COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING & INTELECTUAL ASSESSMENT
A cognitive assessment uses a standardised test to assess different facets of a person’s thinking ability, commonly referred to as intelligence.
The results provide an understanding of the person’s:
Overall intelligence quotient (IQ)
Profile of cognitive/problem solving strengths and weaknesses, whether visual or verbal
Speed of information processing
Working memory abilities
A cognitive assessment involves
A 90minute interview to gain background information to assist in interpreting test results
Rapport building session with the child (not required for adults)
Two hours of testing, either in one block, or over two sessions
A one hour feedback session to learn the results of testing and the recommendations arising from the results
Scoring, interpretation and report preparation by your psychologist (2-4 hours)
Should intellectual impairment be indicated by the test results, further testing is required to determine if the person meets diagnostic criteria for intellectual disability. This testing involves a further hour of testing with a caregiver, rather than the person themselves, and a further hour of scoring, interpretation and report preparation by your psychologist.