Vivien uses the The Wechsler Scales which are a series of intelligence (IQ) tests designed to assess cognitive abilities.

The three Wechsler scales are: The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV) for adults, the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V) for children, and the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) for preschoolers and young children.

Why consider a Cognitive Assessment?

Cognitive assessments allow for a detailed understanding of an individual's strengths and weaknesses across various cognitive domains. These include verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed.

The results of the Wechsler scales provides valuable diagnostic information for informing treatment planning, guiding educational interventions, and monitoring cognitive changes over time. These assessments are often used in tandem with the Weschler Individual Achievement Tests and other tools.

In our Educational Assessments Vivien uses the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, 3rd Edition (WIAT-III) to measure the academic skills and abilities of individuals aged 4 years through adulthood. The WIAT-III assesses a broad range of academic areas including reading, writing, spelling, comprehension, mathematics, and oral language.

Why consider an Educational Assessment?

The WIAT-III is used to assist in the diagnosis of learning disabilities, e.g. dyslexia, and other specific LD’s. It is also useful in profiling an individual’s specific areas of strength and weakness in academic skills. This information can then be used to develop targeted interventions and educational plans tailored to the individual's needs.

Results from the WIAT-III can be used to inform educational planning, including decisions about placement in appropriate educational programs, eligibility for special education services, and accommodations for students with disabilities.

There are several assessment tools commonly used to measure Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and its symptoms.

Vivien selects from a range of appropriate assessment tools such as Conners Rating Scales, amongst other tools, which includes parent, teacher, and self-report versions for assessing ADHD symptoms across a range of settings.

Specific neuropsychological tests may be selected to gain an understanding of executive functioning (planning and organisation skills and higher order cognitive functions).

Why consider an ADHD Assessment?

Individuals present with a range of symptoms which may appear to be ADHD but might in fact be normal behaviour or another psychological disorder.

Assessment always includes structured or semi-structured interviews with collateral information from parents, carers, partners and teachers to gather information about ADHD symptoms, developmental history, and functional impairment.

Interviews assist in the clarification of ADHD symptoms and history and assist in appropriate diagnosis.

Assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary team, including psychologists, psychiatrists, paediatricians, speech-language pathologists, and other professionals with expertise in ASD.

Assessment tools are used to gather information about the individual's behaviour, communication, social interaction, and developmental history.

Vivien selects from a range of tools and uses these alongside clinical interviews and corroboration from other professionals and parents/carers/ partners. Examples of assessment tools are:

• Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R): The ADI-R is a comprehensive, semi-structured interview conducted with caregivers (usually parents) to gather information about the individual's early development, social interaction, communication skills, and repetitive behaviours.

  
  

• Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS): The CARS is a rating scale used to assess the severity of autistic symptoms based on observations of the individual's behaviour. It includes items related to social interaction, communication, and stereotyped behaviours.

  
  

• Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (Vineland-II): The Vineland-II is an assessment of adaptive behaviour, including communication, socialisation, and daily living skills. While not specific to ASD, impairments in adaptive behaviour are common in individuals with ASD, and the Vineland can provide valuable information about functional abilities.