IQ

Cognitive functioning refers to the mental processes used to acquire, store, and use information.

It encompasses a range of abilities important for daily life, including learning, thinking, reasoning, remembering, problem-solving, decision-making, and attention.

Children, adolescents and adults may be advised to have psychometric testing for a wide range of reasons, including if parents require additional information about their child’s educational and/or social functioning.

IQ tests are the essential foundation for the diagnosis of learning and attention disorders, giftedness, and intellectual disability.

The overall IQ score is not as important as understanding the profile of cognitive strengths and weaknesses on a holistic basis.

A comprehensive understanding of strengths and weaknesses helps to target appropriate resources to assist.

Weschler Intelligence Scales are considered to be gold standard IQ tests and can be administered from as young as 2.5 years of age.

Weschler Intelligence Scales encompass 5 key areas of cognitive functioning:

1. Verbal Reasoning: Knowledge of words and being able to apply them – verbal concept formation, reasoning, and expression

2. Visual Spatial: analyse, synthesise, and manipulate visual information

3. Fluid Reasoning: Fluid reasoning is the ability to think logically and solve problems in novel situations, independent of acquired knowledge. It’s a crucial component of cognitive development, serving as a foundation for acquiring other skills and abilities.

4. Working Memory: Demonstrating attention, concentration, holding information in mind and being able to work with information held in mind; this includes one visual and one auditory subtest

5. Processing Speed: Speed and accuracy of visual scanning and identifying visual objects, short-term memory, and visual-motor coordination

For ages 2 years 6 months to 7 years

For ages 6 to 16 years

For ages 17 to 90 years