Child Psychologist for School & Learning Difficulties on the Central Coast | Kincumber, Gosford, Erina, Terrigal & Beyond
When a child is struggling at school, it rarely stays at school. It follows them home in the form of meltdowns, tears at homework time, a growing reluctance to go in the mornings, and a quiet erosion of their confidence.
If this sounds familiar, you're not alone, and there is support available right here on the Central Coast.
At my Kincumber practice, I work with children and adolescents experiencing a wide range of school and learning difficulties, serving families across Gosford, Terrigal, Avoca Beach, Copacabana, Erina, Green Point and the broader Central Coast region.
What I mean by school and learning difficulties
School difficulties can take many forms, including:
Academic struggles despite effort and reasonable support
Suspected dyslexia, dyscalculia, or other learning differences
School refusal or anxiety around attending school
Difficulty keeping up with peers without clear explanation
Challenges with reading, writing, spelling, or mathematics
Problems with working memory, processing speed, or organisation
Giftedness combined with learning differences (twice exceptional)
The role of psychological assessment
Many learning difficulties remain unidentified for years, particularly in children who are bright enough to compensate, or whose difficulties are attributed to behaviour or effort rather than genuine difference.
A comprehensive psychological and educational assessment can identify:
Cognitive strengths and weaknesses
Processing differences that affect learning
The presence of specific learning disorders
ADHD or autism that may be contributing to school difficulties
Recommendations for school-based adjustments and support
My detailed written reports are designed to be used directly with schools, supporting access to learning adjustments, additional resources, and where relevant, NDIS funding.
When school becomes something to fear
For some children, school difficulties escalate into school refusal, a distressing experience for the whole family. School refusal isn’t about a child being difficult or manipulative. It is almost always rooted in anxiety, overwhelm, or an unmet need that has gone unidentified.
I work collaboratively with families and schools to create compassionate, realistic return-to-school plans that prioritise your child's wellbeing alongside their education.
Serving families across the Central Coast
My Kincumber practice is well located for families from across the region, including:
Gosford · Terrigal · Avoca Beach · Copacabana · Erina · Wamberal · Green Point · Narara · Wyoming · Point Clare · Saratoga · Davistown · Empire Bay · Bensville · Killcare · Umina Beach · Woy Woy · Ettalong Beach
Let's figure it out together
If your child is struggling at school and you're not sure why, a psychological assessment is often the most important first step. Reach out to me at my Kincumber practice today. I’m here to help you find answers and a way forward.
