MUMS of the GEORGES RIVER

Since 1972, Learning Links has been a beacon of hope for children with learning
difficulties and disabilities, empowering them to overcome challenges and thrive. As a not-for-profit organisation, their team is dedicated to creating opportunities for every child to realise their full potential, no matter the obstacles they face. Through tailored support, innovative programs, and a passionate team, Learning Links partners with families, schools, and communities to build brighter futures. They have proudly made a difference for over 50 years, one child, one family, one success story at a time.

It’s natural for parents to question their child’s learning and development. At times, concerns are raised by the school; other times, challenges may be more
apparent—or they might go unnoticed, manifesting in subtle ways. Many parents find themselves wondering if they are doing enough to support their children, worry if they’re facing unseen struggles, or questioning whether they’re reaching their full potential.

Learning Links was born from the dedication of concerned parents just like you who united to address the pressing need for appropriate education and support for children with learning disabilities. Recognising the lack of adequate services, these parents championed awareness, advocacy, and understanding of their children’s unique needs. Their collective efforts paved the way for improved, high-quality support systems that continue to make a difference today.
The Peakhurst Learning Centre is home to a dedicated multidisciplinary team of child psychologists, speech pathologists, education specialists and early childhood educators. Together, they provide a comprehensive range of evidence-based, personalised services, available both in-person and online. Learning Links educators pride themselves on their collaborative mission to empower children to grow, learn, and thrive by building confidence, enhancing social skills, fostering a love for learning, and equipping them with the resilience to navigate life’s challenges.

It was found that a multidisciplinary model was key to enabling skill development, not just with learning, but also with communication, wellbeing and functional skills. You will also find a number of programs and resources that build the capacity of parents and carers to provide support in the home and put strategies in place to manage your own mental health and wellbeing.
It’s a disconcerting reality that, even 50 years later, many children struggling with learning challenges still do not receive the support they need and deserve.
However, there is hope, Learning Links is committed to driving meaningful change and providing vital support for children, recognising the ongoing challenge that up to 15% of young learners face learning difficulties or disabilities. The long-term impact of these challenges can be profound and far-reaching if not addressed early.

“We are enrolled with preschool services and the staff, program and resources have been amazing. Our child’s confidence and knowledge has grown in leaps and bounds” ~ Adam

Research shows that children with learning difficulties often progress at half the rate of their peers, with the gap in achievement widening significantly as they grow.
Children with learning disabilities face significant challenges, including a heightened risk of depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, decreased motivation, social isolation bullying, and even future unemployment. These difficulties can lead to a cycle of negative outcomes, impacting not just their education but their overall well-being and future opportunities. Despite the wide scale of this issue, financial assistance for families navigating these challenges remains limited. Learning Links is dedicated to breaking this cycle by rallying community support and delivering targeted therapies that empower children to overcome barriers, unlock their potential, and thrive in all aspects of life. It’s this commitment that makes them leaders in their field.

Learning Links have changed thousands of lives for the better, supporting almost 7,000 children and adolescents every year through their centre and school-based programs.
When you first engage with Learning Links, you’ll immediately notice their family- centred approach, which places a strong emphasis on understanding and nurturing each child’s unique strengths, needs, motivations, and interests. Their targeted and tailored support for children with a strength-based approach has been a point of difference for many local families.

By collaborating closely with parents, professionals, and schools, Learning Links
ensures that children receive comprehensive support—both at home and within their early learning environments or schools, as well as through any other services they access. This holistic approach ensures that every child is empowered to thrive in all areas of their life.

The passion driving Learning Links is undeniably the cornerstone of its success.
From its humble beginnings, the organisation has grown into one of Sydney’s
leading experts in delivering high-quality, evidence-based support across six centres and various learning environments. By integrating multiple disciplines—such as speech and language therapy, psychological and educational support—Learning Links empowers children to reach their full potential. The organisation works closely with families and professionals, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to foster a community where learning difficulties no longer stand in the way of a fulfilling life.

What you can access at Learning Links Peakhurst:
Assessments Learning Links offers a range of psychological and communication assessments which often is the very first step to offer reassurance and clarity for families. This important first step supports families to identify their child’s strengths and needs and provide knowledge and confidence to put the right support in place.

