Expert Psychoeducational Assessments in Centurion & Middelburg
If your child is struggling at school despite effort, a psychoeducational assessment gives you more than guesses - it gives clarity. As a registered Educational Psychologist, I evaluate how they think, learn, and manage emotions so you can see the full picture and access the right support.
What we assess
We evaluate:
- Cognitive strengths (how they reason, solve problems)
- Academic skills (reading, writing, maths)
- Memory, processing speed, and attention
- Emotional or behavioral factors (how stress or frustration affects learning), if significant, we may recommend individual therapy or TRE for tension release
- Input from parents, teachers, school reports
We break it into child-friendly sessions so your child doesn’t feel overwhelmed. The process is relaxed, often puzzle-based or game-based, depending on their age.
What you’ll get
After testing, we prepare a clear, understandable report. Then we sit down with you and explain:
- Where your child shines
- Areas they find challenging
- Practical strategies you can use at home or school
- If relevant, recommendations for exam concessions (extra time, readers, etc.) with documentation that aligns with South African exam board requirements
- Suggested next steps, whether it’s tutoring, specialized dyslexia intervention, therapeutic support, or referral to a specialist
Why this matters
Guessing or patching things without knowing the root cause often leads to frustration. With a proper assessment, you can stop wondering and start helping, with confidence. Many parents feel relief and renewed hope once they understand how their child learns, instead of feeling stuck.
Why choose us
- Ronita is an experienced Educational Psychologist with deep knowledge of South African examination systems
- Our reports and recommendations meet the standards required by schools and exam boards
- We operate in Centurion (Gauteng) and Middelburg (Mpumalanga), giving flexibility for families in both regions
- We combine professional rigour with a warm, supportive approach
Specialised Assessment Areas
Many parents contact us specifically about areas such as ADHD (attention and impulse control), dyslexia (reading and spelling), dyscalculia (number skills), dysgraphia (writing), exam concessions, IQ/gifted testing and processing-speed difficulties. Each is investigated through our comprehensive psychoeducational assessment that looks at attention, executive function, cognition and academic achievement across settings. We provide clear, actionable reports, school-focused recommendations, and documentation for exam boards (IEB, NSC, Cambridge) when appropriate.
ADHD Assessment
Important: We assess but don’t diagnose ADHD medically
As an Educational Psychologist, I can identify ADHD patterns through comprehensive assessment and provide supporting documentation. However, formal ADHD diagnosis (for medication purposes) requires a psychiatrist or developmental paediatrician. If our assessment indicates ADHD, I’ll refer you to trusted specialists and provide them with detailed findings.
If your child struggles with attention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity, a comprehensive psychoeducational assessment can help clarify whether ADHD is present and what type of support will work best.
What ADHD assessment includes
Our ADHD assessment process involves:
- Detailed parent and teacher questionnaires covering behaviour across settings
- Cognitive assessment to understand your child’s thinking patterns and rule out other causes
- Attention and executive function testing using standardized measures
- Observation of how your child approaches tasks
- Review of school reports and developmental history
What you’ll receive from ADHD assessment
- A comprehensive report detailing attention patterns, cognitive strengths, and challenges
- Clear recommendations for school (including possible exam concessions)
- Referral to appropriate specialists if needed
- Strategies for home and classroom support
What happens after ADHD assessment
Many children with ADHD also have dyslexia, dyscalculia, or other learning differences. Our assessment looks at the full picture, not just one condition. This helps avoid missing hidden challenges that might be masked by ADHD symptoms (or vice versa).
Concerned about ADHD? Contact us to book an assessment in Centurion or Middelburg. Let’s find out what’s really going on so you can get the right support.
Dyslexia Assessment (Reading Difficulties)
If your child struggles with reading, spelling, or writing despite normal intelligence and adequate instruction, they may have dyslexia - the most common learning difficulty affecting up to 10% of the population.
