Cognitive Testing
CAL provides a range of assessments, such as the Wechsler IQ tests, like the WAIS-IV (for adults) and WISC -V (for children) to give a detailed profile of an individual’s cognitive abilities (thinking and problem solving skills). This helps identify where someone might show strenghts 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.
Step 1
Intake Process: Online Developmental Screen
The first stage of assessment begins with parents completing a comprehensive online developmental screen, on behalf of their child. Self-referring adults will be provided with an online personal history form to complete.
Developmental screen fee: £250
Once the completed form has been submitted, CAL will offer you a brief consultation to review the provided information, and discuss potential next steps of assessment.
At this point, it may be necessary to gather further information in order to create a bespoke Assessment Plan. This ensures that the final Assessment Plan is based on a thorough understanding of the specific needs, thereby ensuring a streamlined and cost-effective plan.
Step 2
Tailoring the Assessment Plan
To gather the information, one or more of the following options may be required. A clear explanation will be provided for each included item.
- School Discussion with teachers/SENCO
- School Observation in classroom and playground settings
- Combined School Discussion & Observation
- Child/Meeting to understand their perspective
- Parent Consultation up to 30 minutes
- Review of up to three previous assessment/ intervention reports *
- Consultation of up to 30 minutes with other professionals (e.g., medical professionals involved with the client; Speech & Language, Occupational, Psychotherapists etc.)
* If more than three reports need to be reviewed, CAL reserves the right to charge additional fees for complex assessments that require extra time. An estimate will be provided before commencing Step 2
Because CAL provides a blended clinical and educational model, there are occasions when involving the team’s consultant Educational Psychologist at this stage is necessary as part of the planning process.
Step 3
Delivering Your Assessment
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 4
Personalised Intervention Plan
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.
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We 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.
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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 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.
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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:
Some 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.