A comprehensive assessment with Learning Links can help to diagnose specific
conditions that may affect their learning and identify appropriate support strategies to share with their teachers. After every assessment, regardless of whether a diagnosis is made, families will receive a comprehensive report with tailored recommendations for their child.
Assessments include:
 IQ/Cognitive Assessment
 Educational Assessment
 Behavioural Assessment
 ADHD Assessment
 Autism Assessment
 Dyslexia Assessment
 Dyscalculia Assessment

Learning Links offers assessments across their Sydney-based centres in Alexandria, Bella Vista, Gledswood Hills, Liverpool and Peakhurst.
https://www.learninglinks.org.au/families/assessments/

Counselling
Learning Links offers counselling to support children’s mental health and wellbeing, equipping them with the tools to cope with life’s challenges.
Their understanding and collaborative approach to supporting families is what makes them stand out. With a mutual goal to enhance your child’s ability to cope, Learning Links’ child psychologists work in close partnership with you and your family to build
your child’s confidence, expand their social skills, and develop their emotional
literacy to give them the best opportunity to thrive.
Using a personalised, strengths-based approach to understand your child’s needs, Learning Links provides a safe and supportive environment for young children, right through to adolescents, to explore concerns such as:
Coping with anxiety and depression
 Socialising and making friends
 Difficulties with learning
 Regulating emotions and behaviours
 Navigating family changes
 Family Counselling

https://www.learninglinks.org.au/families/support-services/psychology/
Family Counselling

Families are at the heart of everything at Learning Links. That’s why they offer
wellbeing support for the whole family.
Through their family counselling service, Learning Links offers guidance to parents and carers when life’s challenges start to feel overwhelming or out of your control.
Learning Links’ psychologists work in partnership with you to identify strategies to help you navigate pressures in your home life such as:
 Establishing structure and routines in the home
 Managing difficult behaviours
 Communicating effectively with your child
 Supporting emotional regulation
 Helping your child cope with change
 Supporting your child through separation or divorce

https://www.learninglinks.org.au/families/support-services/psychology/family-
counselling/

Speech Therapy Support
Learning Links offers a tailored speech therapy program that helps children to build the skills confidence to express themselves, make friends and let their personality shine.
Their sessions are filled with engaging games and activities that incorporate their interests, creating a safe and nurturing environment for your child to develop their communication.
Depending on their needs, their goal is to help children build important skills such as:
 Pronouncing all the speech sounds correctly
 Understanding words, conversations and instructions
 Using words and gestures to express their thoughts, feelings and needs to
others
 Foundation reading and spelling to participate in learning
 Talking and playing with others to make friends
When commencing sessions, the team will begin with an initial communication
assessment, unless your child has had one before. This helps the speech
pathologists understand exactly what their speech and/or language difficulties are, and the specific strategies needed to support their goals.

https://www.learninglinks.org.au/families/support-services/speech-therapy/

Specialist Tutoring

Tutoring is a powerful tool that can enhance your child’s educational journey,
especially if they face challenges in the classroom. It offers a personalised, individual approach designed to meet your child’s unique learning needs to empower them throughout primary and high school.
At Learning Links, every tutoring session is customised to ensure it aligns with your child’s current learning stage. Working collaboratively with families to discover unique interests and learning goals.
Following an initial screening, Learning Links’ specialist teachers craft a tailored
weekly program that integrates interactive online games and engaging activities to support skill development and foster a deeper connection to learning.
Learning Links’ experienced teachers are adept at supporting children with a variety of learning difficulties, including Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, and ADHD. They provide targeted support to help your child build confidence and progress in key areas, empowering them to succeed.
 Literacy: reading, writing, spelling and comprehension
 Numeracy: Maths difficulties, working with numbers and worded problems
 Learning difficulties & disabilities including Dyslexia and Dyscalculia
 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism
 Study skills and assignment strategies
 Maintaining concentration
 Planning, time management and organisation skills

https://www.learninglinks.org.au/families/support-services/specialist-tutoring/

If you have found yourself and your child requiring some extra support you can get in touch with Learning Links on 1300 003 900 to discuss how they can best support your child or find them via their website or social pages below.
Website: https://www.learninglinks.org.au/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/learninglinksau
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/learninglinksau/