Signs that might indicate dyslexia
- Difficulty learning letter names and sounds
- Slow, effortful reading that doesn’t match their intelligence
- Frequent spelling errors, even with familiar words
- Avoiding reading tasks or reading aloud
- Mixing up similar-looking letters (b/d, p/q)
- Difficulty sounding out unfamiliar words
- Strong verbal skills but weak written expression
- Family history of reading difficulties
What dyslexia assessment includes
Our comprehensive assessment evaluates:
- Phonological processing - how they break down and manipulate sounds in words
- Reading accuracy and fluency - using standardized reading tests
- Spelling and written expression
- Cognitive abilities - to rule out general learning delays
- Working memory and processing speed - often affected in dyslexia
- Comparison with peers - to see how far behind they are
What happens after dyslexia assessment
If dyslexia is identified, you’ll receive:
- A detailed report explaining your child’s specific reading profile
- Clear diagnosis meeting Department of Education standards
- Recommendations for specialized dyslexia intervention (Davis Methods, Cellfield)
- Documentation for exam concessions (extra time, reader assistance)
- Strategies for teachers and parents to support at home and school
Dyslexia is lifelong, but with proper intervention, children can become confident readers. Early identification (ideally by Grade 2-3) leads to better outcomes.
Worried about dyslexia? Contact us to book an assessment. Understanding the problem is the first step to solving it.
Dyscalculia Assessment (Maths Learning Difficulty)
If your child struggles specifically with maths - understanding numbers, learning times tables, telling time, or grasping concepts that peers find straightforward - they may have dyscalculia, sometimes called “maths dyslexia.”
Signs that might indicate dyscalculia
- Difficulty counting, even at older ages
- Trouble recognising patterns in numbers
- Struggles with basic arithmetic despite lots of practice
- Confusion with concepts like “more than” or “less than”
- Difficulty telling time on analogue clocks
- Avoiding maths-related activities
How we assess for dyscalculia
Our psychoeducational assessment includes standardised tests of mathematical ability and numerical processing. We look at:
- Number sense and quantity understanding
- Arithmetic fluency and accuracy
- Mathematical reasoning and problem-solving
- Working memory (often linked to maths difficulties)
- Whether anxiety is playing a role
What happens after assessment
If dyscalculia is identified, you’ll receive:
- A detailed report explaining your child’s specific maths profile
- Practical intervention strategies for home and school
- Recommendations for exam accommodations (extra time, calculator use)
- Guidance on whether specialist maths intervention is needed
Dyscalculia often occurs alongside dyslexia or ADHD. Our comprehensive assessment identifies all relevant factors.
Dysgraphia Assessment (Writing Difficulties)
Does your child’s handwriting look messy despite effort? Do they avoid writing tasks, complain of hand pain, or take forever to complete written work? These may be signs of dysgraphia - a learning difference affecting writing.
What dysgraphia looks like
- Illegible handwriting despite practice
- Inconsistent letter sizing and spacing
- Difficulty staying on the line
- Slow writing speed that affects completing work
- Avoidance of writing tasks
- Difficulty putting thoughts on paper, even when verbal skills are strong
- Poor pencil grip or unusual hand position
How assessment helps
Our assessment evaluates:
- Fine motor coordination
- Visual-motor integration
- Processing speed (how quickly your child can translate thoughts to written words)
- Spelling and written expression
- Whether dyslexia, attention issues, or motor difficulties are contributing
Support options after assessment
With a clear diagnosis, your child may qualify for:
- Extra time in exams
- Use of a laptop or tablet for written work
- Use of a scribe for exams
- Modified written homework requirements
We provide documentation accepted by schools and exam boards (IEB, NSC, Cambridge).
Exam Concessions Assessment
If your child has a diagnosed learning difficulty, attention disorder, or other condition affecting their performance, they may qualify for exam accommodations. Our assessment provides the documentation schools and exam boards require to approve these concessions.
Common exam concessions available
Depending on your child’s needs, they may qualify for:
- Extra time (25%, 50%, or 100% additional time)
- Use of a reader (someone to read questions aloud)
- Use of a scribe (someone to write answers as your child dictates)
- Use of assistive technology (laptop, speech-to-text software, calculator)
- Separate venue (quieter environment with fewer distractions)
- Enlarged print or special paper
- Regular breaks during exams
- Alternative assessment formats in some cases
Assessment for exam concessions
To qualify for concessions, you need professional documentation showing:
- The specific learning difficulty or condition
- How it impacts exam performance
- Why the requested accommodations are necessary
- Evidence from standardized testing
Our comprehensive psychoeducational assessments meet all requirements for IEB, NSC (National Senior Certificate), and Cambridge exam boards.
