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:
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Verbal Comprehension - the ability to use words to understand and express general knowledge and explain concepts
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Visual Spatial - the ability to evaluate visual details and understand visual spatial relationships
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Fluid Reasoning - the ability to understand conceptual relationships and then apply that knowledge
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Working Memory - the ability to learn, manipulate and retain auditory and visual information
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Processing Speed - the ability to quickly process and make decisions about visual information
What is it?
How is it helpful?
A cognitive assessment has the potential to answer a range of referral questions including but not limited to:
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What are my child's cognitive strengths and weaknesses?
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How do my child's cognitive abilities compare with other children their age?
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Does my child have a working memory weakness and if so, what supports are available?
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Does my child have a processing speed weakness and if so, what supports are available?
What is involved?
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
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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
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