ASSESSMENTS
We offer cognitive and academic assessments for diagnosing learning issues like reading, writing and maths problems; giftedness; school readiness and ADHD. We also use standardised questionnaires, rating scales and computer based assessment tools to assist with diagnosis. These assessment tools help identify the nature and severity of difficulties as well as highlight areas of strength. We use this information to develop an individualised treatment plan.
Depending on what is required, assessments can take between 2- 5 hours of face to face testing time to complete. In addition, the tests then need to be scored and interpreted and a detailed report written. We do not use computer generated reports as results need to be interpreted in the context of other information provided by the individual and/or parent and school. Our assessments include a clinical interview, cognitive and/or academic tests and rating scales (dependent on what is required), a detailed written report and feedback session.
ASSESSMENT TOOLS
Cognitive/ IQ testing
WPPSI-IV (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-Fourth Edition) - this is an individually administered test which measures cognitive development for preschoolers and young children aged 2:6 - 7:7 years. The WPPSI-IV measures ability across five areas of cognitive functioning, namely Verbal and Non-Verbal skills, Fluid Reasoning skills, Working Memory and Processing Speed skills. Results show how well a child is currently performing in these areas, as well as produces a composite score that represents overall intellectual ability.
WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children- fifth edition) - this is an individually administered cognitive/ IQ test for children aged 6:0 - 16:11 years which provides a very comprehensive picture of a child's abilities. The WISC-V Scales measure both broad intellectual functioning, as well as five discrete domains of cognitive ability, including Verbal Skills, Visual Spatial, Fluid Reasoning, Working Memory and Processing Speed skills. Results show how well a child is currently performing in these areas compared with same-aged peers, as well as produces a composite score that represents overall intellectual ability. Results can help to determine intellectual capabilities, strengths and weaknesses so that individual learning needs are well understood and to ensure expectations are realistic.
WAIS-IV (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition) - is an individually administered cognitive/ IQ test for assessing the intelligence of people aged 16:0 - 90:11 years. The WAIS-IV provides composite scores that represent intellectual functioning in specified cognitive areas including Verbal and Non-Verbal skills, Working Memory and Processing Speed and a composite score that represents general intellectual ability. Age-based percentile ranks are provided for the standard scores to indicate an examinees standing relative to other examinees of the same age.
Academic Testing
WIAT-III (Wechsler Individual Achievement Test- third edition) – is an individually administered achievement test for people aged 4:0- 50:11 years. This test provides a measure of academic skills namely, reading, mathematics, written and oral language skills. It is used to help identify academic strengths and weaknesses, to inform decisions regarding eligibility for educational services, educational placement, or diagnosis of a specific learning disability. Results tell us how a child, adolescent or adult is performing academically compared with his/her same aged peers.
WISC-V test results and WIAT-III results can then be compared to determine whether the examinee is performing to their potential (discrepancies in performance determine areas of strength or learning disabilities).
ADHD ASSESSMENT TOOLS
There is no single medical, physical, or genetic test for ADHD- information must be gathered from multiple sources. The Conners-4 is a set of rating scales used to gather information about symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other common co-occurring problems and disorders in children and youth aged 6 to 18 years. It can contribute to a comprehensive assessment of ADHD by providing standardised rating scales that gather information on symptoms and difficulties across various domains from multiple perspectives including from parents, self-report, and teachers.
Rating Scales
We use a wide range of rating scales dependent on what information is required.