top of page

Cognitive Assessments

At Clinical Psychologists Australia, we provide comprehensive cognitive assessments for children as young as 2 years and 6 months, adolescents, and adults in Essendon, Melbourne. Our Clinical Psychologists use evidence-based, standardised assessment tools and best-practice approaches to evaluate cognitive functioning, intellectual abilities, strengths and weaknesses. Cognitive assessments can help identify intellectual giftedness, intellectual disabilities, developmental differences, and areas requiring additional support across home, school, university, and workplace settings. We work closely with individuals, families, and schools to provide clear insights, tailored recommendations, and compassionate support throughout the cognitive assessment process.

Green Leaves View

For Young Children

Our Clinical Psychologists provide comprehensive Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence—Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV) cognitive assessments for children as young as 2 years 6 months, offering an early understanding of a child’s thinking, learning, and problem‑solving abilities. This early childhood assessment helps identify developmental delays, intellectual giftedness, and learning disabilities so families and educators can access the right supports as early as possible.

​

A WPPSI‑IV assessment may be recommended when any of the following signs or concerns are present:
 

  • Developmental concerns raised by parents, educators, or health professionals — noticeable differences in how a child is developing compared with peers, often first identified by a maternal child health nurse, paediatrician, or GP
     

  • Delayed language development — unclear speech, limited vocabulary, difficulty following simple instructions, or slower‑than‑expected acquisition of new words
     

  • Early academic challenges — difficulty learning early concepts such as numbers, letters, colours, shapes, or other foundational skills
     

  • Attention or behavioural concerns — trouble focusing, impulsivity, or difficulty completing age‑appropriate tasks compared with peers
     

  • Uneven skill development — strong abilities in one area (e.g., puzzles or problem‑solving) paired with significant challenges in another (e.g., language or memory)
     

  • Social or play differences — limited pretend play, difficulty engaging with peers, challenges understanding social cues, or a preference for solitary play
     

  • Possible giftedness — advanced vocabulary, early reading skills, strong reasoning abilities, or unusually rapid learning
     

  • School readiness concerns — uncertainty about whether a child is prepared for kindergarten or school, or whether additional support may be needed.​​

For School -Age Children/Teens

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Fifth Edition (WISC-V) is a comprehensive cognitive assessment used by Clinical Psychologists to evaluate the intellectual functioning of children aged 6 to 16 years. This assessment provides a detailed profile of how a child thinks, learns, reasons, and processes information. The WISC‑V is commonly used to identify learning disabilities, intellectual giftedness, and cognitive strengths and weaknesses that may impact school performance or everyday functioning.

​

A WISC‑V assessment may be recommended when any of the following concerns are present:
 

  • Academic difficulties noticed by teachers or parents — ongoing struggles in reading, writing, maths, or problem‑solving despite appropriate instruction and effort
     

  • Attention or concentration challenges — difficulty sustaining focus, following multi‑step instructions, or completing tasks independently
     

  • Working memory or processing speed concerns — trouble remembering information, slow task completion, or difficulty keeping up with classroom demands
     

  • Uneven learning profile — strong abilities in some areas (e.g., verbal reasoning) paired with significant challenges in others (e.g., visual‑spatial skills or processing speed)
     

  • Behavioural or emotional changes linked to learning frustration — avoidance of schoolwork, reduced confidence, or increased anxiety around academic tasks
     

  • Possible giftedness — advanced reasoning, rapid learning, or exceptional problem‑solving skills that may require enrichment or acceleration
     

  • Concerns raised by health or allied health professionals — recommendations from paediatricians, speech pathologists, or occupational therapists to clarify cognitive functioning
     

  • School support or funding requirements — when formal cognitive testing is needed to access learning support, accommodations, or educational planning.

​

The WISC‑V provides insight into key cognitive domains such as Verbal Comprehension, Visual Spatial skills, Fluid Reasoning, Working Memory, and Processing Speed. Understanding these areas helps families, educators, and clinicians create targeted strategies that support a child’s learning and wellbeing.

For Adolescents & Adults

The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - Fifth Edition (WAIS-5) is a comprehensive adult cognitive assessment used by Clinical Psychologists to evaluate the intellectual functioning of individuals aged 16 years and over. This assessment provides a detailed profile of how a person reasons, processes information, solves problems, and uses verbal and non‑verbal skills in everyday life. 

The WAIS‑5 is commonly used to identify learning disabilities in adults, intellectual giftedness, cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and to support educational, clinical, or vocational planning.

​

A WAIS‑5 assessment may be recommended when any of the following concerns or situations are present:

​

  • Academic or study difficulties — ongoing challenges with reading, writing, maths, or problem‑solving that may indicate an undiagnosed learning disability
     

  • Attention, memory, or processing concerns — difficulty concentrating, retaining information, or keeping up with tasks at school, work, or in daily life
     

  • Uneven cognitive profile — strong abilities in some areas paired with significant challenges in others, often noticed during study or workplace tasks
     

  • Assessment for ADHD, ASD or neurodivergence — when cognitive testing is needed to clarify attention‑related concerns or support a broader diagnostic process
     

  • Vocational or career planning — understanding cognitive strengths to guide job selection, workplace adjustments, or training pathways
     

  • Possible giftedness — advanced reasoning, rapid learning, or exceptional problem‑solving skills that may require tailored educational or professional pathways
     

  • Cognitive assessment required for further study — when universities or training organisations require formal testing to approve learning accommodations
     

  • Concerns raised by health professionals — recommendations from GPs, psychiatrists, or allied health clinicians to clarify cognitive functioning.
     

The WAIS‑5 provides insight into key cognitive domains such as Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Reasoning, Working Memory, and Processing Speed. Understanding these areas helps individuals, educators, and clinicians make informed decisions about learning needs, workplace adjustments, and personal development.

​

Contact our team to learn more.

bottom of page