here is exactly what happens, step by step:

1. A conversation first: we talk through your concerns, your child’s history, and what you hope the assessment will answer.
2. Background intake: with your permission, I gather input from teachers and review school reports and developmental history.
3. Testing sessions: your child completes 2 to 3 child-friendly sessions (usually 1-2 hours each), paced for their age and stamina.
4. Scoring and report writing: I need about 1 to 2 weeks to score the tests and prepare a clear written report.
5. Feedback meeting: we sit down together and I explain the findings in plain language, along with practical recommendations for home and school.

From first session to feedback meeting, the full process typically takes 2 to 3 weeks.

What we assess

We evaluate:

• Cognitive strengths (how they reason, solve problems)
• Academic skills (reading, writing, maths)
• Memory, processing speed, and attention
• Emotional or behavioral factors (how stress or frustration affects learning), if significant, we may recommend individual therapy or TRE for tension release
• Input from parents, teachers, school reports

We break it into child-friendly sessions so your child doesn’t feel overwhelmed. The process is relaxed, often puzzle-based or game-based, depending on their age.

What you’ll get

After testing, we prepare a clear, understandable report. Then we sit down with you and explain:

• Where your child shines
• Areas they find challenging
• Practical strategies you can use at home or school
• If relevant, recommendations for exam concessions (extra time, readers, etc.) with documentation that aligns with South African exam board requirements
• Suggested next steps, whether it’s tutoring, specialized dyslexia intervention, therapeutic support, or referral to a specialist

Specialised assessment areas

Many parents contact us about ADHD (attention and impulse control), dyslexia (reading and spelling), dyscalculia (number skills), dysgraphia (writing), exam concessions, IQ/gifted testing, and processing-speed difficulties. Each is investigated through a thorough psychoeducational assessment that looks at attention, executive function, cognition and academic achievement across settings. We provide clear, practical reports, school-focused recommendations, and documentation for exam boards (IEB, NSC, Cambridge) when appropriate.

ADHD assessment

Important: we assess but don’t diagnose ADHD medically

As an Educational Psychologist, I can identify ADHD patterns through thorough assessment and provide supporting documentation. However, formal ADHD diagnosis (for medication purposes) requires a psychiatrist or developmental paediatrician. If our assessment indicates ADHD, I’ll refer you to trusted specialists and provide them with detailed findings.

If your child struggles with attention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity, a thorough psychoeducational assessment can help clarify whether ADHD is present and what type of support will work best.

When the school raises the flag

Often it starts with a teacher’s comment: “He can’t focus”, “She’s always daydreaming”, “The potential is there but the work isn’t”. Teacher observations are valuable: they describe how your child functions in a structured setting among peers. They cannot tell you why, though. Poor focus in the classroom can come from attention difficulties, but it can also come from anxiety, slow processing speed, undetected dyslexia, or boredom when the work is too easy. An assessment tests these side by side instead of guessing, so the support you arrange at school targets the actual cause. The written report then gives teachers something concrete to work with, from seating and instruction adjustments through to formal accommodation documentation where appropriate.

What ADHD assessment includes

Our ADHD assessment process involves:

• Detailed parent and teacher questionnaires covering behaviour across settings
• Cognitive assessment to understand your child’s thinking patterns and rule out other causes
• Attention and executive function testing using standardised measures
• Observation of how your child approaches tasks
• Review of school reports and developmental history

What you’ll receive from ADHD assessment

• A full report detailing attention patterns, cognitive strengths, and challenges
• Clear recommendations for school (including possible exam concessions)
• Referral to appropriate specialists if needed
• Strategies for home and classroom support

What happens after ADHD assessment

Many children with ADHD also have dyslexia, dyscalculia, or other learning differences. Our assessment looks at the full picture, not just one condition. This helps avoid missing hidden challenges that might be masked by ADHD symptoms (or vice versa).

Concerned about ADHD? Contact us to book an assessment in Centurion or Middelburg. Let’s find out what’s really going on so you can get the right support.

Dyslexia assessment (reading difficulties)

If your child struggles with reading, spelling, or writing despite normal intelligence and adequate instruction, they may have dyslexia - the most common learning difficulty affecting up to 10% of the population. For a step-by-step guide to the process, read how to get your child tested for dyslexia in South Africa.

