Cognitive Assessment
What is a cognitive assessment?
A cognitive assessment, otherwise known as an IQ test, is an assessment that measures a range of cognitive abilities. An overall Full-Scale IQ score is provided however of more use is the identification of an individual's cognitive strengths and weaknesses to help guide the development of an individualised learning plan.
Why would my child require a cognitive assessment?
- Assessment and diagnosis of Intellectual Disability
- Assessing for Learning Difficulties
- Assessing for Giftedness
- Assessment of cognitive abilities including memory, speed, and attention
- Idenfitying cognitive strengths and weaknesses to support learning and development of individualised learning plans.
What types of assessments are used?
The cognitive assessment is based on your child's age and language abilities. We offer the following assessments:
- The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) for children ages 2 years 6 months to 7 years 7 months.
- The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) for children between the ages of 6 and 16 years.
- The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) for older adolescents and adults ages 16 years and above.
As the Wechsler scales do not measure all cognitive ability areas known to be important for academic achievement, selected subtests from other test batteries are also administered to gain a better understanding of an individual's cognitive strengths and weaknesses (known as the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) theory of cognitive abilities model). Some additional tests administered include:
- Woodcock Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities- Fourth Edition (WJ COG-IV)
- Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing- Second Edition (CTOPP-2)
- Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS) (ages 16 years and older)
Assessment Process:
- An initial intake session and/ or intake paperwork with parents will gather information, such as your child's developmental history, social, learning and medical concerns and other general information about your child.
- Your child will attend 1-2 cognitive assessment sessions. The number of sessions will depend on your child's attention levels and time taken to complete tasks.
- Parents and the child's teacher will be emailed online questionnaires to complete, that screen for any social, emotional and behavioural difficulties that may be impacting on your child's performance.
- A Feedback session will occur, where you will be provided with a written report and recommendations for parents and the child's school.
How should I explain the test to my child?
Rather than explaining the assessment as a 'test' it is better to explain to your child that they will be doing a variety of puzzles and activities with the examiner.
Please make sure your child gets a good nights sleep and has had something to eat before their session. Your child can bring along a drink and small snack to the assessment. If your child is unwell please reschedule your appointment.
If your child wears glasses or hearing aides, please ensure they are worn at the session.
