Cognitive Assessments

What are Cognitive Assessments?

Cognitive assessments are a series of standard tests used to evaluate general intelligence across various domains such as, verbal comprehension, visual spatial, fluid reasoning, working memory, and processing speed, as well as a comprehensive full-scale IQ.

What are the tools used for this assessment?

The tools used at STEPS meet global standards. Tests are chosen based on the needs of the child. Tools used include (but are not limited to) Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V), Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT-III), NeuroPsychological Assessments (NEPSY-II), Piers-Harris Scale and Detailed Assessment of Speed of Handwriting (DASH) among others.

How is the assessment conducted?

Cognitive assessments take longer to administer than other psychological assessments and are spaced out over three or four sessions of an hour each, conducted over one or two weeks. This spread helps prevent fatigue during testing. Conducting the assessment in shorter durations can create mental fatigue which could adversely impact the effectiveness of the test.

What are the results used for?

Cognitive assessments are used to diagnose Specific Learning Disabilities, namely, Dyscalculia (difficulty with understanding numbers), Dyslexia (difficulty with reading), and Dysgraphia (difficulty with writing). Cognitive assessments also provide insight into attentional difficulties and giftedness.

Cognitive assessments provide insight on how our brain works, what it is good at, and what it finds hard to do. It helps identify the academic strengths and weaknesses of a student. Results from the assessment can be used to request accommodations at school, which could include extended time on assignments/exams, the support of a scribe and/or reader during exams, or waiver for a third language. Accommodations are available to children in board exams and universities – both in India and abroad.

To understand more, we strongly recommend that you watch this video by Dr. Pramit Rastogi, Medical Director – STEPS Center for Mental Health.

Please feel free to reach out to us in case of any further questions or clarifications.