Cognitive and Learning Assessments
Bear in Mind Psychology provides cognitive and learning assessments for children, teens, and adults from our Maroochydore clinic on the Sunshine Coast.
An assessment can help clarify concerns with learning, memory, attention, academic skills, intellectual functioning, or day-to-day functioning. It can also help identify the kinds of support that may be useful at school, home, work, study, or in everyday life.
Our approach is careful, evidence-based, and practical. The goal is not simply to produce a score or a label. It is to better understand the person’s learning profile, what may be getting in the way, and what supports are likely to be useful.
When assessment helps
A cognitive or learning assessment may be helpful when there are ongoing questions about learning, development, academic progress, attention, or daily functioning.
Families often seek assessment when a child is trying hard but still falling behind, avoiding schoolwork, taking much longer than expected to complete tasks, or showing a clear gap between effort and results.
Adults may seek assessment when long-standing learning, attention, or cognitive concerns are affecting study, work, confidence, organisation, or everyday responsibilities.
Assessment may also be useful when schools, GPs, paediatricians, NDIS providers, or other professionals need clearer information about a person’s strengths, needs, and support options.
Experienced Professionals
Our team of experienced psychologists has extensive expertise in assessing learning difficulties and intellectual functioning in children.
Comprehensive Evaluation
We use a range of standardised tests and observational methods to get a complete picture of your child's abilities.
Personalised Approach
Each assessment is tailored to your child's individual needs and concerns.
Evidence-Based Methods
Our assessments are grounded in the latest research, best practices in the field, and DSM-5 diagnostic criteria.
Understanding cognitive strengths and learning needs
A cognitive assessment helps build a clearer picture of how a person learns, reasons, remembers information, solves problems, and manages different learning demands.
The areas included in the assessment are chosen based on the person’s age, concerns, history, and reason for seeking assessment. This may include cognitive skills, academic skills, attention, memory, problem-solving, processing speed, daily functioning, and developmental history.
The aim is to understand both strengths and areas where support may be needed. This can be useful when there are questions about learning difficulties, intellectual functioning, developmental concerns, or the kinds of adjustments that may help a person learn and participate more confidently.
A cognitive assessment may also form part of a broader assessment for ADHD, autism, or other developmental concerns.
Learning assessments for school, study, and everyday support
Learning assessments can help identify specific learning difficulties in areas such as reading, spelling, writing, maths, or getting ideas onto paper.
These difficulties can affect children, teens, and adults, even when the person is capable, motivated, and trying hard.
At Bear in Mind Psychology, the assessment is tailored to the person and the concerns being explored.
For a child or teen, this may include understanding classroom learning, homework stress, school reports, teacher concerns, and the gap between effort and academic progress.
For adults, this may include study demands, work tasks, past schooling history, confidence, organisation, and current functional difficulties.
Where appropriate, assessment findings can support practical recommendations for school adjustments, study strategies, workplace supports, referral pathways, and further intervention.
Research shows
Early identification and intervention for reading disorders can significantly improve reading outcomes (Galuschka et al., 2014).
Disorder of Written Expression (Dysgraphia)
Disorder of written expression, often called dysgraphia, is a specific learning disorder that affects a person's handwriting ability and fine motor skills. DSM-5 criteria include:
- Illegible handwriting
- Inconsistent spacing
- Difficulty with spelling and written expression
Research shows
Targeted interventions for disorders of written expression can improve handwriting legibility and writing fluency (Santangelo & Graham, 2016).
Mathematics Disorder (Dyscalculia)
Mathematics disorder, often referred to as dyscalculia, is a specific learning disorder that affects a person's ability to understand numbers and learn maths facts. DSM-5 criteria include:
- Difficulty understanding mathematical concepts
- Challenges with basic arithmetic
- Trouble with time, measurement, and spatial reasoning
Research shows
Structured, multisensory maths instruction can be particularly effective for children with mathematics disorder (Butterworth & Yeo, 2004).
Assessing Intellectual Disability
Intellectual disability is characterised by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour. Our assessments for intellectual disability are comprehensive and aligned with DSM-5 criteria.
What We Assess
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Intellectual Functioning
We use standardised IQ tests appropriate for your child's age to assess cognitive abilities across various domains.
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Adaptive Functioning
We evaluate your child's practical, social, and conceptual skills in everyday life through standardised measures and interviews.
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Developmental History
We gather information about your child's developmental milestones and early life experiences.
Signs of Intellectual Disability
According to DSM-5, signs of intellectual disability may include:
- Delayed language development
- Difficulty with problem-solving and logical reasoning
- Challenges with social skills and self-care
- Academic difficulties across multiple subjects
Research shows
Early identification and intervention for intellectual disability can significantly improve long-term outcomes and quality of life (Guralnick, 2017).
Our Approach
Our assessment process for intellectual disability is sensitive, thorough, and considers cultural and linguistic factors. We use multiple sources of information to ensure a comprehensive understanding of your child's abilities and needs.
Important Note
It's crucial to remember that an intellectual disability diagnosis is not a predictor of future potential. Many individuals with intellectual disabilities lead fulfilling lives and make significant progress with appropriate support and intervention.
What the assessment process involves
Initial Consultation
We start with a thorough discussion of your concerns and your child's history.
Comprehensive Testing
Our assessments include cognitive, academic, adaptive functioning, and specific skill tests as needed, aligned with DSM-5 criteria.
Observation
We observe your child's behaviour and approach to tasks during the assessment.
Report and Recommendations
You'll receive a detailed report with our findings, DSM-5 based diagnoses if applicable, and specific recommendations for support.
Follow-up Meeting
We'll discuss the results with you and answer any questions you may have.
What to Expect
- Assessments typically take 4-6 hours, often split across multiple sessions.
- We create a comfortable, low-stress environment for your child.
- Results are usually available within 2-3 weeks after the assessment is completed.
Take Your Next Step With Us
If you're concerned about your child's learning or intellectual development, don't wait. Early identification and intervention can make a significant difference in your child's journey.
Remember, every child develops differently. Our goal is to understand your child's unique profile and provide the support they need to thrive.
Children
When big emotions, behaviour, or learning aren't clicking, we help families understand what's going on and build a plan that works
Teens
The teenage years can bring as many challenges as opportunities. We give young people a safe space to figure things out and build practical skills.
Adults
Whether it's anxiety that won't shift, a relationship that's not working, or a diagnosis you've been putting off, we're here to help.
Why Choose Bear in Mind Psychology?
Experienced across the lifespan
We support children, teenagers and adults with assessment and therapy tailored to their stage of life and goals.
Clear answers and practical recommendations
Whether you come for therapy or assessment, we focus on giving you useful next steps for home, school, work, and everyday life.
Neuroaffirming and family-aware care
We take time to understand the whole person, including their strengths, differences, relationships, and environment.
Convenient Sunshine Coast Location
Easily accessible support in the heart of our community