Lilley Place Clinical Psychology has invested in its own professional testing resources to enable routine, convenient, cost-effective and in house management of many areas of difficulty. Standardised psychometric assessments may be performed for children exhibiting difficulties with thinking, learning and/ or development. Psychometric assessments are used by psychologists to assist parents and teachers to gain a better understanding of a child/young person’s strengths and weaknesses in relation to their general intellectual and learning abilities and development. These tests are reliable for use in young people up to the age of 18 years. Psychometric assessments are usually recommended when a child exhibits particular problems with thinking or learning that may impact on a child’s ability to achieve or function well at home or school.
Child psychometric assessment of general intellectual and learning ability usually consists of an interview and testing. During the interview, the psychologist may ask you and your child about their current difficulties, developmental history, medical history, medications and other important information. During a psychometric assessment, your child will be asked to complete different tasks that assess differ cognitive abilities, answer specific questions and/or complete pen and paper tasks. The time it takes to complete the testing will depend on the type of test being used by your psychologist and may sometimes take place over several sessions. Your psychologist should provide an estimate of how long this should take and the costs associated with the testing process.
A child’s performance on any administered psychometric test is compared to large groups of children of a similar age to judge whether or not their scores are in the normal or expected range. Test results are then used to identify particular strengths or weaknesses the child may exhibit in a specific area; establish a base line of skills/weaknesses in order to assess change in the future, and establish treatment or management plans to assist the child to use their strengths to accommodate for weaknesses in their learning profile when at school.
After a psychometric assessment has been completed, you will be provided with a detailed report on the child’s different abilities and recommendations for home and school. Your psychologist will be able to assist with the implementation of these recommendations and can work with other care providers and educators to work towards achieving the best outcomes for each child and young person.
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