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What is a Cognitive Assessment?

Cognitive assessment evaluates intellectual abilities, including thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving. It provides insights into strengths and challenges in areas such as memory, attention, processing speed, and verbal and nonverbal reasoning. Cognitive assessments are commonly used in educational, clinical, and workplace settings to better understand an individual's abilities and to guide interventions, accommodations, or support.

Cognitive assessments evaluate intellectual abilities, including memory, attention, and reasoning skills. We use standardised tools like the WISC-V to create a detailed cognitive profile and provide personalised recommendations.

What Does a Cognitive Assessment Usually Include?

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    Background Information: Collecting data on developmental, educational, and medical history to understand the context.
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    Standardised Testing: Administering tools like the WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fifth Edition) for children or similar tools for adults.
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    Observation: Noting behaviors, effort, and engagement during the assessment process.
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    Interpretation of Results: Generating a detailed profile of cognitive strengths and weaknesses.
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    Feedback and Recommendations: Sharing results with caregivers, educators, or clients and providing tailored recommendations.

When Should Someone Have a Cognitive Assessment?

A cognitive assessment may be recommended when there are concerns about:

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    Learning difficulties or academic underachievement.
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    Developmental delays or giftedness.
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    Attention, memory, or problem-solving challenges.
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    Diagnosing conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, intellectual disabilities, or autism.
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    Planning accommodations for school, work, or standardized testing.

The Process Using the WISC-V Tool

The WISC-V is one of the most widely used tools for assessing the cognitive abilities of children aged 6 to 16. Here's an outline of the process:

1. Background

We gather background information through interviews and questionnaires with parents, teachers, or the child.

2. Testing Session

The WISC-V is administered in a quiet, controlled setting. It includes 10 core subtests divided into five primary areas:

  • Verbal Comprehension: Measuring understanding of language and verbal reasoning
  • Visual-Spatial: Evaluating the ability to interpret and organize visual information
  • Fluid Reasoning: Testing problem-solving and abstract thinking
  • Working Memory: Assessing memory for verbal and visual information
  • Processing Speed: Measuring how quickly tasks can be completed accurately

3. Scoring and Interpretation

Scores from the subtests are combined to generate an overall Full-Scale IQ (FSIQ) and index scores for the five primary areas. We consider individual performance, test behavior, and contextual factors.

4. Feedback and Recommendations

Results are shared in a meeting with parents or guardians. A written report is provided, including the child's cognitive profile, strengths, challenges, and recommendations for interventions, accommodations, or enrichment.

Cost

The cost of the initial screening interview and assessment of questionnaires is £200. We include this screening separately as we feel it is only fair to proceed with the full assessment should screening indicate it is warranted.

The full cost of assessment, including the written report is £950. This is payable in full before the diagnostic interview.