Find a Mental Health Professional for Learning Difficulties & Intellectual Disability

About Learning Difficulties & Intellectual Disability support

Learning difficulties, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, and language processing challenges, affect how people take in, process, and express information. They are not related to intelligence but can significantly affect educational outcomes and self-esteem if not identified and supported early. Intellectual disability involves broader differences in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour that affect daily life across multiple domains. Both can be associated with mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, and low self-worth. Psychological assessment helps identify the specific nature of learning differences and informs strategies for school, work, and daily life. Therapists who work with people with intellectual disabilities use adapted approaches that may include visual supports, simpler language, and more structured formats. Support often involves collaboration with education specialists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and families. In Australia, the NDIS supports children and adults with intellectual disability and developmental conditions. The Disability Discrimination Act requires reasonable adjustments in education and employment. Many schools offer additional learning support, and Educational Psychologists can conduct assessments that inform school adjustments and Disability Action Plans. Medicare and NDIS can both contribute to the cost of psychological support.