IQ/Cognitive Ability Assessment
A cognitive assessment is an IQ test that is administered individually. It involves a series of tasks and activities that help discover and explore a variety of cognitive abilities, including:
- Verbal Comprehension – measures the range of vocabulary and the ability to express general knowledge and explain concepts
- Visual Spatial – measures verbal reasoning, understanding, concept formation and knowledge
- Fluid Reasoning – measures the ability to solve novel problems independent of previous knowledge
- Working Memory – measures the ability to learn, manipulate and retain information to complete new tasks
- Processing Speed – measures the ability to quickly process and make decisions about visual information
Reasons for Cognitive Ability Assesments
Cognitive assessments are often used with children who are experiencing academic issues at school. Common concerns may include:
- identifying intellectual disabilities
- identifying and diagnosing learning disabilities and disorders
- evaluating cognitive processing strengths and weaknesses
- assessing for giftedness
- assessing for the impact of brain injuries
The results of the assessments can assist in providing the child’s school with advice on how to support their learning and classroom management. The assessment can also assist VCE students in their application for Special Consideration.
Adults who are experiencing difficulties in their employment or suspect they have a learning difficulty can also be assessed. The outcome of the tests can help shape treatment and personal development to improve skills and employment, and improve confidence and self-esteem.
Academic Achievement Assessment
Memory Function Assessment
An Achievement Assessment is used to identify the academic strengths and weaknesses of individuals between the ages of 4- 19 years. The results of this assessment can aid in:
- making informed decisions regarding eligibility for educational services
- diagnosis of learning disabilities, e.g. dyslexia
- creating an intervention plan that can be used at school and home.
A memory function assessment is used to assess an individual’s memory function and is used to measure both short and long term memory skills. This assessment may support assessing learning difficulties and memory difficulties.
The Assessment Process
The assessment process includes:
- Initial appointment:
Adult- background information is gathered from the individual, including developmental history, academic ability, medical issues, family relationships etc.
Child- background information is gathered from the child and parents, including developmental history, academic ability, medical issues, family relationships, and issues raised by the parents in order to gather a holistic picture of your child’s environment.
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- Testing over one to three sessions – the number of sessions will depend on the tests required and the ability of the participant.
- Scoring and interpreting results – each assessment will be scored and interpreted against standardised results by the psychologist after the testing has been completed.
- Report writing – the test results and other information gathered are combined to complete the report, including recommendations and advice.
- Feedback session – the psychologist will discuss the outcomes of the testing in this session and provide recommendations to the individual or parents. Additional sessions can also be organised with third parties, such as schools and allied health practitioners, as required.
At the time of booking the assessment, a minimum of four appointments will be scheduled.
A minimum of 10 working days is required before the feedback session and completion of the report.