Cognitive Assessments at Sea Spray Psychology

WISC-V and WAIS-IV

Cognitive assessments help us understand a person’s unique patterns of how they think, learn, solve problems, and process information.

At Sea Spray Psychology, we use the gold-standards of cognitive assessments. the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition (WISC-V) and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV).

The WISC is used with children aged 6-16, while the WAIS is designed for older adolescents and adults. These assessments explore the following areas of cognitive functioning:

  • verbal understanding, vocabulary and verbal reasoning

  • evaluating visual details, spatial awareness, and non-verbal reasoning

  • abstract thinking and problem solving skills

  • attention, concentration and working memory

  • visual-motor coordination, focus, and processing speed.

Cognitive assessments may be helpful for:

  • understanding learning difficulties

  • exploring differences in attention, memory, or processing

  • supporting educational adjustments

  • informing autism and ADHD assessments

  • identifying high intellectual ability

  • developing strategies that match a person’s individual learning style

The assessment process usually involves a clinical interview, completion of the WISC-V or WAIS-IV, interpretation of results, and a written report with personalised recommendations.

Our approach is neuro-affirming and strengths-based. We aim to help people understand themselves better, recognise their abilities, and access the supports and environments that allow them to thrive.

ABAS-3

When we do a cognitive assessment, we also administer the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, Third Edition (ABAS-3). It evaluates behaviour across three domains: Conceptual (communication, functional academics, self-direction), Social (Leisure, social skills) and Practical (community use, home/school, health and safety, self-care, motor skills, and work for older respondents). We can then look at an individual’s patterns of strengths and support needs, and devise strategies to support the individual. The ABAS-3 provides important information to support NDIS applications.