What to Expect in a Cognitive or Educational Assessment

A cognitive or educational assessment can feel like a big step for families. Whether you’re seeking clarity about learning strengths, exploring possible challenges, or trying to understand how best to support your child at school, it’s completely normal to have questions about the process.

A cognitive or educational assessment helps explain how a child learns, thinks, and processes information. Families often seek this when schoolwork feels harder than expected, when progress is uneven, or when teachers raise concerns about learning or attention. An assessment offers clarity and direction, not judgement, and helps identify supports that match the child’s learning profile.

At Affirmative Minds Psychology, our assessments are steady, structured, and child-focused. We use a neurodiversity-affirming approach and prioritise comfort, understanding, and practical outcomes. You can read more about our assessment services at Affirmative Minds Assessment Services

Why Cognitive and Educational Assessments Matter

Cognitive and educational assessments help answer questions about:
• Academic progress
• Strengths and learning preferences
• Attention, working memory, and processing speed
• Problem-solving and reasoning skills
• Reading, writing, spelling, and mathematics

This information supports school planning, teacher communication, and learning accommodations. It also helps families understand the child’s experience during everyday tasks.

Step 1: Parent Interview

We begin with a detailed parent interview. We explore the child’s developmental history, school experiences, behaviour, wellbeing, and any concerns raised at home or school. We review school reports, previous assessments, medical information, and any relevant background details.

This interview sets the direction for the assessment and ensures we address the questions most important to your family.

Step 2: Assessment Sessions

Assessment sessions use standardised tools such as the WISC-V and WIAT-IV. These sessions include puzzles, memory tasks, problem-solving activities, language tasks, and academic work. The structure is predictable and supportive. Many children describe the tasks as challenges or activities rather than “tests.”

We work at a steady pace, provide breaks, and adjust the environment to support attention and comfort. We observe how the child approaches tasks, manages frustration, and maintains focus. These behavioural observations are as informative as the scores themselves.

Common areas assessed include:
• Cognitive abilities
• Working memory
• Processing speed
• Oral language
• Reading, writing, and spelling
• Mathematics

The combination of tasks depends on the referral question.

Step 3: Additional Information from School

We gather teacher questionnaires, work samples, and school reports where appropriate. These details help us understand how the child manages real classroom demands. This context strengthens the accuracy and usefulness of our interpretations.

If your child’s school needs support in implementing recommendations, you can learn about our School Consultation Services.

Step 4: Scoring and Interpretation

After the sessions, we score and analyse all results. We study the patterns across tasks, interpret strengths and challenges, and consider how these relate to everyday functioning. We combine test scores with observations, interview information, and school input to form a clear, well-rounded understanding of the child’s learning profile.

Step 5: Comprehensive Written Report

We prepare a detailed report written in clear, plain language. It outlines:
• Key strengths
• Learning needs
• Relevant findings
• Diagnostic considerations, where appropriate
• Practical recommendations for school and home

The report is designed to guide teachers, support NDIS planning when relevant, and inform future interventions. It is not a document filled with jargon. It is a practical tool for families and educators. For information about costs, visit our Fees page.

Step 6: Feedback Session

Once the report is complete, we meet with parents or caregivers to discuss the results. We explain the findings, answer questions, and provide guidance on next steps. We also support families in communicating results to schools or other professionals.

The aim of the feedback session is clarity and confidence moving forward.

Our Approach to Assessments

Affirmative Minds Psychology uses a neurodiversity-affirming approach. We view learning differences through a strengths-based lens and focus on environments that support engagement and wellbeing. Assessments help families understand how their child learns and highlight the supports that reduce stress and improve educational outcomes.

To enquire or arrange an appointment, visit our Contact page.