Title
Improving support for children with Specific Learning Disabilities Through Early Diagnosis
Improving support for children with Specific Learning Disabilities Through Early Diagnosis
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Summary
Researchers at The Kids Research Institute are looking for young people aged between 12 to 18 years who have been diagnosed with a Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) like dyslexia, dysgraphia or dyscalculia.
We want to learn what it’s like for young people and their parents to go through the process of getting an SLD diagnosis. We’re interested in what was helpful, what was hard, and how things could be made easier.
What is good about being in this study?
By sharing your experience, you’ll help us understand what it’s like for young people to get an SLD diagnosis. This will help us create better support for others in the future.
What could be hard about participating in the study?
Talking about your experience might bring up some tough memories. You don’t have to answer any questions you don’t want to. If you feel upset, we can stop the interview. We’ll also give you information about where to get support if you need it.
Will you be paid for your time?
Yes. You will be provided with a $50 gift card to thank you for participating in the study. The gift card will be for either Woolworths or Coles.
Is your information private?
Everything you tell us will be kept private. We will keep the audio recording and make a written copy of it, but we will remove your name and anything that could identify you. Only the research team will see your information. It will be stored securely at The Kids Research Institute Australia. Your name will not appear in any reports or publications. We’ll keep your information until the youngest person in the study turns 25. Then we’ll delete it.
How can I find out the results of the study?
When the study is finished, we will email you a summary of what we learned. We’ll also ask if you’d like to be emailed any reports or publications.
About the study
Children with Specific Learning Disorders-such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia-often face additional challenges at school and with their mental health. Early diagnosis can make a big difference, but we still don't know enough about how families in Australia navigate this process or what support they need.
This study is exploring the experiences of children and parents in seeking a diagnosis for Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs). We want to understand what helps, what gets in the way, and how the process affects children's well-being and education.
Your input will help identify where more support is needed, improve services, and guide the development of future resources for families.
What participation involves
Researchers have completed interviews with parents to get their perspectives but they still need some more young people to share their experiences. They are looking for young people aged between 12 and 18 years old who have been diagnosed with dyslexia, dysgraphia or dyscalculia to participate in either a:
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- A 30-60 minute online interview (approx 10 more people required)
- A 30-40 minute online survey (approx 40 more responses required)
Choose the option that works best for you-or participate in both to share even more of your experience!
If you have any questions about the project, please contact Thom Nevill: thom.nevill@thekids.org.au or Vincent Mancini: vincent.mancini@thekids.org.au.
What does the interview it involve?
We’d like to talk with you in an online interview (on Microsoft Teams). The interview will go for between 30 minutes to an hour. You can choose to have a parent with you or be on your own—whatever makes you feel more comfortable. Let us know if you need any extra support during the interview.
We’ll ask you questions about what it was like to get your diagnosis. Topics will include the impact of this diagnosis on your wellbeing and schooling, and your ideas for support.
With your permission, we’ll record the interview (audio and video) so we can remember what you said. If you prefer, you
can turn off your camera.
What are your choices?
It’s your choice. You can say yes or no, and no one will be upset if you say no. If you say yes now but change your mind later, that is ok too. You can withdraw anytime before the data is de-identified (after all interviews are transcribed). Just email Thom Nevill thom.nevill@thekids.org.au.
How to register
Register online here or email the researchers, Thom Nevill: thom.nevill@thekids.org.au or Vincent Mancini: vincent.mancini@thekids.org.au.
Who can take part
✅ Young people aged 12-18 years
✅ Diagnosed with dyslexia, dysgraphia or dyscalculia
Time commitment
30-60 minutes
Institution
Compensation
$50 e-gift voucher
Closing date
Not specified
Ethics approval
Approval to conduct this research has been provided by the University of Western Australia, in accordance with its ethics review and approval procedures. Any person considering participation in this research project, or agreeing to participate, may raise any questions or issues with the researchers at any time. In addition, any person not satisfied with the response of researchers may raise ethics issues or concerns, and may make any complaints about this research project by contacting the Human Ethics office at UWA at (08) 6488 3703 or by emailing humanethics@uwa.edu.au. All research participants are entitled to retain a copy of any Participant Information Form and/or Participant Consent Form relating to this research project.