Cognitive (IQ) Assessments Perth.

What are cognitive assessments?

Cognitive assessment (or intelligence testing) is used to determine an individual’s general thinking and reasoning abilities, more commonly known as IQ. There are several reasons why you may need a cognitive assessment and report from a Perth psychologist, including:

• To obtain an accurate profile of an individual’s IQ
• To assist in considering a diagnosis of ADHD or Autism
• To access NDIS funding
• Court reports (this is generally called a capability assessment)

What will the IQ test tell me?

Because the brain can do many different types of tasks, there are many different tests. Cognitive testing uses special games, puzzles, and quizzes to measure different aspects of brain functioning. The tests measure your visual, mathematical, and linguistic abilities, memory, and information processing speed. The most frequently used intelligence tests are the Wechsler Intelligence tests. There are three versions: one for adults, another for children and teens, and a pre-primary version. All these tests give a general level of intelligence and compare strengths and weaknesses across different domains. Additional tests are commonly used to measure the areas which the Wechsler Test does not measure.

Why use a Psychologist for your Cognitive Assessment

A cognitive assessment is used to accurately assess your functioning, thinking and reasoning skills and cognitive strengths. It will also report any cognitive challenges. It assists in developing learning strategies and recommendations for future management.

While you can find rudimentary tests on Google, it is often unreliable and does not adequately measure different types of brain functioning. For an IQ test to be useful, it must have good psychometric properties and be interpreted by someone who can recommend future management. Mindstate Psychology uses the gold-standard Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV) for adults and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V) for children and teens. We also have access to dozens of additional tests, which may be used as required. Our experienced psychologists can also recommend the latest evidence-based interventions and liaise with other specialists as required.  

IQ Assessments for Children in Perth

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V) is the “gold standard” intelligence test to measure a child’s intellectual ability and cognitive performance. It evaluates a child’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses and can identify giftedness, intellectual disabilities, learning disorders and the impact of brain injuries.

The WISC can identify the intellectual strengths and weaknesses of a student. Inform decisions regarding eligibility for educational services, educational placement, or diagnosis of a specific learning disability. It can also be used to guide planning for other therapeutic interventions.

IQ Assessments for Adults in Perth

The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV) measures intellectual performance as a multidimensional construct. The test contains four sub-scales that assess different types of intellectual functioning. These subscales can help identify strengths and weaknesses. Certain patterns of results can indicate underlying problems or inefficiencies.

A full-scale IQ score can also be calculated. Your IQ score represents how you perform compared to other people like you. It has a ‘bell curve’ distribution, with a most common score of 100 (therefore, an IQ of 100 is considered average intelligence). Most people (about 70% of the population) have an IQ that sits between 85 and 115.  

What is the process an IQ test?

Assessments require an in-person appointment, which takes approximately 2 hours (this may need to be done over two sessions for young children). This appointment will involve practical and computer-based testing. Depending on the purpose of the assessment, clients may also be asked to complete a range of self-report questionnaires.

This information is then collated and interpreted to provide a report of the client’s overall intellectual functioning, as well as an analysis of their areas of strength and weakness and how this likely impacts their functioning. Depending on the initial assessment results, there may be recommendations for further assessments or referral to another specialist/s.

Cost

A standard cognitive assessment starts at $950.

The final cost will depend on the complexity of the case, the purpose of the report and the practitioner. Because cognitive assessments have such a wide range of applications, we encourage you to contact us, so an accurate quote can be provided.

Please note that before beginning the assessment process, you need to have an initial consultation with the assessing psychologist to ensure that an assessment is the right process for you. This consult is charged at the practitioner's standard therapy rates and is eligible for a Medicare rebate.