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IQ Testing
Are You looking for Cognitive (IQ) Testing in Sydney?
Cognitive assessment (IQ test)
There are plenty of IQ tests floating around the internet - you’ve probably even tried one or two - but a true IQ test is used by psychologists to hone in on a child’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses.
Also called cognitive assessments, IQ tests give us insight into why your child might have ongoing academic challenges. The results of a cognitive assessment can help you and your child’s teachers support them and ensure their learning needs are met.
What is an IQ test?
An IQ test is a standardised test measuring your child’s cognitive and intellectual abilities compared to their peers. The results can identify everything from learning disabilities to intellectual giftedness.
How can an IQ test or Cognitive Assessment help?
Identifying Learning Strengths
IQ assessment can highlight areas where a child excels, such as logical reasoning, verbal skills, or problem-solving.
Identifying Learning Weaknesses
They can also identify areas needing support, such as working memory or processing speed, allowing for tailored interventions.
Supporting Educational Placement
IQ tests can help to assess eligibility for gifted programs and special education services, ensuring that each child receives a curriculum tailored to their individual learning pace and style.
Understanding Cognitive Development
IQ tests provide a snapshot of a child's cognitive development in relation to peers, offering insights into their intellectual growth over time.
Tailoring Learning Strategies
Knowing a child’s cognitive profile can help educators and parents develop strategies to enhance learning, such as focusing on hands-on activities for kinesthetic learners or visual aids for visual-spatial learners.
Identifying Giftedness
IQ tests can detect giftedness, ensuring the child receives enrichment opportunities and subject-level and/or grade-level acceleration.
Identifying Learning Disabilities
Along with additional assessments, they can also help diagnose learning disabilities, including any specific learning disorders (spLD) such as Dyslexia, prompting early interventions that can make a significant difference.
Our cognitive assessment types and tools
Our educational psychologist uses the Wechsler series of IQ tests. These are highly regarded tests, widely viewed as the gold standard of cognitive assessments. Generally, IQ tests are also done along with Achievement Tests to offer more insights.
WISC®-V | Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children® Fifth Edition
Age: 7-17
This test measures children’s intellectual ability using the five cognitive domains that impact performance: verbal comprehension, visual-spatial, fluid reasoning, working memory, and processing speed.
WAIS-IV | Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale | Fourth Edition / Fifth Edition
Age: 17-90
This test assesses an adult's cognitive abilities and examines the relationship between their intellectual functions and their memory. It is often used to support adults with future educational planning.
WPPSI-IV | Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence – Fourth Edition
Age: 4-6
Designed for younger children, this series of sub-tests evaluates a child’s intellectual performance and cognitive functioning using age-appropriate methods.
WJ IV | Woodcock-Johnson IV Cognitive Battery - Australasian Adaptation
Age: 2-90
An intelligence test that can be used for a broad range of ages from young children to elderly individuals. When used with WJ IV Tests of Achievement and WJ IV Tests of Oral Language, it can help diagnose learning capabilities and difficulties.
I have my child’s IQ test results – now what?
If your child scores above or below average, you might feel like you have more questions than answers. Rest assured, knowing your child’s IQ test score is an excellent starting point for supporting your child. Here are some common results and next steps following a cognitive assessment:
Intellectual giftedness – knowing your child scored in the top classification of the IQ test can help you and your child’s teachers work together to offer the most suitable learning environment.
Low average or borderline results – if your child scored on the lower average end of the scale, further investigation can help you understand their individual needs. A child psychiatrist or psychologist can discuss your child’s learning style and potential developmental delays, as well as effective interventions.
Average results – if you are surprised to learn your child’s IQ test score was average, there could be another reason for their academic challenges. Working with a child psychiatrist or psychologist can help uncover non-cognitive problems that may be at play.
Intellectual disability – once you are aware of an intellectual disability, you can start to support your child’s specialised needs and may help access NDIS funding.
Dolphin Tribe can help
Do you have concerns about your child’s cognitive abilities? Our educational and developmental psychologists are here to help. Request an appointment for a cognitive assessment at our Sydney, NSW clinic.