Cognitive Assessments

Psychologists use cognitive assessments to help...

concerned parents who believe their child may need extra help in the classroom or a more challenging curriculum
identify and qualify young children with intellectual disabilities for education funding
evaluate children for giftedness
understand the cognitive functioning and profile of individuals who are Autistic and have ADHD
determine the impact of traumatic brain injury on cognitive functions in children
inform older teens and adults career counselling and aptitude
self-referring adults seek the information for personal reasons, such as curiosity and self-knowledge,

WPPSI-IV

Overview
The Weschler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence is a fun and engaging assessment to measure cognitive development for preschoolers and young children.

This assessment measures ability across five areas of cognitive functioning as well as producing a composite score that represents overall intellectual ability (FSIQ).

Verbal Comprehension
Visual Spatial
Working Memory
Fluid Reasoning
Processing Speed

Ages
2.5 yrs - 7yrs 7mths

Completion Time
30-60 minutes

This assessment also provides the following:

General Ability Index and the Cognitive Proficiency Index is provided to enhance understanding of the young person's cognitive profile.

WISC-V

Overview
The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–Fifth Edition (WISC-V) is the current version of a widely-used measure of intelligence. It is also an assessment recognised by the Department of Education for funding applications.

The WISC–V requires the administration of 10 subtests to calculate a full scale IQ score which represents overall intelligence.

The subtests also contribute to the calculation of five index scores that reveal the child’s unique strengths and weaknesses, as well as comparing them to age-matched peers. These five areas are:

Verbal Comprehension
Visual Spatial
Fluid Reasoning
Working Memory
Processing Speed

Ages
6 - 16yrs

Completion Time
60-75 minutes

This assessment also provides the following:

General Ability Index and the Cognitive Proficiency Index is provided to enhance understanding of the young person's cognitive profile.

WAIS-IV

Overview
The Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale, 4th edition (WAIS-IV) includes ten core subtests as well as five supplemental subtests. The psychologist will determine the required subtests depending on the referral question and the purpose of the report.

The test provides four major scores:

Verbal Comprehension
Perceptual Reasoning
Working Memory
Processing Speed

Additionally, the WAIS-IV provides two overall summary scores:

Full-Scale IQ
General Ability Index

Ages
16yrs +

Completion Time
60-90 minutes

What should i tell my child in preparation for the assessment?

Explain to your child that she is taking part in some activities which will help you and her teacher understand her better. Let her know that we are curious about how she learns best and the results will help the teacher find ways to make learning more interesting. Avoid using the word 'test' or 'games'. Your child should be prepared to follow directions on a range of different activities.

How to prepare my child on the day of the assessment

Do your best to ensure your child gets enough rest, eats a good breakfast, and has some basic understanding of the assessment. If your child wears glasses then make sure they are brought to the session.

How do i explain the results to my child?

It's best not to reveal the actual IQ score as this will not benefit the child. Most children won't developmentally understand what an IQ score is and may misinterpret the meaning. Instead, in a relaxed and matter-of-fact manner tell your child the results show he might benefit from more opportunities at school to use certain areas of strength and to get further support in other areas. Your psychologist will outline what these strengths and areas for development are in your feedback session,

Can I stay in the room during my child's assessment?

The psychologist will meet with parents prior to beginning the assessment, however parents are usually expected to wait in the waiting area during the assessment. The psychologist's job is to help your child feel as relaxed as possible so they can respond to the activities in a positive way..

Should my 6 and 7-year-old take the WPPSI-IV or the WISC-V?

Children between 6yrs and 7yrs, 7mths are able to take either the WPPSI-IV or the WISC-V as there are overlaps with the age ranges on these assessments. For children suspected of below average cognitive ability, the WPPSI–IV should be administered due to its lower floor at this age range. For children of high ability, however, the WISC–V should be considered due to its higher ceiling. For the average-ability child, the choice between the WPPSI–IV and the WISC–V requires clinical judgment from the psychologist.