Signs that might indicate dyslexia

• Difficulty learning letter names and sounds
• Slow, effortful reading that doesn’t match their intelligence
• Frequent spelling errors, even with familiar words
• Avoiding reading tasks or reading aloud
• Mixing up similar-looking letters (b/d, p/q)
• Difficulty sounding out unfamiliar words
• Strong verbal skills but weak written expression
• Family history of reading difficulties

What dyslexia assessment includes

Our full assessment evaluates:

• Phonological processing - how they break down and manipulate sounds in words
• Reading accuracy and fluency - using standardized reading tests
• Spelling and written expression
• Cognitive abilities - to rule out general learning delays
• Working memory and processing speed - often affected in dyslexia
• Comparison with peers - to see how far behind they are

What happens after dyslexia assessment

If dyslexia is identified, you’ll receive:

• A detailed report explaining your child’s specific reading profile
• Clear diagnosis meeting Department of Education standards
• Recommendations for specialized dyslexia intervention (Davis Methods, Cellfield)
• Documentation for exam concessions (extra time, reader assistance)
• Strategies for teachers and parents to support at home and school

Dyslexia is lifelong, but with proper intervention, children can become confident readers. Early identification (ideally by Grade 2-3) leads to better outcomes.

Worried about dyslexia? Contact us to book an assessment. Understanding the problem is the first step to solving it.

Dyscalculia assessment (maths learning difficulty)

If your child struggles specifically with maths - understanding numbers, learning times tables, telling time, or grasping concepts that peers find straightforward - they may have dyscalculia, sometimes called “maths dyslexia.”

Signs that might indicate dyscalculia

• Difficulty counting, even at older ages
• Trouble recognising patterns in numbers
• Struggles with basic arithmetic despite lots of practice
• Confusion with concepts like “more than” or “less than”
• Difficulty telling time on analogue clocks
• Avoiding maths-related activities

How we assess for dyscalculia

Our psychoeducational assessment includes standardised tests of mathematical ability and numerical processing. We look at:

• Number sense and quantity understanding
• Arithmetic fluency and accuracy
• Mathematical reasoning and problem-solving
• Working memory (often linked to maths difficulties)
• Whether anxiety is playing a role

What happens after assessment

If dyscalculia is identified, you’ll receive:

• A detailed report explaining your child’s specific maths profile
• Practical intervention strategies for home and school
• Recommendations for exam accommodations (extra time, calculator use)
• Guidance on whether specialist maths intervention is needed

Dyscalculia often occurs alongside dyslexia or ADHD. Our assessment identifies all relevant factors.

Dysgraphia assessment (writing difficulties)

Does your child’s handwriting look messy despite effort? Do they avoid writing tasks, complain of hand pain, or take forever to complete written work? These may be signs of dysgraphia - a learning difference affecting writing.

What dysgraphia looks like

• Illegible handwriting despite practice
• Inconsistent letter sizing and spacing
• Difficulty staying on the line
• Slow writing speed that affects completing work
• Avoidance of writing tasks
• Difficulty putting thoughts on paper, even when verbal skills are strong
• Poor pencil grip or unusual hand position

How assessment helps

Our assessment evaluates:

• Fine motor coordination
• Visual-motor integration
• Processing speed (how quickly your child can translate thoughts to written words)
• Spelling and written expression
• Whether dyslexia, attention issues, or motor difficulties are contributing

Support options after assessment

With a clear diagnosis, your child may qualify for:

• Extra time in exams
• Use of a laptop or tablet for written work
• Use of a scribe for exams
• Modified written homework requirements

We provide documentation accepted by schools and exam boards (IEB, NSC, Cambridge).

Exam concessions assessment

If your child has a diagnosed learning difficulty, attention disorder, or other condition affecting their performance, they may qualify for exam accommodations. Our assessment provides the documentation schools and exam boards require to approve these concessions. If you’re at an IEB school and unsure which accommodations apply, read our guide to the types of IEB concessions and accommodations.

Common exam concessions available

Depending on your child’s needs, they may qualify for:

• Extra time (25%, 50%, or 100% additional time)
• Use of a reader (someone to read questions aloud)
• Use of a scribe (someone to write answers as your child dictates)
• Use of assistive technology (laptop, speech-to-text software, calculator)
• Separate venue (quieter environment with fewer distractions)
• Enlarged print or special paper
• Regular breaks during exams
• Alternative assessment formats in some cases

Assessment for exam concessions

To qualify for concessions, you need professional documentation showing:

• The specific learning difficulty or condition
• How it impacts exam performance
• Why the requested accommodations are necessary
• Evidence from standardized testing

We provide documentation that meets all requirements for IEB, NSC (National Senior Certificate), and Cambridge exam boards.

The application process

1. Book an assessment - ideally at least 3-4 months before exams
2. Complete testing - we assess the specific areas relevant to your child’s needs
3. Receive detailed report - documenting the diagnosis and recommended concessions
4. Submit to school - your school applies to the exam board on your behalf
5. Approval - exam boards review and approve appropriate accommodations

Start early. Exam boards have strict deadlines, and late applications may not be approved in time.

Need exam concessions? Contact us to book an assessment and get the documentation your child needs for fair exam conditions.

