Cognitive Assessment Perth
One Central Health offers cognitive assessments in Perth for children, adolescents and adults. Our psychologists use a comprehensive assessment process to understand how an individual thinks, learns and processes information, providing insight into cognitive strengths and areas that may require further support.
Understanding Cognitive Functioning
A cognitive assessment provides a detailed picture of an individual’s cognitive abilities and how they approach different types of thinking and problem-solving. As opposed to testing general knowledge, our psychologists assess areas such as memory, attention, processing speed, verbal reasoning and perceptual reasoning using recognised assessment tools.
Understanding an individual’s cognitive profile through a cognitive assessment can provide valuable information about their strengths and challenges, and is used by clinicians, educators and psychologists to diagnose conditions like learning or intellectual disabilities and inform education plans for delayed or gifted students. The results may also help support recommendations for further assessment where appropriate.
What is an IQ Test?
An IQ test is a specific type of cognitive assessment, but they are not exactly the same thing. The easiest way to understand the difference is that a cognitive assessment is a broad umbrella term, while an IQ test is a specialised assessment that forms part of it. Where an IQ test measures intellectual potential (verbal comprehension, fluid reasoning, working memory and processing speed), a cognitive assessment includes all that plus executive function, organisation, attention, long term memory and motor skills.
Cognitive Assessments for Children and Young People
Cognitive assessments can be particularly useful for understanding how children and young people learn and process information. Our psychologists consider each child’s individual abilities and circumstances when completing a cognitive assessment.
The cognitive assessment can help identify areas of cognitive strength as well as difficulties that may be affecting learning, concentration, problem-solving or everyday functioning. Findings can provide parents, educators and other professionals with useful information to guide appropriate support, and could also highlight other learning or attention profiles, such as ADHD or Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs)
Cognitive Assessments for Adults
While cognitive assessments for children and adults measure similar brain mechanics, they differ fundamentally in the tools used, the goals of the evaluation and the data-gathering process. In adults, the purpose is usually to measure functional capacity or cognitive decline, and therefore requires a different type of test.
What to Expect from a Cognitive Assessment
A cognitive assessment involves a series of age-appropriate activities designed to measure different areas of cognitive functioning. The specific assessment process will depend on the individual, their age and the reason for seeking an assessment.
For children: the most common tool we use is the WISC-V (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children aged 6 to 16)
For adults: Our Psychologists use the WAIS-IV (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale) for individuals aged 16 to 90.
Following the assessment, our psychologists review the results and prepare a report outlining the individual’s cognitive profile. This can provide a clearer understanding of their abilities and help inform recommendations for appropriate support.
Arrange a Cognitive Assessment in Perth
Whether you are seeking a cognitive assessment for yourself or your child, our team can help you understand what is involved and whether an assessment is appropriate for your needs. Contact One Central Health to discuss your circumstances and the next steps.
Step 1: Visit your GP or paediatrician for a referral, or self-refer.
Step 2: Book in your cognitive assessment with One Central Health
Step 3: Attend your assessment, after which you will receive a comprehensive report and diagnosis.
Other Health Services
At One Central Health, we deliver comprehensive services in Autism Assessments Australia wide. All assessments are conducted by highly experienced Autism specialists.
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