The application process
- Book an assessment - ideally at least 3-4 months before exams
- Complete testing - we assess the specific areas relevant to your child’s needs
- Receive detailed report - documenting the diagnosis and recommended concessions
- Submit to school - your school applies to the exam board on your behalf
- Approval - exam boards review and approve appropriate accommodations
Start early. Exam boards have strict deadlines, and late applications may not be approved in time.
Need exam concessions? Contact us to book an assessment and get the documentation your child needs for fair exam conditions.
IQ Testing & Cognitive Assessment
Many parents request IQ testing for school applications, understanding their child’s potential, or investigating why there’s a gap between ability and achievement. An IQ test is one component of our comprehensive cognitive assessment.
When IQ testing is useful
- Private school applications - many require IQ scores as part of entrance requirements
- Gifted program placement - identifying children who need advanced academic opportunities
- Understanding discrepancies - when a bright child is underperforming at school
- Ruling out intellectual disability - when development seems delayed across areas
- Workplace or university documentation - some careers or study programs require cognitive assessment
What we measure
Our cognitive assessment goes beyond a single IQ score. We evaluate:
- Verbal reasoning - understanding and using language
- Visual-spatial skills - pattern recognition and spatial reasoning
- Working memory - holding and manipulating information mentally
- Processing speed - how quickly they process information
- Overall cognitive ability - the “IQ score” that summarizes general intelligence
What IQ scores tell us (and what they don’t)
An IQ score provides a snapshot of cognitive ability at one point in time. It’s useful for:
- Comparing your child’s performance to same-age peers
- Identifying cognitive strengths and weaknesses
- Supporting school placement decisions
- Guiding educational planning
But IQ doesn’t measure motivation, creativity, emotional intelligence, or practical skills. A child with an average IQ and strong work ethic often outperforms a child with high IQ but poor motivation.
Important: IQ testing alone isn’t enough
If your child is struggling at school, we recommend comprehensive psychoeducational assessment rather than IQ testing alone. This shows not just cognitive ability, but also achievement in reading, writing, and maths - revealing whether learning difficulties are present.
Need IQ testing? Contact us to discuss whether standalone cognitive assessment or comprehensive psychoeducational assessment is right for your child.
Gifted & High Potential Assessment
Gifted children have exceptional abilities, but they’re not always the high-achieving, well-behaved students teachers expect. Many gifted children struggle socially, underperform academically, or mask their abilities to fit in. If your child seems very bright but isn’t thriving, assessment can clarify what’s happening.
Signs your child might be gifted
- Early development - talked early, asked complex questions as a toddler
- Intense curiosity - constantly asks “why” and wants in-depth answers
- Advanced vocabulary - uses words well beyond their age
- Quick learning - grasps new concepts rapidly with minimal instruction
- Pattern recognition - spots patterns and connections others miss
- Perfectionism - gets frustrated when work doesn’t meet their own high standards
- Asynchronous development - intellectually advanced but emotionally age-appropriate (or vice versa)
- Boredom at school - complains lessons are too easy or repetitive
Why gifted children sometimes struggle
- Underachievement - bored by unchallenging work, they stop trying
- Social difficulties - struggle to relate to same-age peers with different interests
- Perfectionism and anxiety - fear of failure prevents them from taking risks
- Twice-exceptional (2e) - gifted but also have ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning differences
- Behavioral issues - acting out due to boredom or frustration
What gifted assessment includes
Our assessment evaluates:
- Cognitive abilities - typically IQ testing showing scores in the superior/very superior range (130+)
- Academic achievement - whether performance matches potential
- Social-emotional functioning - how giftedness affects relationships and wellbeing
- Learning style and preferences
- Areas for intervention - if twice-exceptional patterns are present
What you’ll receive from gifted assessment
- Detailed report documenting gifted abilities
- Recommendations for school placement (enrichment, acceleration, gifted programs)
- Guidance on supporting gifted learners at home
- Referrals if additional support needed (e.g., for anxiety, social skills)
- Documentation for gifted program applications
Giftedness is an asset, but it requires understanding and appropriate support. Without it, gifted children can become frustrated underachievers.
Think your child might be gifted? Contact us to book an assessment and unlock their potential.
