Assessments

IQ (Cognitive) Assessment

IQ testing provides information about an individual’s cognitive abilities. Cognitive assessment compares an individual to other people his age to determine if the person has an intellectual disability or is gifted. They also provide information about an individual’s pattern of learning. This information can be very helpful to plan educational programs or to determine eligibility for special program such as early entry to school, acceleration or remedial programs. Wendy McLean uses two widely accepted cognitive assessment tests: The Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales Fifth Edition and the Woodcock-Johnson Third Edition Tests of Cognitive Abilities. The Stanford-Binet is suitable for individuals from two to eighty years of age. The Woodcock-Johnson III is suitable for individuals from two to ninety years of age. Both tests have been normed in Australia and adapted for Australian language. Wendy McLean completes comprehensive IQ testing which includes initial interview, observation, testing, a thorough written report (including recommendations) and oral feedback.
Group screening for inclusion in programs such as gifted or remedial education or resilience training is available for schools.

Educational Achievement Tests

Many parents are concerned about their child’s academic performance. The Woodcock-Johnson  Third Edition Tests of Achievement measures an individual’s performance in several academic areas including reading, oral language, mathematics and written language. This information is vital in understanding a child’s academic strengths and weaknesses, in developing remedial or extension programs and for making placement decisions. These achievement tests consist of a selection from twenty two subtests to allow testing to be tailored to an individual’s specific needs. This test has been normed in Australian and modified for Australian language. It is suitable for individuals up to 90 years of age. The Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement can be used independently or in conjunction with the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities. This comprehensive achievement appraisal includes initial interview, testing, a comprehensive written report with recommendations and a feedback meeting.

Mental Health Assessment

Mental Health assessments range from informal observations to standardized instruments that compare an individual’s emotional state to the general population. These tests provide valuable information to doctors and other health professionals about an individual’s state of mind. They can also be used to measure the change in mental health over time. Early identification is crucial so that intervention strategies can be planned and further problems prevented.
PsychProfiler is a comprehensive Australian screening tool that identifies a large number of common disorders found in children, adolescents and adults. PsychProfiler has two versions: one for children (2-17 years) and one for adults. It can be completed by teachers, parents, observers or by self report. It identifies the following disorders: Anxiety Disorders, Attention-Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders, Communication Disorders, Eating Disorders, Learning Disorders, Personality Disorders, Pervasive Development Disorders and Tic Disorders. Wendy does not diagnose these disorders but is qualified to administer the assessment and write a report for your doctor, paediatrician or clinical psychologist to determine if a diagnosis is relevant.

Memory Assessment

The Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning (WRAML) is a standardised psychometric evaluation of memory function. The WRAML is composed of verbal, visual and attention / concentration subtests, as well as a General Memory Index score. A working memory index can also be provided.

The WRAML can be used to assess individuals from 5 – 90 years of age.

Autism Assessments

Wendy McLean Psychology have expertise in assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder for children and adults. This may include completing a screening assessment to determine whether a full assessment is appropriate; through to a comprehensive assessment of autism symptoms at home, school and clinical settings. Comprehensive autism assessments are made using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS-2) and Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI-R). In some cases tests of intellectual ability and adaptive behaviour are also required.

All of our autism assessments include an extensive report with treatment goals and recommendations for home and school, along with a feedback meeting where we explain the diagnosis and recommendations to parents. For adults we include a comprehensive report and a meeting with the individual to help them adjust to the diagnosis and implications for home and family relationships and workplace functioning.