Is your child struggling at school? Does he or she have problems with reading and/ or spelling? Does your child find it difficult to "sound out" words? Do you worry that he or she may be underperforming? Have you been told that your child has memory problems, is easily distracted, has problems paying attention or following instructions? Have you been told your child might be gifted or talented? Do you want a better understanding of your child's learning style, and his or her strengths and weaknesses?

The Literacy and Learning Centre is a specialist service for children who are having problems with all aspects of literacy and learning. A comprehensive diagnostic assessment is the first step to getting the right help for your child and our friendly and experienced staff will help you and your child feel at ease in finding the answers to your questions.

What services does the Centre provide?

The Literacy and Learning Centre specialises in offering a comprehensive learning difficulties assessment. Testing is typically completed by both a Clinical Psychologist and a Speech Pathologist. Assessment results form the basis for the development of individualised programmes and / or detailed recommendations for support.

The Literacy and Learning Centre also offers psychometric and diagnostic assessment by a Clinical Psychologist, including:

• psychometric/ intelligence testing,
• academic/ educational testing,
• specific learning difficulties testing,
• assessment of developmental disorders (such as Autism, Asperger's & Developmental Delay),
• testing for memory and attention problems,
• assessment of behavioural and attentional disorders (such as ODD, ADHD),
• school readiness assessments,
• special provisions testing,
• gifted and talented assessment.
  

All assessment results and recommendations are discussed with parents, and a comprehensive report summarising test results is also provided.

Individual and group programmes for anxious children are also run by the Clinical Psychologist, and consultations with parents and schools are also available.

The Literacy and Learning Centre shares its offices with Sydney Speech and Language Centre. This makes for easy referral to experienced Speech Pathologists for children requiring support for a range of speech and/ or language difficulties.

We have worked extensively with families from country NSW and are able to provide: appointment times in blocks, video-link ups with Skype, Cool Kids Outreach Anxiety programme, and an understanding of the difficulties faced by families living in rural and regional NSW in getting help for their children.

About Us

The Literacy and Learning Centre is run by Clinical Psychologist Sandra Graudins with Speech Pathologist, Jacqueline McCarty from Sydney Speech and Language Centre. Sandra and Jacqueline were recently colleagues at Dalwood Assessment Centre, a specialised centre run by NSW Health for children from country NSW with difficulties reading, spelling, and learning. They have extensive knowledge and experience in working with children with complex literacy difficulties through their work at Dalwood, and have also worked in a variety of settings such as community health, preschools, schools, and private practice. Together, Sandra and Jacqueline have over 25 years experience working with children with learning difficulties.

Sandra has a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology. She has registration and Clinical Psychologist endorsement with the Psychology Board of Australia; membership of the Australian Psychological Society and of its College of Clinical Psychologists, and is a founding member of the Australian Clinical Psychologists Association. She is also is on the APS Autism and PDD Identified Practitioner's List. Jacqueline is a certified Practicing Speech Pathologist (CPSP) and is a member of Speech Pathology Australia. She is also the founder of Sydney Speech and Language Centre.

Private health insurance rebates and Medicare rebates may be available for eligible clients. HICAPS facilities are available at the Centre, so you can claim your private health rebate on the spot.

Our staff are committed to providing the highest quality support to children who are struggling to learn to read and spell.

If you have concerns about your child's literacy or learning, please contact the Centre to discuss or to make an appointment. You do not require a doctor's referral.