Cognitive Assessments

A clear picture of how you think, learn and process information.

A cognitive assessment, often called an IQ test, is a structured, one-on-one assessment of a person’s thinking skills. It measures memory, attention, problem-solving, language, perceptual abilities and processing speed, and shows where someone’s strengths lie and where extra support could help.

We use the WAIS-IV, one of the most widely used and rigorously tested cognitive assessments, for adults and older adolescents aged 16 to 90.

Make a referral Call 1300 001 470

Why Choose a Cognitive Assessment?

A cognitive assessment is often recommended to:

  • Support NDIS access, planning or reviews by documenting the nature and extent of a person’s cognitive difficulties and how they affect daily life
  • Assess for a suspected intellectual impairment
  • Understand a learning profile and what helps someone learn best
  • Support study, including applications for adjustments at TAFE or university
  • Support work-readiness, including workplace adjustments and placements
  • Build a fuller picture alongside other assessments, such as when investigating ADHD, autism or the effects of a brain injury

What It Measures

The WAIS-IV looks at several areas of cognitive functioning:

Verbal comprehension

Understanding and using language.

Perceptual reasoning

Working out visual puzzles and patterns.

Working memory

Holding information in mind and using it, such as following multi-step instructions.

Processing speed

How quickly information is taken in and acted on.

Overall ability

General reasoning and problem-solving.

Results are compared with those of other people of the same age, which gives a meaningful measure of where a person’s abilities sit.

How It Works

Our standard process has three sessions.

  1. Session 1: Intake (About 1 Hour)

    We explore adaptive living skills, disability severity level and social skills, using specially designed questionnaires. This information shows how cognitive results play out in everyday life, which is particularly important for NDIS purposes.

  2. Session 2: Cognitive Testing (About 2 Hours)

    You’ll work one-on-one with your psychologist on a range of verbal and visual tasks, including puzzles, memory activities and timed tasks. Your psychologist stays with you throughout, checks in on how you’re going and makes sure you get breaks when you need them.

  3. Session 3: Feedback (About 1 Hour)

    We go through the results together in plain language, answer your questions and talk through the recommendations. This session is meant to be informative, supportive and empowering.

Your Report

You’ll receive a comprehensive written report that includes:

  • Background information and reason for assessment
  • Behavioural observations during testing
  • Your results, including overall ability and individual index scores, explained clearly
  • What the results mean for daily life, learning and work
  • Practical recommendations for supports, strategies and next steps

With your consent, your report can be shared with your NDIS planner, support coordinator, GP, education provider or other supports.

Report timeframes: reports usually take 2 to 3 weeks. If your assessment is with a provisional psychologist, reports may take up to 4 weeks. Assessments by provisional psychologists are always reviewed and approved by a fully registered psychologist.

Preparing for Your Assessment

You don’t need to study or prepare. Just get a good night’s sleep, bring any glasses or hearing aids you use, and let us know about anything that would help you feel comfortable on the day, such as an interpreter, communication aids, a support person or extra breaks. Please also bring any previous reports or relevant documents if you have them.

Cost and Funding

The package is priced on 7 hours of dedicated clinician time, including preparation of your written report. Cognitive assessments are typically funded through your NDIS Capacity Building budget. If you’re unsure whether your plan covers it, contact us and we’ll help you check before you commit.

What a Cognitive Assessment Doesn’t Cover

This assessment doesn’t assess for autism, ADHD or executive functioning difficulties. If you think one of those may be relevant, we can help you choose the right pathway. See our full range of Psychological Assessments, including Autism Assessments and ADHD Assessments.

Why Positive Moods?

Specialists, not generalists.

We focus only on behaviour support and mental health therapeutic supports, so our assessments are informed by everyday experience of what helps people.

Over six years of experience.

We were one of the first behaviour support companies in the sector, and we know what NDIS reports need to include.

Assessment that leads somewhere.

We also provide Positive Behaviour Support and Improved Daily Living services, so we can help you put recommendations into practice.

Where We Work

We provide in-person NDIS assessments in Queensland and South Australia, including Brisbane and Adelaide. Ask us about availability in your area.

Ready to Get Started?

Make a referral Call 1300 001 470

Email: ndis@positivemoods.com.au