IQ testing & cognitive assessment

Many parents request IQ testing for school applications, understanding their child’s potential, or investigating why there’s a gap between ability and achievement. An IQ test is one component of our full cognitive assessment.

When IQ testing is useful

• Private school applications - many require IQ scores as part of entrance requirements
• Gifted program placement - identifying children who need advanced academic opportunities
• Understanding discrepancies - when a bright child is underperforming at school
• Ruling out intellectual disability - when development seems delayed across areas
• Workplace or university documentation - some careers or study programs require cognitive assessment

What we measure

Our cognitive assessment goes beyond a single IQ score. We evaluate:

• Verbal reasoning - understanding and using language
• Visual-spatial skills - pattern recognition and spatial reasoning
• Working memory - holding and manipulating information mentally
• Processing speed - how quickly they process information
• Overall cognitive ability - the “IQ score” that summarizes general intelligence

What IQ scores tell us (and what they don’t)

An IQ score provides a snapshot of cognitive ability at one point in time. It’s useful for:

• Comparing your child’s performance to same-age peers
• Identifying cognitive strengths and weaknesses
• Supporting school placement decisions
• Guiding educational planning

But IQ doesn’t measure motivation, creativity, emotional intelligence, or practical skills. A child with an average IQ and strong work ethic often outperforms a child with high IQ but poor motivation.

Important: IQ testing alone isn’t enough

If your child is struggling at school, we recommend a thorough psychoeducational assessment rather than IQ testing alone. This shows not just cognitive ability, but also achievement in reading, writing, and maths, revealing whether learning difficulties are present.

Need IQ testing? Contact us to discuss whether standalone cognitive assessment or thorough psychoeducational assessment is right for your child.

Gifted & high potential assessment

Gifted children have exceptional abilities, but they’re not always the high-achieving, well-behaved students teachers expect. Many gifted children struggle socially, underperform academically, or mask their abilities to fit in. If your child seems very bright but isn’t thriving, assessment can clarify what’s happening.

Signs your child might be gifted

• Early development - talked early, asked complex questions as a toddler
• Intense curiosity - constantly asks “why” and wants in-depth answers
• Advanced vocabulary - uses words well beyond their age
• Quick learning - grasps new concepts rapidly with minimal instruction
• Pattern recognition - spots patterns and connections others miss
• Perfectionism - gets frustrated when work doesn’t meet their own high standards
• Asynchronous development - intellectually advanced but emotionally age-appropriate (or vice versa)
• Boredom at school - complains lessons are too easy or repetitive

Why gifted children sometimes struggle

• Underachievement - bored by unchallenging work, they stop trying
• Social difficulties - struggle to relate to same-age peers with different interests
• Perfectionism and anxiety - fear of failure prevents them from taking risks
• Twice-exceptional (2e) - gifted but also have ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning differences
• Behavioral issues - acting out due to boredom or frustration

What gifted assessment includes

Our assessment evaluates:

• Cognitive abilities - typically IQ testing showing scores in the superior/very superior range (130+)
• Academic achievement - whether performance matches potential
• Social-emotional functioning - how giftedness affects relationships and wellbeing
• Learning style and preferences
• Areas for intervention - if twice-exceptional patterns are present

What you’ll receive from gifted assessment

• Detailed report documenting gifted abilities
• Recommendations for school placement (enrichment, acceleration, gifted programs)
• Guidance on supporting gifted learners at home
• Referrals if additional support needed (e.g., for anxiety, social skills)
• Documentation for gifted program applications

Giftedness is an asset, but it requires understanding and appropriate support. Without it, gifted children can become frustrated underachievers.

Think your child might be gifted? Contact us to book an assessment and unlock their potential.

Processing speed assessment

“They’re so slow!” is a complaint we hear often from parents and teachers. If your child takes forever to complete work, seems to lag behind peers, or needs instructions repeated multiple times, slow processing speed might be the issue.

What processing speed means

Processing speed is how quickly someone takes in information, makes sense of it, and responds. It’s like the “clock speed” of a computer - a child with slow processing speed understands just as well as peers but takes longer to get there.

Signs of slow processing speed

• Slow to complete classwork - last to finish, even when they understand
• Needs extra time on tests - not due to difficulty, but speed
• Slow handwriting - takes ages to copy from the board or write essays
• Difficulty following rapid instructions - especially multi-step directions
• Seems to “lag” in conversations - takes time to respond
• Rushes and makes careless errors - when trying to keep up with class pace
• Homework takes hours - tasks that should take 30 minutes take 2 hours

How we assess processing speed

Processing speed is measured as part of cognitive assessment using standardized tests that evaluate:

• Visual processing speed - how quickly they identify and compare visual information
• Psychomotor speed - speed of hand movements (writing, drawing)
• Decision-making speed - how quickly they make choices
• Working memory - often affected when processing speed is slow

