I think just about everyone has heard of an IQ test or the idea of IQ – that is our Intellectual Quotient or, the thing that measures how ‘smart you are’. I remember several years ago there was a ‘play along at home’ quiz show on TV that would help you estimate your IQ. In truth, understanding intelligence is not that simple. Cognition, learning and performance are complicated components of an individual’s psychology and assessing and making meaning of results is a highly scientific process. And, when explored in the context of clinical, academic or performance dilemmas, the results can be extremely meaningful and can lead to helpful clinical, educational and occupational interventions.
So why are cognitive and educational assessments recommended? Sometimes when children, young people or adults are struggling, a cognitive (intellectual) or educational assessment is recommended as part of their assessment or treatment process. Cognitive and educational assessments can help build insight into a person’s strengths and difficulties and where relevant, can provide important diagnostic information. Cognitive and educational assessments are in-depth, fascinating and valuable tools that can help individuals to build insight into their strengths and difficulties and to then learn what to do next.
A cognitive assessment is an assessment that explores an individual’s strengths and difficulties in different areas of cognitions such as their learning, memory and language. There are many reasons for a referral for a cognitive assessment. Some of the most common reasons for referral include concerns about an intellectual disability, learning difficulties or giftedness. Cognitive assessments are also often recommended when an individual is being assessed in relation to neurodevelopmental difficulties such as an autism spectrum disorder or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Sometimes, an individual can be referred for a cognitive assessment in the context of mental health intervention so that the individual and their practitioner can explore all of the different aspects of their mental health difficulties.
An educational assessment is an assessment that explores achievement in education. An educational assessment explores areas such as reading, writing, oral language and mathematics and gives an indication of an individual’s achievement relative to other students. This information is most valuable when used with information from a cognitive assessment. The most common reasons individuals are referred for educational assessment include concerns about academic achievement and learning, evidence of giftedness or concerns about a specific learning disorder.
When someone sees a psychologist for an assessment, the process is typically a multi-stage assessment using standardised, specialised assessment tools. The assessment might include one assessment tool or several depending on the nature of the concern being explored and usually includes an intake appointment, several assessment appointments, a feedback session and the provision of a comprehensive report with specific, personalised recommendations. Following this, there might also be opportunity to continue working with a psychologist to put the plans and recommendations into action.
Although there is no ‘right time’ to obtain an assessment, and the timing of the assessment will have a lot to do with why an individual is being referred for an assessment, often the earlier an assessment is conducted the better; the earlier difficulties can be identified, the earlier supportive strategies and interventions can be provided.
If you or someone you know is worried about their cognitive, academic or performance abilities, encourage them to explore the ways a cognitive or educational assessment could be useful. Here at Melbourne Wellbeing Group we have practitioners who specialise in cognitive and educational assessments and you would be most welcome to contact our administration team (03) 9882 8874 or explore our website for more information at melbournewellbeinggroup.com.au.
This blog was written and prepared by Dr Victoria Miller - Principal Psychologist here at MWG.