Cognitive and Academic Testing

Discover your strengths and challenges

Psychometric testing (or psychometric assessment) is the use of standardised tests to measure an individual’s cognitive potential, strengths and difficulties. It can also be used to measure academic skills, behavioural concerns and daily functioning.

Assessment can be used to explore, support or rule out a diagnosis such as ADHD, learning disorders (such as Dyslexia) or autism spectrum disorder.

Cognitive and academic psychometric testing is increasingly being required by Paediatricians in order to treat ADHD and are often required to obtain funding with the NDIS.

NorthPsych offers a number of psychometric assessments, including:

  • Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V)

  • Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV)

  • Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT-III)

  • Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2)

What does psychometric testing screen for?

Psychometric testing helps us identify possible barriers to learning, personal functioning or social adjustment, neurodevelopmental disorders and areas of potential:

  • Intellectual disability

  • Intellectual giftedness

  • Learning difficulties (such as Dyslexia)

  • Autism

  • ADHD

What is the Assessment process?

  • Upon booking an assessment, intake appointment questionnaires will be sent for a parent, a teacher and/or the individual being assessed. These questionnaires assess difficulties in learning, thinking and functioning.

    Your psychologist will also request school reports and the results of any other relevant assessments. Completing these questionnaires and submitting your documents before your initial appointment is important to assist your psychologist determine what type of testing is necessary.

  • In the initial clinical interview, your psychologist will obtain a thorough background, review the relevant documentation and discuss the reason for referral.

    During this interview, the psychologist will decide on the most appropriate test battery to administer. In the case of school-aged children, this interview is with parents or guardians only. Parents can opt for older adolescents to attend, if appropriate.

  • Testing will occur on a separate day and can take up to 4 hours. The actual duration of the assessment will depend on which tests are being administered, working speed, age, and attention span.

    The testing component of the assessment will involve two different types of psychometric tests.

    The first test is a cognitive assessment that measures one’s ability to reason and learn. The WISC will be administered to those 16 years of age and younger, and the WAIS for those over the age of 16.

    The second test is an academic assessment (WIAT) that includes measures of reading, writing, mathematics, and verbal expression. The academic areas to be assessed may vary depending on the reason for your referral.

  • Your psychologist will prepare a comprehensive written report summarising the results of the questionnaires, psychometric tests and background information. The report will also include a diagnosis (if applicable) and a list of recommendations for interventions and future steps. Allow 3-4 weeks for the completion of the report, at which time it will be sent to you prior to your feedback session.

  • A feedback session will be scheduled on the day of the assessment in which you will meet with your psychologist to discuss the results of the report, answer any questions and discuss recommendations.

    In the case of school-aged children, this will be another parent-only session. Parents may opt for older adolescents to attend, if appropriate.

Why is this information useful?

The results of a psychometric test are useful to identify areas where you need extra support and areas where you have strengths and potential. We can use the information to plan interventions and adjustments to better support your needs.

Testing results can also improve your ability to apply for funding, accommodations and special support.

Testing practitioners