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Cognitive assessments or intelligence tests (IQ tests) are used to determine a child’s learning capability by identifying their cognitive strengths and weaknesses. When interpreted in combination with comprehensive background information and parent and teacher interviews, the results of cognitive tests can assist with the development of individualised intervention and learning plans for children.
Cognitive assessments with children assist in the examination of:
Intellectual giftedness
A cognitive assessment will help to determine whether a child can access gifted and talented programs or special classes, including admission to selective schools, acceleration or opportunity classes, and GERRIC (UNSW). It can also guide teachers in the provision of extension activities in the classroom setting.
Learning difficulties or disabilities:
A cognitive assessment in conjunction with an educational assessment can assist in identifying the presence of a learning difficulty or disorder and help teachers make appropriate accommodations for students in the classroom. This information can be used to manage and minimise negative experiences at schools such as poor academic results, school avoidance and low self-esteem.
Intellectual difficulties or disabilities
An assessment will assist in identifying children with an intellectual disability, which is characterised by an IQ test score at least 2 standard deviations below the mean (this often equates to an IQ score of 70). Following an assessment, children and parents will have a better understanding of how an intellectual disability impacts the child's ability to learn.
Cognitive assessments provide information to develop effective classroom plans or accommodations tailored to a child’s specific needs. Results can also assist in making applications to access government or school disability funding, special needs teachers, or special provisions (e.g., scribe) in formal school examinations.
Cognitive assessments for children require the administration of standardised psychometric tools by experienced and accredited psychologists. These tools can assess various areas of cognitive capacity, including verbal comprehension, which evaluates the ability to use a range of vocabulary to understand and express general knowledge and explain concepts. Visual spatial skills are assessed to determine the ability to evaluate visual details and understand visual spatial relationships.
Fluid reasoning measures the ability to use conceptual information from visual details and apply that knowledge. Working memory is evaluated to understand the ability to learn, manipulate, and retain information to complete new tasks. Lastly, processing speed is assessed to determine the ability to quickly process and make judgements about visual information.
Cognitive assessments can help identify a child's strengths and weaknesses, providing valuable insights for personalised learning strategies. This enables teachers and parents to tailor their approach to better suit the child's unique cognitive profile, fostering a more effective and supportive learning environment and enhancing educational outcomes.
Cognitive assessments involve a detailed process. To help formulate an accurate diagnosis, they typically require parent interviews to obtain:
With this knowledge, children and parents can start to better understand the underlying causes of challenging behaviour and formulate treatment plans to modify both the behaviour itself and its impact on everyday life.
We commonly use the following tools for a variety of purposes and age groups when completing this kind of assessment.
The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V) is an individually administered and comprehensive clinical instrument used to assess the general thinking and reasoning skills of children aged six years to 16 years. The result is a Full-Scale IQ Score.
The Stanford Binet (Early SB5) is an IQ test used to assess the general thinking and reasoning skills of children aged two to seven years with a focus on early learning difficulties or high achievement in preschool populations.
The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence—Fourth Edition, Australian and New Zealand Standardised Edition (WPPSI-IV A&NZ) is an individually administered and comprehensive clinical instrument used to assess the general thinking and reasoning skills of children aged 2 years, 6 months, to 7 years, 7 months. The result is a Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ) Score.
Quirky Kid® would not be the company it is today without our talented, inspring and highly professional team that is as equally committed to the mental health and wellbeing of children as we are.
Our clinic provides psychological assessments and personalised treatment plans to support your child's needs. Our experienced psychologists gather detailed information to explore diagnoses and deliver effective interventions.
Each assessment results in a comprehensive report with background information, medical history, observations, and practical recommendations.
Our treatment plans address specific challenges and promote overall well-being.
Complete the form to schedule an assessment or treatment plan for your child.
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