A child’s learning capability can be determined through cognitive assessments or intelligence tests which help to identify cognitive strengths and weaknesses. These results are best considered in concert with parent and teacher interviews and in the context of comprehensive background information. Tailored intervention and individualised learning plans for children are best formulated when informed by the profile delivered by these results.
I am experienced in the administration of standardised psychometric tools.
Cognitive assessments of children can be helpful in a variety of very important ways.
- Identifying children who are intellectually gifted.
This can help with gaining access to special programs or classes or with gaining admission to selective schools and entry to special acceleration or opportunity classes.
- Intellectual difficulty or disability:
Assessment will confirm a child’s intellectual disability. This is usually characterised by an IQ test score at least 2 standard deviations below the mean. In other words, what usually equates to an IQ score of 70. After assessment, both parents and the child will have a better understanding of how intellectual disability impacts one’s ability to learn. Effective plans can then be tailored to meet a child’s specific needs in the classroom. This type of assessment can also prove invaluable when making applications for government or school disability funding, special needs teachers or special provisions in formal school examinations.
- Diagnosis of learning disabilities or difficulties.
In combination with intellectual assessment this can help to identify a learning difficulty or disorder which in turn helps teachers make appropriate adjustments to better serve a student in the context of the classroom. The results of this assessment can also be used to minimise negative experiences at school by improving academic results, minimising school avoidance and by boosting self-esteem.
