Beyond Grades: The Role of Learning Assessments for Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia

Aug 14

As a parent, you want the best for your child's education and overall well-being.

Sometimes, you may notice that your child is facing challenges in certain areas of learning, like reading, writing, or maths. These difficulties may be signs of specific learning disorders such as Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, or Dyscalculia. It’s easy to become alarmed when this happens but you are not alone in this journey.

In this blog, we'll delve into what these learning disorders are, how they might impact your child's academic journey, and how specialised assessments, like the WIAT III and WISC-V, can help pinpoint their unique needs and strengths.

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that primarily affects reading skills. Children with dyslexia might have difficulty decoding words, recognizing sight words, and understanding the relationship between sounds and letters. They might read slowly and struggle to comprehend what they read. This can lead to frustration and a lack of confidence in their academic abilities.

Dyslexia isn’t a reflection your child's intelligence. It simply means that their brain processes written language differently. With the right support, they can thrive and work through the challenges in the school setting.

What is Dysgraphia?

Dysgraphia is a learning disorder that affects a child's writing skills. Children with dysgraphia may find it challenging to form letters and words, maintain consistent spacing, and organise their thoughts on paper. This can make writing tasks arduous and affect their ability to express themselves effectively.

It's important to recognise that dysgraphia doesn't reflect your child's creativity or intelligence. They may have wonderful ideas but struggle to put them on paper.

What is Dyscalculia?

Dyscalculia is a learning disorder that impacts a child's math skills. Children with dyscalculia may struggle with number recognition, counting, understanding mathematical concepts, and performing calculations. Simple tasks like telling time or handling money can be daunting for them.

Dyscalculia doesn't define a child's potential in mathematics or problem-solving. With tailored support and strategies, they can develop solid math skills and boost their confidence.

The Role of Learning Assessments: WIAT III and WISC-V

When you suspect your child may be facing challenges related to dyslexia, dysgraphia or dyscalculia, seeking professional assessment is the first step toward providing appropriate support. Psychologists and educational specialists often use two valuable tools, the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, Third Edition (WIAT III), and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition (WISC-V), to gain a comprehensive understanding of your child's strengths and areas of difficulty.

The WIAT III - Assessing Academic Skills

The WIAT III is specifically designed to evaluate a child's academic skills and achievements. It assesses various domains, including reading, writing, mathematics, and oral language proficiency. By comparing your child's performance with their peers, the WIAT III can identify specific learning disorders like dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia.

During the assessment, your child will engage in activities such as reading passages, writing sentences, and solving math problems. The evaluator will observe their approach to these tasks, considering factors like accuracy, speed, and comprehension. The WIAT III provides valuable insights into your child's academic progress and helps identify areas where they might need additional support.

The WISC-V - Understanding Cognitive Abilities

The WISC-V, on the other hand, focuses on evaluating a child's cognitive abilities or their thinking and reasoning skills. It helps assess various cognitive domains, such as verbal comprehension, working memory, perceptual reasoning, and processing speed. These cognitive abilities play a crucial role in how your child learns and processes information.

During the WISC-V assessment, your child will participate in activities that require problem-solving, vocabulary understanding, and memory recall. This helps the evaluator gain insights into your child's intellectual strengths and weaknesses.

Combining Assessments for a Holistic Picture

By combining the results of both the WIAT III and the WISC-V, a psychologist can paint a comprehensive picture of your child's unique learning profile. This holistic approach enables the development of a personalised intervention plans tailored to their specific needs, strengths, and learning style.

As a parent, it's natural to feel concerned or anxious about the assessment process. Remember that these assessments are designed to help your child receive the support they need to thrive academically and emotionally.

Understanding dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia is the first step toward empowering your child to overcome their learning challenges. Through empathy and support, you can help them build resilience and confidence. Seeking support via assessments like the WIAT III and WISC-V provides valuable insight into your child's academic skills and cognitive abilities. Armed with this knowledge, educators, psychologists, and you, as a parent, can collaborate to create a supportive and nurturing learning environment, where your child can flourish and achieve their full potential.

Remember, every child is unique, and with the right support and understanding, they can conquer any obstacle that comes their way. You are not alone in this journey, and together, we can help your child thrive.

Kerstin Anderson-Ridge