Learning Disability Assessment
What to expect: The process
1. Initial conversation
We meet in person or online for a free Discovery call to explore your concerns, background, learning history, strengths, and what you hope to gain from the assessment. This shapes the assessment plan.
2. Assessment sessions
We’ll meet to do some tasks together and talk (5 to 6 hours) in total. Throughout, you can have breaks. If something feels overwhelming or off, we pause, adjust, or change course. You can have a family member or other trusted person with you. What we will cover:
Measures of intellectual ability, which means we will do puzzles, quizzes, and I will ask you some questions and the meaning of words. You cannot fail any tasks.
We will talk about your learning history, mental health, support needs, and life experience
Input from people who know you well (with your consent) will help to understand your journey
3. Feedback Session
We’ll meet to talk about the outcome of the assessment (1 hour), what the information it means, and make sense of your story. You will find out if you have or have not an Intellectual disability (Learning Disability)
You’ll receive:
A big written report in accessible, person-centred language
A summary letter (if needed) for education, GPs, Social Workers, or your support
Practical recommendations: about what support you need, your strengths, mental health needs, accommodation, and next steps
A good assessment can:
Confirm or clarify strengths and challenges in thinking, learning, attention, memory, or planning skills
Help explain why some tasks feel harder than others
Guide which supports or accommodation are likely to be helpful
Foster insight, reduce self-doubt, and empower more informed advocacy and support
Pricing and Practical details
These assessments are done in person, to allow observation, flexibility, and deeper engagement.
Some preparatory or follow-up portions can be done online, as appropriate.
The process typically takes 5 to 6 hours, depending on complexity.
It’s normal for there to be overlap or influence from anxiety, mood, sleep, or environmental factors — the assessment always considers these.
Fee: £1,150 (BPS guidelines compliant)
Insurance: I accept Bupa and submit invoices directly to insurers (subject to authorisation)
Private pay: Bank transfer payment via a payment link
Timeline: The full assessment normally takes about 4 to 5 weeks, including screening, assessment sessions, feedback, and report writing
Result delivery: You’ll get a draft report first and can request changes before finalisation
In-Person & Location Options
Assessment must include in-person components, because face-to-face interaction allows better observation and understanding. I offer:
Home visits (within Barnsley & surrounding areas), or
Clinic appointments at my practice in Barnsley
My clinic address
Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre
Innovation Way
Wilthorpe
Barnsley
S75 1JL
Hi, I’m Dr Silke Newman
I’m Silke, a Clinical Psychologist in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, with over 26 years specialising in autism and learning differences. I hold HCPC and BPS registration and am trained in assessment tools, including DISCO and DIVA. My philosophy blends evidence-based methods with deep respect for individual perspective.
FAQs about the Learning Disability Assessment
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Yes. You will need to come in person for the 3 hour appointment. Face-to-face appointments increase the quality and validity of your assessment.
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People usually go through a process to adapt to their diagnosis if they receive one. They may revisit and remember aspects of their life and what has been difficult. They will create a new story about their past and future. You can ask your psychologist for therapy and coaching to adapt to your diagnosis.
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A learning disability affects a person throughout their life, resulting in more support needs in:
Understanding new or complex information
Learning new skills
Coping independently
Social skills and communication. It is defined as an IQ with a score of below 70
Difficulties with Independent living skills
Onset before age 18
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I can help clients apply for pip by carrying out an assessment of independent living skills which provides detailed information about their support needs.