COGNITIVE ASSESSMENTS
from 4 years of age
Cognitive assessment (or intelligence testing) is used to determine a child’s general thinking and reasoning abilities
The test is also known as intellectual functioning or IQ. The results of these tests can help identify intellectual giftedness as well as learning and intellectual disabilities.
Intelligence testing can assess various domains of your child’s cognitive capacity. The assessment will look at areas such as your child’s verbal comprehension abilities, ability to work with abstract information (visually and verbally), working memory and processing speed.
How might a Cognitive/ IQ Assessment help my child?
Cognitive assessments assist in the examination of:
Intellectual giftedness
A cognitive assessment will help to assess whether a child can access gifted and talented programs or special classes e.g. admission to selective schools, acceleration or opportunity classes, GERRIC (UNSW) or guide teachers in the provision of extension activities in the classroom setting.
Diagnosing learning difficulties or disabilities in children
A cognitive assessment in conjunction with an educational assessment can assist in identifying the presence of a learning difficulty or disorder in children and help teachers make appropriate accommodations for students in the classroom. This information can be used to manage and minimise negative experiences at school such as poor academic results, school avoidance and low self-esteem.
Intellectual difficulty or disability
An assessment will assist in identifying children with an intellectual disability and assist with the application process for a Disability Pension.
To obtain an accurate profile of a child’s overall intellectual functioning or IQ level
The WISC, WAIS, and WPPSI, can be used to evaluate a child’s working memory, processing speed, problem-solving and potential response to intervention.
To identify a child’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses
The test is not just about determining a child’s IQ. It also helps identify specific strengths and weaknesses in different cognitive areas, guiding educators and parents in tailoring interventions and support to meet the child’s unique needs.
Assessment Process
Step 1
Assessment is booked. The assessment can take place in the comfort of your own home or at our office in Rouse Hill. It can be conducted in one sitting, and your child is provided breaks when needed.
Step 2
The assessment itself takes approximately 1.5-3 hours, depending on the type of assessment and the child’s ability.
Step 3
Gathering comprehensive background information through interviews with the child, and parents and reviewing reports (if available).
Step 4
The administration of a standardised test.
Step 5
Report writing – the behavioural observations of your child during testing will be recorded, along with the results of the testing and recommendations. This can take approximately 2 weeks.
Step 6
Provision of a written report (and a feedback session) to help explain findings and provide recommendations and opportunities to clarify information.
What is the next step?
Give us a call for a FREE phone consultation and book an assessment.
Common
Questions
Do I need a referral for my child to be assessed?
Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover the cost of any type of assessment. However, if you have private health insurance which covers psychological services, you may be eligible for a rebate.
What does a typical assessment process involve?
Typically, an assessment involves a clinical interview with the parent, assessment with the child, review of relevant reports, interpretation and report writing and a parent feedback session. Following the session we are happy to liaise with relevant future professionals. The overall assessment has three main components: the parent interview, the testing session and the report as a form of feedback.
What type of assessment does my child need?
Please follow the link to learn more sydneypsychassessments.com.au/assessments/
What happens during an assessment?
- Our office will be in contact with you to discuss the assessment and start the process with ‘information gathering’. This may include emailing you forms to fill out before the assessment.
- The next step is a clinical interview with you and/or your child. Depending on circumstances, this may be completed before or on the day of the assessment.
- On the day of the assessment, you and your child will meet with your clinician to complete the assessments (tests).
- Then, your clinician will interpret the tests, look at all the information gathered and summarise this into a comprehensive report with recommendations. Please note this step does not happen on the day of assessment.
How long is your waitlist?
As we are predominantly an assessment practice, our wait times are significantly shorter than other providers. Currently, we aim to see you within 4 weeks.
Please call us to book a suitable day and time.
How long will it take to receive my report?
Once all information is received and test results are submitted, we require 2.5 weeks to complete your report.
When and where are the assessments conducted?
Assessments are usually conducted during the week in school hours, both during school terms and school holidays.
Typically, assessments are conducted at our office in Rouse Hill, although we do travel to schools, preschools and clients’ homes throughout Sydney for some assessments as well.
What to tell your child?
Parents are often concerned about what to tell their children before the assessment. As with most aspects of the assessment, it depends on the purpose of the assessment and the age of the child.
With older children over 7 or 8 years, there is no need for “white lies” and parents should have an upfront discussion about why they would like their child to be assessed.
With younger children, particularly around 3 – 4 years of age, parents may want to tell them that they will be doing some puzzles with a “puzzle teacher”. Try not to put too much emphasis on the testing process, the more relaxed the children on the day of the assessment, the more representative their results.
How much does an assessment cost?
We pride ourselves in offering affordable and competitive prices. All assessments are designed to meet the individual needs of clients. Assessments can range from approximately 1-5 hours and up to 5hrs. All assessments come with a report with recommendations and feedback.
Please call us on 0425 269 658 to discuss appointment times and pricing.