Child Assessment

IQ Testing

What is IQ testing?

Intelligence testing is a method used by Clinical Psychologists to measure a child's intellectual capabilities in several specific domains. These domains include verbal comprehension, factual knowledge, abstract reasoning, visual-spatial abilities and short-term memory. Intellectual assessment is a good indication of a child's academic potential. The results of an IQ test rank a child against a very large sample of children the same age. If a child scores in the top 5% for their age group it is reasonable to expect them to be performing within the top 5% academically.

The Wechsler tests for children are the most common individually administered IQ tests. They currently include the WISC-IV (age 6-16 years), and the WPPSI-III (age 3 - 7 years). During the testing session a child is asked to solve problems and puzzles and to answer questions about the world. The majority of children enjoy the testing session as it is an engaging process involving novel and fun tasks.

What have my child tested?

Objective nature of IQ tests - If a child's teacher does not recognise their ability level there may be a need to provide objective documentation of their learning capacity. A report is very useful to share with teachers, so that the parents' opinion is not perceived as biased. A gifted child may miss out on being identified unless an independent IQ test is administered.

Access to educational options - Often IQ testing qualifies children for special educational programs that are only available to students with a demonstrated IQ level in the gifted range. Such educational options include enrichment, extension, acceleration, and mentor programs.

Uncharacteristic behavioural/emotional issues - If a child is bored and under challenged in the classroom there may be a significant discrepancy between their ability level and the ability level of their class-room peers. A bored, gifted child may be showing their frustration by being disruptive in school, refusing to do homework, or displaying uncharacteristic behaviour or emotions. Often very bright children underachieve in order to fit in with their peers. It is helpful to identify giftedness as soon as possible so that a child's environment can be adapted successfully to best fit their ability.

Understanding your child's preferred learning style - Many times parents simply want to understand more about their child's abilities - their cognitive strengths and weaknesses, and preferred learning style (e.g., visual versus verbal learners).

Tests Used

IQ Tests:

For children over 6 years: The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Forth Edition - Australian Standardisation (WISC-IV) is an individually administered instrument for assessing the cognitive ability of children aged 6 years to 16 years. The WISC-IV is one of the most reliable and valid IQ testing instruments available. It is the most widely used measure of IQ for school placement.

The WISC-IV provides scores that represent intellectual functioning in four specified cognitive domains: Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Reasoning, Processing Speed and Working Memory. The WISC-IV also provides a Full Scale IQ score measuring general intellectual ability.

For children under 6 years: The Wechsler Preschool & Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI-III) is an individually administered instrument for assessing the cognitive ability of children aged 2.5 years and 7 years. As with the WISC-IV, the WPPSI-II is one of the most reliable and valid IQ testing instruments available.

The WPSSI-III provides scores that represent intellectual functioning in four specified cognitive domains: Verbal IQ, Performance IQ, Processing Speed and General Language. The WPPSI-III also provides a Full Scale IQ score measuring general intellectual ability.

Academic Test (all ages):

The Wechsler Individual Achievement Test (WIAT-II) assesses academic achievement skills in children from the age of 4 years. Key subtests include spelling, word reading and numerical operations.

Testing Process

The first step in the evaluation process occurs when you initially speak Dr Taryn Bloom who will offer relevant information and provide you with an initial assessment form to complete. A time is then set to administer the test which takes on average 60-90 minutes in duration. After the testing session is completed a comprehensive written report is sent to parents outlining findings and recommendations based on the assessment.

The Report

The report is not written by a computer program but rather by an experienced Clinical Psychologist. It provides objective verification of a child's needs and thoroughly outlines all the results in the test, highlighting test scores which indicate giftedness. Your report provides you with feedback in terms of personal advice and recommendations on how you can improve your child's learning experience. Specific learning strategies are provided if relevant. The report is sent to parents within 10 days of the testing session.

What is the cost of testing?

The cost of IQ testing is $440. This includes administration of the test to your child, scoring of the test, and a written report specifying results and recommendations.

What are the age ranges for IQ testing?

Children ages 3 years through to 16 years 11 months are appropriate for IQ testing.

How long does it take to do IQ testing?

Depending on the child's age and abilities, testing can take 60-90 minutes in duration.