Intelligence Testing
CAL provides assessments, such as the Wechsler IQ tests, like the WAIS-IV (for adults) and WISC -V (for children) to give a profile of an individual’s cognitive ability (thinking and problem solving skills). This helps identify where someone might excel and where they may need extra support. For children, this can inform how to tailor their learning environment and teaching strategies in school, while for adults, it can guide how to approach tasks and communicate effectively in the workplace. Understanding these strengths and challenges helps provide the right support to help individuals thrive in school, work, and everyday life.
The assessments can be completed at your home or in a clinic. Some assessments are completed face to face, and others remotely. If the assessments are conducted remotely, a technician will be present throughout, to ensure that the process runs smoothly, and to take observational notes.
What to expect from intelligence testing
Step 1: The Administration of the Assessments
The assessments can be completed at your home or in a clinic. Some assessments are completed face to face, and others remotely. If the assessments are conducted remotely, a technician will be present throughout, to ensure that the process runs smoothly, and to take observational notes.
Step 2: Multi-disciplinary team diagnostic meeting
Once all clinical information from the different stages of your assessment has been gathered, the assessment team will review the findings. They will evaluate the findings of the assessment within the broader context of the information provided in the psychological screen and from the reports from other professionals.
Step 3: Feedback appointment and the written report
Dr Marshall will be in contact with you to discuss the discuss the diagnostic outcome of the assessment. This meeting is usually conducted virtually.
You’ll then be sent a copy of the assessment report, which contains a summary of all the information gathered and the diagnostic outcome.
Once you have read the report, a longer feedback meeting will be arranged with a member of the team. This ensures that the conclusions align with your real-world experience of your child, and that the recommendations are both achievable and relevant.
The appointment can take place either face to face or virtually. It is often helpful for older children to be present.
Because the assessment relates to your child’s learning and thinking skills, it will be appropriate to offer a feedback meeting to your child’s school or college. Any information that is shared with outside agencies will be with your prior consent.
Schools will not be sent any reports that contain personal information about the child or their family members, unless this is explicitly agreed in writing by their parents.
What do the results mean:
High scores indicate strengths in areas like verbal reasoning or memory, while low scores highlight areas that may need additional support, such as attention or problem-solving. These results help create a profile of an individual’s abilities, guiding educational or workplace support.
It can feel discouraging when you are told your child has a low IQ score, but there are many types of intelligence beyond IQ, and things like determination, creativity, and how they connect with others are just as important for success. Every child has their own special strengths, and with the right help, they can grow and thrive in their own way. Keep encouraging their curiosity, support their interests, and provide a loving, patient environment. With time and the right guidance, your child can achieve wonderful things.
How do we use the results:
Understanding a child’s or adult’s cognitive profile helps tailor:
- Educational Support: Adjusting teaching methods based on strengths and challenges.
- Workplace Accommodations: Structuring tasks or allowing extra time.
- Therapeutic Interventions: Identifying areas for additional support, like memory or social skills.
Important Considerations:
IQ tests focus on cognitive abilities but don’t measure creativity, emotional intelligence, or practical skills. Test scores are just one part of the picture—personality, environment, and emotional well-being also play key roles in success.
