Author: Dr Kate Jacobs

Dr Kate Jacobs completed a combined PhD/Masters in Educational and Developmental Psychology at Monash University in 2013. She was awarded the Mollie Holman Doctoral Medal for the best PhD thesis in the Education Faculty for the year.

Assessment | Autism Assessment

ADHD and Autism Assessments in Melbourne: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters
ByDr Kate Jacobs 19 December 202514 July 2026

Assessments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Melbourne share a common goal—to provide a comprehensive, holistic understanding of an individual’s neurotype—but they differ in their primary focus and the specific diagnostic tools used. The distinction is crucial because while both conditions frequently co-occur (often referred to as AuDHD) and share overlapping…

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Educational Services

Beyond Messy Handwriting: Recognising Signs of Dysgraphia in Kids
ByDr Kate Jacobs 26 November 202514 July 2026

Every parent notices when their child struggles with handwriting. Letters that drift off the lines, words that seem rushed or uneven—it’s easy to assume they just need more practice. But sometimes the issue runs deeper than messy writing. Dysgraphia is a learning difficulty that affects the ability to write clearly and consistently. It can make…

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Educational Services

Planning And Organisation Strategies For Improved Student Writing
ByDr Kate Jacobs 17 October 202514 July 2026

When students struggle with writing, it often stems from a lack of structure rather than a lack of ideas. They may have thoughts to share but are unsure how to express them. Effective writing requires planning and organisation to ensure clarity and logical flow. Many students face challenges like jumping in too quickly or losing…

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Educational Services

Evidence-Based Strategies For Supporting Students With Dysgraphia
ByDr Kate Jacobs 15 September 202514 July 2026

Imagine being full of ideas but unable to get them down on paper. That’s what life can feel like for a student with dysgraphia. While other students quickly jot down notes or complete writing assignments, those with dysgraphia can struggle with the basics—letter formation, spelling, or even holding a pencil correctly—as well as the more…

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Assessment | Educational Services

Beyond Math Struggles: Recognising Signs Of Dyscalculia In Children
ByDr Kate Jacobs 18 August 202514 July 2026

Some children find math tricky—but when the struggle seems constant and unusually intense, it might signal something more. Dyscalculia is a specific learning disorder that affects how the brain understands numbers and processes math, unlike simply disliking math or needing extra practice. Recognising the signs early can make a significant difference. With the right support,…

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Parenting Support | Educational Services

Effective Strategies For Supporting Children With Anxiety At Home And School
ByDr Kate Jacobs 22 July 202514 July 2026

Are you looking for ways to help your child cope with anxiety? Many parents struggle to find effective tools and strategies for supporting their children at home and school. Anxiety in children is increasingly common and can impact their academic performance and social interactions. Parents and educators need to recognise and understand these challenges. By…

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Parenting Support

Supporting Children With ADHD: Home And School Strategies
ByDr Kate Jacobs 20 June 202514 July 2026

Are you wondering how to ensure a successful and supportive environment for a child with ADHD, both at home and in school? Do you find it challenging to balance their unique needs while maintaining a calm and structured atmosphere? You’re not alone; many parents and educators share these concerns. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is…

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Parenting Support | Autism Assessment | Educational Services

Effective Strategies For Supporting Autistic Children At Home And School
ByDr Kate Jacobs 29 May 202514 July 2026

Do you ever wonder if you’re doing enough to support your autistic child at home and in their educational environment? It’s a challenging journey, and finding the right strategies can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, leaving many parents and educators asking, “What’s the best approach?” While awareness around autism has undoubtedly…

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Assessment | Educational Services

Understanding The Co-Occurrence Of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
ByDr Kate Jacobs 19 February 202514 July 2026

Have you ever wondered why certain neurodevelopmental disorders seem to occur together more often than expected? It’s a phenomenon that can leave many parents searching for answers. Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and learning disorders, affect millions of individuals and their families around the world. Understanding the co-occurrence of neurodevelopmental disorders is…

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Educational Services | Assessment

Myth Busting: Learning for Dyslexic Children
ByDr Kate Jacobs 23 January 202514 July 2026

Have you ever wondered how dyslexic children learn? Are you mistakenly believing that their struggles with reading equate to a lack of intelligence? It’s time to challenge these misconceptions. Dyslexia affects a significant number of children worldwide, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood learning differences. Often, potentially harmful myths cloud the understanding of…

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