top of page

​

 

A cognitive assessment, also known as an IQ test, is a standardised assessment used to measure an individual's overall intellectual ability, as well as their functioning in domain specific areas:

 

  • Verbal Comprehension - the ability to use words to understand and express general knowledge and explain concepts

  • Visual Spatial - the ability to evaluate visual details and understand visual spatial relationships

  • Fluid Reasoning - the ability to understand conceptual relationships and then apply that knowledge 

  • Working Memory - the ability to learn, manipulate and retain auditory and visual information

  • Processing Speed - the ability to quickly process and make decisions about visual information  

 

​​

What is cognitive testing

How can it help

Common reasons for referral: 

​

  • Evaluating a child's cognitive strengths and weaknesses

  • Determining how a child's cognitive abilities compare with other children their age

  • Determining a child's aptitude for learning or the level at which we would expect them to be performing academically

  • Evaluating whether a child has a working memory and/or processing speed weakness and appropriate supports

The process



A Cognitive assessment typically involves three stages: 

Cognitive Assessment

1

Initial Assessment

The first step involves meeting with a clinician to discuss the reason for referral and what you would like to get out of testing. Your clinician will also gather a comprehensive history. The initial assessment is imperative in ensuring that the appropriate tests are administered, the findings are interpreted appropriately, and the recommendations are individually-tailored.

Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours

2

Cognitive Assessment

Your child is then administered either the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence – Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV) (for children aged 2 years and 6 months to 7 years and 7 months) OR the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children – Fifth Edition (WISC-V) (for children aged 6 to 16 years). 

 

Duration: 1 - 1.5 hours

3

FEEDback Session

Once testing is complete, it typically takes 3 weeks for your clinician to score and prepare your report. Your clinician will then meet with you to discuss the results and recommendations. Your report will contain a detailed overview of the results and individually-tailored recommendations. 

 

Duration: 1 hour

bottom of page