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SpLD assessment

Clear, supportive, specific learning difficulties assessments for children. Understand what’s happening and what to do next.

If your child is finding learning more difficult than expected, a Specific Learning Difficulties (SPLD) assessment can help you understand why and what support may help.

At Evolve Ireland, we provide clear, supportive and thorough assessments to help identify learning differences such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and related difficulties.

Our aim is to give you a clear understanding of your child’s strengths, needs and the next steps for support.

What Are Specific Learning Difficulties (SPLD)?

Specific Learning Difficulties, often referred to as SPLD, is an umbrella term used to describe a range of learning differences that affect how a child processes information.

These difficulties are not linked to overall ability or intelligence. Many children with SPLD have average or above average ability, but may struggle with specific areas of learning.

SPLD can include:

Dyslexia (difficulties with reading, spelling and written language)
Dyspraxia or Developmental Coordination Disorder (difficulties with coordination and motor skills)
Dyscalculia (difficulties with numbers and mathematical understanding)
Difficulties with written expression or processing information

An assessment helps to understand which areas are affected and how best to support your child.

Who this assessment is for?

An SPLD assessment may be helpful if your child is experiencing:

Ongoing difficulties with reading, writing or spelling
Difficulty understanding or remembering information
Challenges with organisation or completing schoolwork
Difficulties with coordination, handwriting or motor skills
Struggles with maths or number concepts
Learning that seems slower or more effortful than expected

This assessment is suitable for children and young people where there are concerns about learning and academic progress.

Signs of SpLD

Parents and schools often seek an assessment when they notice:

Falling behind in reading or writing despite effort
Difficulty learning letter sounds, spelling or phonics
Messy or slow handwriting
Difficulty following multi-step instructions
Poor organisation or difficulty completing tasks
Challenges with coordination or physical tasks
Frustration, low confidence or avoidance of schoolwork

In school, this may present as:

Ongoing learning difficulties in specific areas
A gap between ability and performance
Need for additional learning support

An assessment can help identify the reasons behind these difficulties and guide appropriate support.

What the assessment includes

Our SPLD assessment is comprehensive and tailored to your child’s needs.

It typically includes:

A detailed developmental, educational and learning history
A clinical discussion with parents or carers
Standardised cognitive (IQ) assessment
Assessment of academic skills such as reading, writing and maths
Exploration of memory, processing and problem-solving skills
Consideration of coordination or motor skills where relevant
Input from school or other professionals where appropriate

This allows us to understand both how your child learns and where specific difficulties may lie.

Understanding different learning difficulties

As part of the assessment, we look at different areas of learning to understand what may be contributing to your child’s difficulties.

This may include:

Dyslexia: Difficulties with reading, spelling and written language. This may include challenges with recognising words, understanding text or writing clearly.
Dyscalculia: Difficulties with numbers, maths concepts and problem-solving involving numbers.
Dyspraxia: Difficulties with coordination, motor skills and planning movement. This can affect handwriting, organisation and everyday tasks. You may have heard the term Developmental Coordination Disorder, or DCD for short. This is another name for Dyspraxia, it’s a more clinical term.
Processing & Learning Differences: Some children may have difficulties with memory, processing speed or organising information, which can affect learning across different areas.

Not all children will have all these difficulties. The assessment helps identify the specific profile for your child.

What happens during the assessment?

Assessments are carried out in a calm, supportive and child-friendly environment.

You can expect:

Time to talk through your concerns
A range of structured tasks and activities
Opportunities for your child to demonstrate how they learn and think

These are not tests that can be passed or failed. They are designed to understand how your child

These are not tests that can be passed or failed. They are designed to understand how your child processes information and approaches learning. We work at your child’s pace and aim to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

If you would like more details about the overall process, you can read our guide to What to Expect During an SPLD Assessment.

After the assessment

Following the assessment, you will receive:

A clear explanation of your child’s learning profile
A detailed written report
Practical recommendations tailored to your child’s needs

This may include guidance for:

School supports and learning accommodations
Strategies to support learning at home
Recommendations for further supports or interventions

Our aim is to provide clarity and help your child access the support they need to succeed.

How this assessment can help

An SPLD assessment can:

Identify specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia or dyspraxia
Explain why your child may be struggling in certain areas
Support access to school-based supports
Help build confidence and understanding
Provide a clear plan for next steps

Understanding how your child learns can make a significant difference to their progress and wellbeing.

How long does an SPLD assessment take?

The length of the assessment can vary depending on your child’s needs. In general:

The assessment may take place over one or more sessions
Time is allowed for detailed assessment across different learning areas

We will explain the process clearly before the assessment begins.

Cost of an SpLD assessment

We believe it is important to be clear about costs.

If you have any questions about costs, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

Not sure if this is the right assessment?

If you are unsure whether an SPLD assessment is the right next step, we can help. We will talk through your concerns and guide you towards the most appropriate assessment for your child.