All children have strengths and weaknesses when it comes to learning - some children find language-based learning (reading, spelling, writing) easier than number-based learning (maths, science), and vice versa. The term 'learning difference' is a broad term which refers to differences in the way a person learns which may cause them difficulties. These difficulties can be in a range of different areas, for example understanding of language or numbers, memory, processing speed, spelling, and many more. Some learning differences can cause difficulties in achieving well at school. If these difficulties are not recognised and supported a child may struggle to reach their potential in school, and there can be a wider impact on the child's self-esteem and confidence. There are different types of learning difference and the terminology around these difficulties can be confusing.

A Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD) is a neurodevelopmental condition which affects how a person understands, learns and processes different types of information. A learning difficulty does not affect overall IQ. The following are as defined as specific learning difficulties:

• Dyslexia - difficulties with reading, writing and spelling

• Dyscalculia - difficulty understanding numbers

• Dysgraphia - difficulties with written handwriting and written expression

• Developmental coordination disorder (Dyspraxia) - a difficulty with physical coordination

A learning disability is a defined as a reduced ability to learn and understand new information, and  manage independently with activities of daily living. This means that a person's intellectual ability (ability to learn) and adaptive functioning (daily living skills) are far below average. All people with a learning disability have strengths and weaknesses, however their global ability (abilities across all areas of functioning) is far below average. A learning disability is lifelong. The diagnostic criteria for a learning disability are:

• Lower intellectual ability (usually an IQ of less than 70)

• Significant impairment of social or adaptive functioning

• Onset in childhood

Before the assessment:

We will have a conversation about your child's background, medical history, current concerns, education, the things they are good at and areas in which they struggle more, and any particular difficulties you have noticed.

During the assessment:

Your child will be guided through various tasks. These will appear to your child to be like puzzles and games, which include:

 Memory Tests

• Remembering lists of words or stories, then recalling them later

• Remembering patterns or locations on a screen

 Attention & Concentration

• Repeating number sequences

 Problem-Solving & Reasoning

• Solving puzzles or logic problems

• Completing patterns or analogies

 Language Skills

• Naming pictures or objects

• Describing what different words mean

• Understanding spoken or written information.

 Visual-Spatial Skills

• Copying drawings or arranging blocks to match a design.

 Processing Speed

• Doing simple tasks quickly, like matching symbols or numbers.

Academic Skills

• Reading at word level

• Reading comprehension (understanding longer passages of text_

• Writing

• Spelling

• Listening

• Maths (sums) and maths problem solving

• Oral expression (speaking

A cognitive assessment is not like a school test—there’s no 'pass' or 'fail', just a profile of how your child's brain is working and their strengths and areas they struggle more with.

We pride ourselves on offering a fully face to face, in-person assessment process. We can also offer some appointments on Teams, if this is your preference.

Assessments are done at your pace and we do not specify a certain number of sessions. Sometimes, for lots of reasons, an assessment needs to be done quickly (for example for an EHCP application or appeal). Sometimes an assessment needs to be taken more slowly, possibly because your child feels worried about the process or because you are juggling lots of competing demands. As a rough guide, cognitive assessments generally consist of 3 or 4 appointments - the developmental history can be done in 1 appointment, then 1 or 2 appointments for the assessments, and 1 appointment for feedback. If the assessment needs to be done over more than 3 or 4 sessions there is no additional charge for this.

From the first assessment appointment to receiving feedback and the final report is usually less than 4 weeks.

At the moment we can offer assessments beginning within 4 weeks of your initial enquiry. Once the assessment begins (the first assessment appointment) it should be complete (feedback and final report) within 4 weeks.

The support that a person with a learning difficulty or learning disability would benefit from depends on their individual profile of strengths and weaknesses and their context. A cognitive assessment will provide information about strengths and difficulties and recommendations are tailored to this profile. Recommendations can be shared with school or college.

If a cognitive assessment is needed as part of an EHCP application we can help. Please mention this when making contact.