Processing Speed Assessment
“They’re so slow!” is a complaint we hear often from parents and teachers. If your child takes forever to complete work, seems to lag behind peers, or needs instructions repeated multiple times, slow processing speed might be the issue.
What processing speed means
Processing speed is how quickly someone takes in information, makes sense of it, and responds. It’s like the “clock speed” of a computer - a child with slow processing speed understands just as well as peers but takes longer to get there.
Signs of slow processing speed
- Slow to complete classwork - last to finish, even when they understand
- Needs extra time on tests - not due to difficulty, but speed
- Slow handwriting - takes ages to copy from the board or write essays
- Difficulty following rapid instructions - especially multi-step directions
- Seems to “lag” in conversations - takes time to respond
- Rushes and makes careless errors - when trying to keep up with class pace
- Homework takes hours - tasks that should take 30 minutes take 2 hours
How we assess processing speed
Processing speed is measured as part of cognitive assessment using standardized tests that evaluate:
- Visual processing speed - how quickly they identify and compare visual information
- Psychomotor speed - speed of hand movements (writing, drawing)
- Decision-making speed - how quickly they make choices
- Working memory - often affected when processing speed is slow
Why it matters
Slow processing speed doesn’t mean lower intelligence. Many children with slow processing speed have average or above-average IQ. But it significantly affects school performance, especially:
- Timed tests and exams
- Note-taking during lessons
- Participating in fast-paced class discussions
- Completing assignments in allocated time
What happens after processing speed assessment
If slow processing speed is identified, you’ll receive:
- Documentation for exam concessions (extra time is the most common accommodation)
- Strategies for teachers (reduce copying, provide notes, allow oral responses)
- Home support recommendations (break tasks into chunks, avoid time pressure)
- Clarification of whether other issues are present (ADHD, dyslexia often co-occur)
With appropriate accommodations, children with slow processing speed can perform at their actual ability level.
Concerned about processing speed? Contact us to book an assessment and get the support your child needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a psychoeducational assessment cost in South Africa?
Costs vary depending on the complexity and scope of assessment needed. This includes testing sessions, report writing, and a feedback meeting. Contact us for a detailed quote based on your child’s specific needs.
How long does the assessment take?
The full process typically takes 2-3 weeks from first session to feedback meeting. Testing itself is broken into 2-3 child-friendly sessions (usually 1-2 hours each, depending on the child’s age and stamina). We then need about 1-2 weeks to score tests, write the report, and prepare recommendations.
Will my child’s school accept the report?
Yes. Our reports meet South African Department of Basic Education standards and are accepted by schools, exam boards (IEB, NSC, Cambridge), and HPCSA requirements. We provide documentation suitable for exam concessions (extra time, scribes, readers) according to current regulations.
What exam concessions can my child get?
Depending on assessment results, learners may qualify for extra time (up to 100%), use of a scribe or reader, separate venue, enlarged print, breaks, or use of assistive technology. We provide the required documentation and work with schools to implement appropriate accommodations for NSC, IEB, and Cambridge examinations.
Do you assess for ADHD or autism?
We can screen for ADHD and provide a comprehensive psychoeducational assessment that explores attention and learning patterns at our Centurion and Middelburg practices, but formal ADHD or autism diagnoses require additional specialist assessment. If we identify concerns during testing, we’ll refer you to appropriate specialists (psychiatrists, developmental paediatricians, or neuropsychologists) and can provide supporting documentation. For confirmed dyslexia, we offer specialized intervention programs.
Is medical aid coverage available?
Many medical aids cover psychoeducational assessments under the Educational Psychology benefit or PMB (Prescribed Minimum Benefits). We provide invoices with ICD-10 codes for submission. Check with your medical aid about your specific Educational Psychology benefits and annual limits.
What’s the difference between an Educational Psychologist and a clinical psychologist?
Educational psychologists specialize in learning, development, and school-related issues. We’re experts in assessments, learning difficulties, school readiness, and academic interventions. Clinical psychologists focus more on mental health conditions and therapy. For school and learning concerns, an Educational Psychologist is your best starting point.
Ready for clarity? Contact us today to book a psychoeducational assessment at our Centurion or Middelburg office. Let’s work together to give your child a strategy, not just more work.