Starting high school is a bigger shift for some students than others, especially where executive functioning, sensory needs or social anxiety are part of the picture. This guide walks parents of Year 6 students through building independence, communicating with the new school and easing anxiety well before Term 1 of Year 7 begins.
Why can a child read a familiar book fluently but freeze on a new three-letter word, or spell the same word three different ways on one page? This article explains how phonological awareness connects to reading and spelling, the early signs parents notice first, whether the behaviour is normal, and the practical steps to take before booking a formal cognitive or dyslexia assessment in Moonee Ponds.
An assessment can provide valuable clarity. For many families, it brings long-awaited answers about how a child learns, thinks, and experiences the world. Yet the assessment itself is only the beginning. Once results are understood, the focus shifts towards practical support. Educational and developmental psychologists help translate complex findings into practical strategies for use at
Every child develops at their own pace, but some differences become noticeable early, like speech delays, motor delays or challenges with social interaction. Recognising these signs early offers children a significant advantage. Timely support builds essential skills during critical periods of brain development, helping to mitigate challenges before they escalate. Early identification also reassures families,
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
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
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
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,
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
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
Starting high school is a bigger shift for some students than others, especially where executive functioning, sensory needs or social anxiety are part of the picture. This guide walks parents of Year 6 students through building independence, communicating with the new school and easing anxiety well before Term 1 of Year 7 begins.
Why can a child read a familiar book fluently but freeze on a new three-letter word, or spell the same word three different ways on one page? This article explains how phonological awareness connects to reading and spelling, the early signs parents notice first, whether the behaviour is normal, and the practical steps to take before booking a formal cognitive or dyslexia assessment in Moonee Ponds.
Wondering whether an assessment could help you as an adult? This guide from our Melbourne psychologists covers why adults seek assessment, and what the process involves.
Wondering whether your teenager needs an assessment? This guide from our Melbourne psychologists covers the signs of teen ADHD and autism, and what the process involves.
Wondering whether your child needs an assessment? This guide from our Melbourne educational assessment psychologists covers the signs to look for and what the process involves.
The feedback session is over and the report is sitting on your desk. This action guide walks parents through what to do after a child’s psychological assessment, one practical step at a time, from school conversations to funding to ongoing support.