Adult cognitive assessment

What is a cognitive assessment?

A cognitive assessment, sometimes referred to as an IQ test, explores how your brain processes information, reasons, and solves problems. It produces a detailed profile of cognitive strengths and areas of difficulty, which can be used to understand how you learn, support educational planning, or identify giftedness or a Learning Disability.

How does the process work?

Cognitive assessments are typically done in a single session which takes 60-90 minutes. You will be asked to complete a series of tasks testing your memory, spatial reasoning, and language skills.

If we are conducting a learning disability assessment, we will ask you, and where possible someone who knows you well, to complete a questionnaire about everyday skills, such as communication, self-care, and social functioning. This gives us a fuller picture than cognitive testing alone, and is essential for identifying a Learning Disability where this is in question.

We will also take a developmental history, asking about your early development, education, and any concerns you have noticed.

Once all the information has been gathered, we will write up a full report. We will invite you to a follow-up meeting which will give you a chance to reflect on the results and ask any questions.

What are the potential outcomes?

You will receive a written report describing your cognitive profile, including how your performance compares to other people of the same age. The report will identify relative strengths and areas of difficulty.

If you meet the criteria for a Learning Disability, you will receive this as a diagnosis.

Eligibility

You must be between 16 and 90 years old.

You must be able to communicate using spoken English. If you are non-speaking we may be able to accommodate you with a different assessment. Contact us for details.

Location

Testing takes place in-person in Leeds. Follow-up meetings can be in person or online.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my private health insurance?

If your private health insurance allows you to select any Registered Psychologist then yes. You will need to arrange payment with your health insurance provider.

What test do you use?

The WAIS-5 (UK edition), the standard cognitive assessment for adults. For the learning disability assessment we also use a standardised measure of adaptive functioning, typically the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System (ABAS-3).

What's the difference between a Learning Disability and a specific learning difficulty?

A Learning Disability impacts our everyday skills across the board and this is what a cognitive assessment can identify. A specific learning difficulty — dyslexia, dyscalculia or dyspraxia — affects one specific area of our ability. A cognitive assessment may suggest a specific learning difficulty is worth exploring further, but it cannot diagnose one.

What's the difference between a cognitive assessment and a learning disability assessment?

A cognitive assessment includes the IQ test, an analysis of your cognitive ability and a written report. A learning disability assessment includes a cognitive assessment but also includes an analysis of your day-to-day skills so that we can assess for a Learning Disability. A cognitive assessment alone cannot diagnose a Learning Disability.