Assessments
Assessments
Assessments
Psychologists are able to provide a range of developmental and psychometric assessments.
Assessment of Intellectual Functioning
Measuring a child’s intellectual functioning is sometimes referred to as measuring a child’s “IQ”. These measures help us to identify a child’s pattern of cognitive strengths and weaknesses across a range of areas.- The most common measures used to assess intellectual functioning in children are the Wechsler Scales: WPPSI-IV (age range 2-6) and the WISC-V (age range 6-16).
- Assessment may also include the evaluation of your child’s adaptive behaviour using tools such as the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales.
- In addition, questionnaires and interviews to assess emotional, social, and behavioural functioning can assist in the overall understanding of your child. Tools like the Behaviour Assessment System for Children (BASC) or the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) can be helpful.
- Academic challenges/strengths in the classroom.
- Behavioural difficulties in the classroom.
- Developmental issues (e.g., Intellectual disability, Autism spectrum disorders, ADHD).
Assessment of Intellectual Functioning
Educational Assessments
Educational Assessments
An educational assessment consists of a combination of standardised measures that assess a child’s intellectual functioning (see above) and academic performance.- The most common measure used to assess academic achievement in children is the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT-III) which measures a child’s academic performance across a wide range of areas (Reading, Math, Writing and Oral Language) in comparison to same age and/or grade peers.
- Additional tests may be administered to assess specific skills such as working memory, processing speed, executive functioning, phonological processing and visual-motor integration.
- Poor academic performance in certain areas at school.
- Behavioural difficulties in the classroom (e.g., aggressive behaviours, acting the “clown”).
- Attention and concentration difficulties in the classroom.
- Appearing “bored” or disengaged in the classroom.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessments
The assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) requires a multidisciplinary approach often involving a paediatrician, a psychologist and a speech pathologist.
Assessment aims to determine whether a child meets diagnostic criteria for ASD and seeks to evaluate the functioning and support needs of the child. Information gathered from multiple sources aims to inform future service delivery and may assist in funding needs.
Assessments are tailored to the unique clinical needs of each child and may include:
- An interview with the child’s parent/s or guardian/s.
- Standardised parent, teacher and child (self-report) questionnaires.
- An assessment of the child or young person that includes standardised tests (e.g., ADOS).
- Additional tools may be used to assist in understanding the child (such as measures of intellectual functioning, adaptive functioning, and other measures of emotional, behavioural and social functioning).
- A parent feedback session accompanied by a comprehensive report.
A thorough assessment helps to accurately diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorder and develop a personalized treatment plan to support the child’s development and well-being.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessments
ADHD Assessments
ADHD Assessments
The assessment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is tailored to the unique clinical needs of each child and may include:
- An interview with the child’s Parent/s or Guardian/s.
- A child assessment observation/ interview.
- Standardised parent, teacher and child (self-report) questionnaires.
- Additional tools may be used to assist in the understanding of the child (such as measures of intellectual functioning, adaptive functioning, and other measures of emotional, behavioural and social functioning).
- A parent feedback session accompanied by a comprehensive report.
A comprehensive assessment helps to accurately diagnose ADHD and develop a personalized treatment plan to support the child’s development and well-being. Further consultation with a paediatrician and/or child psychiatrist may assist in the consideration of medication.
School Readiness Assessments
As a parent, do you wonder whether your child has the necessary skills and abilities to commence school? Do you have concerns about delaying school entry?
A psychologist gives careful consideration to a developmental checklist of skills and/or formal assessments to determine your child’s readiness for school. Assessment may include a developmental screen (e.g., Brigance III) and, in some instances, an assessment of intellectual functioning (see above).
Assessment usually includes a parent interview and consultation with your child’s current educators.
