Cognitive & Intellectual Assessment
A cognitive assessment explores patterns in thinking and learning. It can help explain strengths and difficulties and support decisions about suitable learning or daily-living support.
YOUR FIRST STEP
Start with a first consultation.
Before recommending an assessment, we require a first consultation to understand your history, current difficulties and how they affect everyday life.
You do not need to decide which assessment to request. Tell the psychologist what you or your child are finding difficult, and they will advise on a suitable assessment or other next steps.
Book a first consultationWhat does this assessment explore?
Depending on the assessment question and tools selected, areas explored may include reasoning, memory, processing information and problem-solving. Results are interpreted within the person’s developmental, educational, language and cultural context.
Who may benefit?
- Children or adolescents whose learning progress or support needs require a clearer understanding of their thinking abilities.
- People with concerns about intellectual development or everyday independence.
- Individuals referred for a clearer picture of cognitive strengths and difficulties to guide support planning.
How the assessment is approached
Your psychologist considers the referral question, history and suitability of standardised tools. When intellectual disability is being considered, assessment must also address adaptive functioning—conceptual, social and practical everyday skills—and developmental history. It is not determined by an IQ score alone.
Assessment methods are selected for the person’s age, language, background and clinical needs. Where diagnostic assessment is appropriate, the psychologist considers DSM-5-TR criteria alongside clinical judgement; recognising some features is not the same as receiving a diagnosis.
How the findings can help
Findings can help tailor teaching, intervention and practical support. Scores form one part of a wider clinical understanding and are explained together with their limits.
Your psychologist will explain the findings and recommendations in context, including any limitations. The assessment plan, feedback and report arrangements are discussed with you before proceeding.
Other assessment needs?
These are some of the assessments we offer, rather than a complete list. If your concern is not listed or you have a referral with a specific assessment question, enquire with our team. You can also start with a first consultation if you are unsure which assessment is suitable.