Why it matters

Slow processing speed doesn’t mean lower intelligence. Many children with slow processing speed have average or above-average IQ. But it significantly affects school performance, especially:

• Timed tests and exams
• Note-taking during lessons
• Participating in fast-paced class discussions
• Completing assignments in allocated time

What happens after processing speed assessment

If slow processing speed is identified, you’ll receive:

• Documentation for exam concessions (extra time is the most common accommodation)
• Strategies for teachers (reduce copying, provide notes, allow oral responses)
• Home support recommendations (break tasks into chunks, avoid time pressure)
• Clarification of whether other issues are present (ADHD, dyslexia often co-occur)

With appropriate accommodations, children with slow processing speed can perform at their actual ability level.

Concerned about processing speed? Contact us to book an assessment and get the support your child needs.

Why this matters

Guessing or patching things without knowing the root cause often leads to frustration. With a proper assessment, you can stop wondering and start helping, with confidence. Many parents feel relief and renewed hope once they understand how their child learns, instead of feeling stuck. If you are still deciding whether to book, our guide to the 5 signs your child may need a psychoeducational assessment walks through what to watch for.

Why choose us

• Ronita is a registered Educational Psychologist (HPCSA Reg. No: PS 0158127) with deep knowledge of South African examination systems
• Our reports and recommendations meet the standards required by schools and exam boards
• We operate in Centurion (Gauteng) and Middelburg (Mpumalanga), giving flexibility for families in both regions
• We combine professional rigour with a warm, supportive approach

Related Support

These services may also be relevant:

• Dyslexia Intervention Programs: If the assessment confirms dyslexia, Davis Methods or Cellfield provide structured reading support
• School Readiness Assessments: For younger children, a play-based check before Grade 1
• Play Therapy & Child Counselling: For the emotional side of learning struggles, anxiety, or low self-esteem
• TRE (Tension & Trauma Release Exercises): To release the physical tension stress and frustration can leave in the body
• Choosing between an occupational therapist, Educational Psychologist and psychiatrist: A practical guide when you are unsure where to start

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a psychoeducational assessment cost in South Africa?

Costs vary depending on the complexity and scope of assessment needed. This includes testing sessions, report writing, and a feedback meeting. Contact us for a detailed quote based on your child’s specific needs.

How long does the assessment take?

The full process typically takes 2-3 weeks from first session to feedback meeting. Testing itself is broken into 2-3 child-friendly sessions (usually 1-2 hours each, depending on the child’s age and stamina). We then need about 1-2 weeks to score tests, write the report, and prepare recommendations.

Will my child’s school accept the report?

Yes. Our reports meet South African Department of Basic Education standards and are accepted by schools, exam boards (IEB, NSC, Cambridge), and HPCSA requirements. We provide documentation suitable for exam concessions (extra time, scribes, readers) according to current regulations.

What exam concessions can my child get?

Depending on assessment results, learners may qualify for extra time (up to 100%), use of a scribe or reader, separate venue, enlarged print, breaks, or use of assistive technology. We provide the required documentation and work with schools to implement appropriate accommodations for NSC, IEB, and Cambridge examinations.

Do you assess for ADHD or autism?

We can screen for ADHD and provide a thorough psychoeducational assessment that explores attention and learning patterns at our Centurion and Middelburg practices, but formal ADHD or autism diagnoses require additional specialist assessment. If we identify concerns during testing, we’ll refer you to appropriate specialists (psychiatrists, developmental paediatricians, or neuropsychologists) and can provide supporting documentation. For confirmed dyslexia, we offer specialized intervention programs.

My child’s teacher thinks it might be ADHD. What now?

Start with an assessment rather than the label. A psychoeducational assessment looks at attention alongside learning skills, processing speed, and emotional factors, so you find out whether ADHD explains what the teacher sees or whether something else does. You receive a written report with practical school recommendations, and if a formal medical diagnosis is needed, we refer you to the right specialist.

Is medical aid coverage available?

Many medical aids cover psychoeducational assessments under the Educational Psychology benefit or PMB (Prescribed Minimum Benefits). We provide invoices with ICD-10 codes for submission. Check with your medical aid about your specific Educational Psychology benefits and annual limits.

What’s the difference between an Educational Psychologist and a clinical psychologist?

Educational psychologists specialize in learning, development, and school-related issues. Our training focuses on assessments, learning difficulties, school readiness, and academic interventions. Clinical psychologists focus more on mental health conditions and therapy. For school and learning concerns, an Educational Psychologist is your best starting point.

Ready for clarity? Send me a message and tell me what you are noticing, or book a psychoeducational assessment at our Centurion or Middelburg office. No obligation: if an assessment is not what your child needs, I will say so. Together we’ll give your child a strategy, not just more work.